Complete Gardening
Planting seeds before spring is a strategic move to ensure a lush and vibrant garden once the warmer months roll around.
Starting your garden early gives your plants a head start, allowing them to establish roots and grow stronger as temperatures rise. Below, we explore ten carefully selected seeds that are perfect for planting before spring.
These choices will help you create a flourishing garden with diverse and colorful blooms, as well as bountiful vegetable harvests. Dive into our list of ten essential seeds and get ready to transform your garden into a thriving oasis.
1. Arugula
Arugula, known for its peppery taste, is an excellent choice for early planting. This leafy green thrives in cooler temperatures, ensuring a quick and bountiful harvest. Select well-drained soil in a sunny location for best results.
Sow seeds thinly and cover lightly, maintaining moisture in the soil. As seedlings appear, thin them to allow space for mature growth. Regular harvesting of leaves promotes further production.
Arugula’s distinctive flavor adds zest to salads and dishes. With its rapid growth, you’ll enjoy fresh arugula just weeks after planting, invigorating your garden and meals.
2. Radish
Radishes are a quick-growing, cool-season crop that can be sown directly into the soil. Their rapid growth makes them ideal for early planting. Once the soil is workable, sow the seeds about an inch apart. In a few weeks, you’ll notice their distinctive green leaves sprouting.
Radishes are not only rewarding but also versatile. They thrive in various soil types and can even be grown in containers.
Plus, they add a delightful crunch to salads! To maximize yield, ensure consistent watering and thin seedlings as needed. This early start will result in crisp radishes come spring.
3. Spinach
Spinach is a hardy, leafy green that flourishes in cool weather. Planting spinach seeds before spring ensures a harvest of tender leaves. Begin by choosing a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Sow the seeds about half an inch deep and cover lightly with soil. As they germinate, thin the seedlings to provide space for growth. Spinach’s resilience allows it to withstand a light frost, making it perfect for early planting.
Incorporate these nutrient-rich greens into your meals for a healthy boost. Regular harvesting of the outer leaves will encourage continuous growth.
4. Carrot
Carrots thrive when sown before spring, allowing them ample time to develop sweet, crisp roots. Start by preparing loose, sandy soil to encourage straight growth. Sow the seeds thinly, covering them lightly with soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist to aid germination, which can take up to three weeks. As seedlings appear, thin them to prevent overcrowding. Carrots are low-maintenance, requiring only regular watering and occasional weeding.
Their reward is well worth the patience, offering a nutritious addition to any meal. Enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own home-grown carrots when warm weather arrives.
5. Peas
Peas are a delightful addition to any garden, especially when planted before spring. These hardy legumes enjoy cool temperatures and can withstand a light frost. Choose a sunny location and plant seeds directly in the soil.
Space them about an inch apart, covering gently. As they grow, provide support for the climbing tendrils. Regular watering is essential, particularly when flowering begins, to ensure a bountiful harvest.
Peas add sweetness and flavor to dishes, whether eaten fresh or cooked. Harvesting young pods encourages further production, making them a rewarding crop for early planting.
6. Lettuce
Lettuce is a versatile, fast-growing crop ideal for early planting. Its varieties offer a range of textures and flavors, perfect for salads. To begin, loosen the soil and sow seeds thinly.
Cover them lightly and keep the soil moist to encourage germination. Lettuce prefers cooler temperatures, making pre-spring planting advantageous. As the plants grow, thin them to prevent crowding.
Consistent moisture and some protection from direct sun lead to tender leaves. Harvesting outer leaves allows for continuous growth, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, crisp lettuce throughout the season.
7. Beetroot
Beetroot is a resilient root vegetable that prospers when planted early. Their earthy sweetness and vibrant color make them a garden favorite. Start by choosing a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Sow seeds about an inch deep, spacing them adequately to accommodate growth. Thinning the seedlings is crucial to allow proper bulb development. Beetroots require consistent watering but are relatively low-maintenance.
Their young leaves can also be used in salads, offering versatility. As spring progresses, enjoy a harvest of flavorful beets, perfect for roasting or pickling.
8. Kale
Kale is a cold-hardy leafy green, perfect for planting before spring. Its robust nature makes it a staple in many gardens. Select a sunny spot and enrich the soil with compost.
Scatter seeds thinly and cover lightly, keeping the soil consistently moist. Kale withstands frost and even benefits from cold temperatures, which enhance its flavor. As seedlings emerge, thin to ensure ample room for growth.
Harvesting young leaves encourages new growth, providing a continuous supply of nutritious greens. Kale’s versatility in the kitchen makes it a must-have for early garden planning.
9. Chard
Chard is a colorful, hardy green, ideal for early planting. Its striking stems add a splash of color to any garden. Choose a site with rich soil and ample sunlight.
Sow seeds about an inch deep, covering lightly. Water consistently to support germination. Thin seedlings to provide room for growth and encourage robust plants. Chard tolerates cool conditions and continues to grow through various weather.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Its nutritional benefits and visual appeal make chard a wonderful addition to your pre-spring planting list.
10. Cabbage
Cabbage is a dependable, cool-season crop that thrives with early planting. Its nutrient-rich leaves are perfect for various dishes. Begin by selecting a sunny location with fertile soil.
Sow seeds shallowly and keep the soil moist during germination. As seedlings develop, thin them to allow space for mature heads to form. Cabbage is frost-tolerant, benefiting from cool temperatures that enhance its sweetness.
Regular care ensures a successful harvest, providing crunchy, fresh cabbage heads. Whether used in slaws or cooked meals, your garden-grown cabbage will be a versatile addition to the table.