Spring Harvest: 13 Best Vegetables to Plant in Spring

As the frost of winter thaws and the days grow longer, the anticipation for spring gardening begins to blossom. The season brings with it the perfect opportunity to cultivate a variety of vegetables that thrive in the mild, rejuvenating weather. Delving into the best vegetables to plant in spring can transform your garden into a bountiful haven, offering fresh produce right at your doorstep. 

From the crisp tang of radishes to the hearty sustenance of potatoes, spring vegetables to plant are numerous, each bringing its own flavor and texture to the table. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or venturing into your first planting season, understanding which vegetables to plant in spring is key to a successful harvest. 

1. Asparagus

Asparagus stands out in the garden for its longevity, with plants that can produce for up to 25 years, making it a worthwhile long-term investment. It's crucial to plant asparagus crowns in a well-prepared bed, as they will occupy the space for many years. Asparagus prefers well-draining soil and a sunny location. After planting, patience is required, as it takes a few years for the plants to establish themselves fully before you can begin to harvest.

2. Broccoli

Broccoli is a nutrient-rich cool-weather crop that can be a bit challenging due to its sensitivity to temperature fluctuations. For success with broccoli, choose varieties like 'Belstar' and 'DeCicco', which are adapted to a range of climates. Broccoli benefits from full sun and rich, well-draining soil. Starting seeds indoors and transplanting them after the last frost can give you a head start on the growing season.

3. Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts require a long growing season but reward gardeners with a harvest in late fall or early winter. Varieties like 'Dagan' and 'Nautic' are known for their flavor and reliability. They thrive in cool temperatures and need steady growth to develop well-filled sprouts; thus, they are best planted in early to mid-summer for a fall harvest. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

4. Cabbage

Cabbage is versatile and perfect for cool spring weather. It can be used fresh in salads or fermented into sauerkraut or curtido. Varieties such as 'Tendersweet', 'Red Express', and 'Red Acre' offer a range of flavors and colors for the garden. Cabbage does best in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. It's also important to rotate your cabbage crops to prevent disease.

5. Collards

Collards are a hearty, easy-to-grow leafy green, making them an excellent choice for both new and experienced gardeners. The variety 'Flash' is known for its fast growth and disease resistance. Collards are tolerant of both heat and cold, making them a versatile crop throughout the growing season. They prefer full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil.

6. Kale

Kale is celebrated for its health benefits and ease of growth. Varieties like 'Blue Curled Dwarf', 'Red Russian', and 'Nero Toscana' offer a range of tastes and textures. Kale seedlings can be planted in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall harvest. Kale prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade, and it grows best in rich, well-drained soil.

7. Leeks

Leeks are a fantastic addition to the garden, requiring a bit of patience but offering a big payoff. They need about 110 days to mature, thriving in well-drained soil and full to partial sunlight. 

Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Hilling soil around the stems can blanch them, making them tender and white.

8. Onions

Onions are a staple in the kitchen and versatile in the garden, with varieties like 'Redwing', 'Patterson', and 'Yellow of Parma' providing options for different climates and tastes. 

Care Tips: Plant onions in fertile, well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun. Regular watering is essential, especially in the early stages of growth. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and control weeds.

9. Radishes

Radishes are among the quickest vegetables to mature, making them ideal for spring planting. They can add a peppery kick to salads and can also be roasted for a milder flavor. 

Care Tips: Sow seeds directly in moist, well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. Keep the soil evenly moist for the best growth and flavor.

10. Swiss Chard

Swiss Chard is not only nutritious but also adds a splash of color to the garden with its vibrant stems and leaves. It's cold-tolerant, making it suitable for early spring planting. 

Care Tips: Plant in a sunny location with fertile, well-draining soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and harvest leaves as needed by cutting them from the outer edges of the plant.

11. Cucumbers

Cucumbers love the sun and warmth, thriving in well-drained soil. They should be planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed. 

Care Tips: Provide ample space for vines to spread or use trellises for vertical growth. Water consistently, especially during fruiting, to prevent bitterness in the cucumbers.

12. Carrots

Carrots prefer cooler temperatures, making early spring or late summer the ideal times for planting. They require loose, sandy soil that allows for deep root development. 

Care Tips: Sow seeds directly in the garden, thinning seedlings to prevent crowding. Keep the soil moist and weed carefully to avoid disturbing the roots.

13. Potatoes

Potatoes are hardy and can be planted early in spring as soon as the soil is workable. They're known for their versatility in the kitchen and ease of growth in the garden. 

Care Tips: Plant seed potatoes in well-drained, fertile soil and hill the soil around the plants as they grow to cover the developing tubers and prevent greening.

Fern's Leafy Learnings

• Longevity in Gardening: Asparagus exemplifies the value of patience and long-term planning in gardening. Planting asparagus crowns can yield a bountiful harvest for up to 25 years, underscoring the benefits of investing in perennial vegetables.

• Embrace Cool Weather Crops: Early spring is an ideal time to plant cool-weather vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts. These crops can withstand the cooler temperatures of spring and provide a nutritious addition to meals.

• Quick Harvest Options: For gardeners looking for a quick return, radishes are an excellent choice. They are one of the first vegetables that can be harvested in the spring, offering a fast and satisfying addition to the garden.

• Versatility and Nutrition: Leafy greens such as kale and Swiss chard not only add vibrant colors to the garden but are also packed with nutrients. Their ease of growth and cold tolerance make them ideal candidates for early spring planting.

• Soil Preparation Is Key: Successful spring gardening starts with well-prepared soil. Vegetables like carrots and potatoes require loose, well-draining soil to develop properly. Ensuring the soil is ready before planting can lead to healthier plants and a more productive harvest.

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