Spring is the ideal time to begin planting vegetables in the garden! The warm weather conditions are generally very favorable for the growth and development of many different plant species. If you're planning to start a vegetable garden in the spring, here are 10 of the best vegetables to grow and how to grow them from seed to harvest!
Spinach
Spinach is an excellent leafy green vegetable that thrives in colder weather but is ideally grown in the spring. You can plant the spinach seeds directly in the soil, about half an inch deep, and two inches apart. Ensure that you maintain consistent watering throughout the growing period, adding a suitable organic fertilizer each month. Seedlings will be ready in about 40-50 days, and as the plants get bigger, thin them out until each cluster has enough space to grow.
Radishes
Radishes are easy to grow and are an excellent addition to any vegetable garden! Sow the seeds directly in the soil around 1/2 inch deep and, later, thin them to a 3-inch spacing. Radishes need moist soil and frequent watering. You can harvest them fairly quickly in just around three to four weeks.
Peas
Peas are one of the first spring vegetables you can grow. Plant the seeds directly in the soil, about one inch deep and three inches apart. They require regular watering, and the plants will eventually climb up a trellis or rods. Harvest the peas when the pods are big and green - around 60-70 days after planting.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season crop, making it an excellent choice for the beginning of spring. You can plant lettuce by scattering the seeds in shallow rows, covering them lightly with soil. The soil must always be moist, so consider mulching your crop. Depending on the type of lettuce you're growing, you can harvest two to three weeks after germination.
Carrots
Carrots are a root vegetable that grows very well in the spring. Carrot seeds should be sown directly into the ground, and the soil should have good drainage. Carrots require a loose soil bed, so make sure to use a lightweight potting mix or work the soil bed by loosening the topsoil. Keep up with watering throughout the growing period, and harvest when the tops of the roots are exposed, around 70-80 days after planting.
Broccoli
If you have a large garden plot, then broccoli should definitely be on your list of vegetables to grow. Broccoli needs a good amount of sunshine and fertile soil. Start your broccoli by planting the seeds indoors early in the spring. Once the seedlings are big enough, transfer them outside. Keep the soil moist and fertilize it regularly. Harvest your broccoli when you see a large, healthy head form in the center.
Onions
Onions do well in cool weather and are great companion plants that deter pests from other growing vegetables. To plant onions, separate the bulbs, and place them about an inch deep in the soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and when the tops start to droop, around 120 days after sowing, they're ready for harvesting.
Beets
Beets are a colorful root vegetable that grows well in spring's cooler weather. Plant the seeds directly in the soil, around a 1/2 inch deep. Beet plants require fertile, well-draining soil that is consistently moist. Thin the seedlings as necessary to prevent overcrowding. Expect to harvest the beets when they're a deep red color.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that grows well in early spring. Kale seeds should be planted directly into the soil, around a 1/2 inch deep. Kale prefers a moist environment, so water regularly and ensure adequate drainage. Harvest your kale when the leaves are about six inches long.
Artichokes
While artichokes may take up significant garden space, they grow well during the spring growing season. Artichokes prefer well-draining, fertile soil and lots of sunlight. Start your artichoke seeds indoors, and once the seedlings are big enough, you can transfer them outside. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and fertilize regularly. Harvest your artichokes when the buds reach their full size.
Growing vegetables in the spring is a fun and rewarding experience for any gardener. You can grow a variety of vegetables, from leafy greens to root vegetables, and more complex crops, like broccoli and artichokes. Remember to plant at the correct depth, keep the soil adequately moist, fertilize as necessary, and keep an eye on your crops' development as they mature. With these tips, you're sure to have a beautiful vegetable garden ready in no time!