
Ashleigh Smith

The first day of spring has arrived and it is time to get working in the garden if you haven’t already started. Depending on your local weather and average last spring frost date, work in the garden may look different from one town to the next. For some, snow may still prevent you from working outside. If this is the case for you, begin by starting seeds indoors. Once your soil at ground level is workable, you can start sowing directly. However, not all vegetables can tolerate cool spring soils. That leaves the question, what can be planted in the cool early spring months? You will want to prioritize vegetables that begin to bolt or burn with hot summer temperatures. Generally, leafy greens and brassicas do best when planted early. Check out our list below for ideas to get your spring garden started now. The months listed are approximations. Use the average last frost date for your location as the most accurate measure for starting seeds indoors. Count back the appropriate number of weeks listed below and get sowing!
Growing Early Spring Vegetables In Temperate Climates
March Start Indoors, Transplant After 4-6 weeks:


May-June Direct Sow:
If you experience persistent winter weather and the threat of frost, it is better to transplant your warm-weather crops and tender seedlings like tomatoes and peppers into a larger container. Leaving seedlings in too small of a container for too long may lead to weaker plants without access to enough nutrients. Once a seedling's root system has bound up the soil in a container, it may be transplanted to promote continued healthy root growth until they can be moved to their final growing location outside when the threat of frost is gone.
Always harden off young seedlings before placing them outside for the season. Without the gradual adjustment period to build up cell wall strength, your young plants may quickly wilt and become damaged due to changing day and night temperatures, humidity differences, wind, etc. Gradually build strength in your plants by exposing them to the outdoors over the course of 1-2 weeks. Start with a few hours and build to staying out all day and all night. Like building a callus, this process takes time. Rushing it too quickly may result in weakened or damaged plants.
About the Author

I'm Ashleigh Smith, a native to Northern Utah. I first gained a love of gardening with my grandmother as I helped her each summer. I decided to make a career of it and have recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from Brigham Young University - Idaho. My studies have focused on plant production while I also have experience in Nursery & Garden Center Operations.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
Mild Climate Winter Gardening Guide for Zones 9 & 10: What to Plant and When
Coming soon!
Ashleigh Smith
2025-10-171 min read0Harvesting the Incredible Health Benefits of Microgreens
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens are young edible seedlings that are harvested when they are just 1-3 inches tall. These quick-growing plants are emerging as an important food source with numerous health benefits. Their nutrient density can be up ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-306 min read0Fall Bulb Planting Guide: When, What, and How to Plant for Spring Blooms
Written By Lara Wadsworth If you love colorful and vibrant flowers as early as possible in the springtime, planting fall bulbs is your answer. It’s like magic! You bury little brown things in the autumn, and then you basically forget about them. Then, ...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-3012 min read0Coco Coir and Vermiculite - The Leading Microgreen Growing Mediums
Written By Lara Wadsworth Microgreens are gaining popularity among growers and consumers. They are nutrient-dense, easy to produce, and can turn a profit quickly. The rising demand for efficient growing mediums continues to propel researchers to find b...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-09-306 min read0