20 Spring Vegetables To Plant For A Nutritious Harvest
By Mlbrun Team | On 18 April 2024 10:02 AM
Spring is the perfect time to start planting a variety of vegetables that will not only add freshness to our meals but also provide a nutritious harvest.
From leafy greens like spinach and lettuce to root vegetables like carrots and radishes, the options are endless. Planting these vegetables in the spring ensures that they have enough time to grow and flourish before the summer heat arrives.
In this article, we will discuss plenty of spring vegetables that can be easily grown and enjoyed, bringing a burst of flavor and health benefits to your table.
1. Honeydew
Honeydew is an excellent vegetable to plant in spring due to its preferred climate and delightful taste. To plant honeydew, prepare a sunny location with well-drained soil and sow the seeds directly into the ground, ensuring a spacing of about 2 feet.
Honeydew thrives in warm climates with temperatures ranging from 70-90°F (21-32°C). This vegetable has a juicy and sweet flavor, making it a refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Its smooth, pale green flesh pairs perfectly in salads, desserts, or as a standalone snack.
2. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are an excellent vegetable to plant in the spring season. Tomatoes thrive in warm weather, and spring provides the ideal temperature range for their growth. Planting tomatoes in spring allows them to establish strong roots and develop healthy foliage before the hot summer months arrive.
Additionally, spring provides enough daylight hours for tomatoes to flower and produce fruit. By planting tomatoes in spring, you can ensure a bountiful harvest later in the season. With proper care, including adequate watering, sunlight, and regular pruning, spring-planted tomatoes can yield delicious and flavorful fruits throughout the summer and into early fall.
3. Peppers
Peppers are an ideal crop to plant during the spring season due to their warm weather requirements. To plant peppers, sow the seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost, or directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed, 1/4 inch deep, and space them 18-24 inches apart. Provide regular watering, aiming for about 1 inch per week.
Mulching around the plants helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. To ensure a bountiful harvest, pinch off the first flowers to encourage stronger plant growth, and provide support for taller varieties. Harvest the peppers when they reach the desired size and color, using shears to cut them from the plant.
4. Beets
Beets are a great vegetable to plant during the spring season. They thrive in cool weather and can tolerate light frosts. Beets are relatively easy to grow and provide a bountiful harvest. To sow beets, prepare the soil by removing weeds and rocks. Sow the seeds directly into well-drained soil, about 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart.
Water regularly to keep the soil moist. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to 3-4 inches apart to allow proper growth. Beets require consistent watering, about 1 inch per week, and regular weeding. Harvest the beets when they reach the desired size, typically around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
5. Potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be easily planted in the spring. They prefer a cool climate, with temperatures ranging between 50-70°F (10-21°C). The planting method involves preparing the soil and cutting seed potatoes into pieces, each containing at least two eyes, and planting them about 4-6 inches deep and 12-15 inches apart in rows.
As the plants grow, gradually mound soil around the stems to encourage tuber formation. Regular watering is crucial, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist. Additionally, applying organic mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest potatoes when the plants have withered, typically after 90-120 days.
6. Onions
Onions are an excellent choice for spring planting, thriving in cooler weather. They prefer a temperate climate with temperatures around 50-75°F (10-24°C). Plant them by setting onion sets or seeds about 1 inch deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-drained, fertile soil.
It's advisable to mulch around the plants to retain moisture and deter weeds. As they grow, avoid excessive nitrogen-rich fertilizers, as this can result in large foliage and small bulbs. Harvest when the green tops fall over and dry. With the right care, you'll enjoy a bountiful onion harvest in late summer or early fall.
7. Spinach
Spinach is another excellent choice for spring planting. It thrives in the cooler temperatures of the season, avoiding the heat that can cause it to bolt prematurely. Sow spinach seeds directly in well-drained, fertile soil, about half an inch deep and 2-4 inches apart, in rows.
Provide ample sunlight and keep the soil consistently moist. Regularly thin the seedlings to allow proper spacing. Applying a layer of mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Spinach is rich in nutrients, and with proper care, you'll have a fresh, crisp harvest for salads and cooked dishes throughout the season.
8. Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive in warm weather, which makes spring an ideal time for their cultivation. Cucumbers prefer a climate with temperatures ranging from 70-95°F (21-35°C), which aligns perfectly with spring conditions in many regions.
To sow cucumbers, plant seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil, spacing them 12 inches apart. Provide consistent moisture and consider using trellises to support vine growth. Watch out for common cucumber pests like aphids and cucumber beetles. With proper care, you can expect a generous cucumber harvest, making them a refreshing addition to your summer salads and snacks.
9. Pumpkins
Pumpkins are excellent spring additions to your garden. These warm-season vegetables thrive in climates with plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 70-90°F (21-32°C). To plant them, choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and space the seeds or seedlings 2-5 feet apart. Give them ample room to sprawl as they grow.
Consistent moisture, but not waterlogged conditions, is key during the growing period. Consider using mulch to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. As the vines spread, gently redirect them to avoid overcrowding. With diligent care, you'll enjoy a rewarding harvest of pumpkins come autumn, perfect for carving, cooking, or seasonal decor.
10. Zucchinis
Zucchinis thrive in warm weather and require a long growing season making them a great vegetable to plant during the spring season. To plant zucchinis, start by preparing the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
Sow the seeds directly into the ground, about 1 inch deep and 2-3 feet apart. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Zucchinis also require full sun exposure and regular fertilization. Harvest the zucchinis when they are about 6-8 inches long for the best taste and texture.
11. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a hardy plant that can tolerate cool temperatures and even a light frost making them ideal for spring planting. The seeds should be sown directly into well-draining soil, about 1/2 inch deep and 6 inches apart. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist during germination.
Once the plants have established, they require regular watering and should be kept well-weeded. Providing them with full sun or partial shade will help them thrive. Swiss chard can be harvested by cutting the outer leaves when they are around 6-8 inches long while leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Regular harvesting promotes continuous leaf production.
12. Radishes
Radishes are ideal vegetables to plant in the spring when the weather is cool and crisp. They thrive in a climate with temperatures ranging from 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C). Planting them is a breeze – simply sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil, about half an inch deep and 1 inch apart, in rows with 12-inch spacing.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering to prevent cracking. Radishes grow rapidly, usually ready for harvest in just 20 to 30 days. For a bountiful harvest, thin the seedlings to give them room to grow, and enjoy these crisp, peppery delights in your salads and dishes.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli is an excellent vegetable to plant in the spring due to its climate preferences and ease of cultivation. To grow broccoli, begin by preparing a well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Plant the seedlings around 18-24 inches apart, ensuring they receive full sun exposure.
Regular watering and mulching to retain moisture are crucial for broccoli's growth. Additionally, providing the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 3-4 weeks can promote healthy development. Harvest the central head when it reaches a desirable size, and side shoots will continue to produce for an extended period.
14. Peas
Peas thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter days of spring making it an excellent vegetable to plant during the season. Sow pea seeds directly in well-drained soil with good organic content, about 1 inch deep and 2-4 inches apart. Provide support for their climbing vines, like trellises or stakes, to ensure proper growth.
Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist. Peas also benefit from a layer of mulch to maintain moisture and deter weeds. Their sweet, tender pods are a delicious addition to spring dishes, and the plants are relatively easy to care for, making them a great choice for a spring garden.
15. Beans
Beans prefer a warm climate with temperatures between 70-80°F and well-drained soil making them versatile and nutritious vegetables to plant in the spring. Planting beans is simple, as they can be directly sown into the ground or started indoors and transplanted later. For direct sowing, plant the seeds about 1-2 inches deep and 3-4 inches apart.
To ensure optimal growth, provide support such as trellises or stakes for climbing varieties. Regular watering, about 1 inch per week, and mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and deter weeds. Additionally, beans benefit from regular fertilization and should be harvested frequently to encourage continuous production.
16. Eggplant
Eggplants thrive in warm temperatures and need at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily, qualities possessed by the spring season. The sowing process involves starting the seeds indoors about eight to ten weeks before the last frost date, as they require a long growing season.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted outdoors in well-drained soil. Regular watering and mulching are essential to keep the soil consistently moist. Additionally, eggplants benefit from regular fertilization with a balanced organic fertilizer to promote healthy growth and fruit production.
17. Kale
Kale is an excellent choice for spring planting as it thrives in cool weather and can also handle a bit of frosting. Sow kale seeds directly in well-drained, fertile soil, spacing them about 18 inches apart. Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, and provide a good dose of sunlight, though it can tolerate some shade.
To enhance growth, consider adding organic mulch. Regular harvesting of outer leaves promotes continual growth. Kale is a nutritious powerhouse, and planting it in spring ensures you'll have a steady supply of fresh, healthy greens as it's less prone to bolting in cooler temperatures.
18. Cauliflower
Cauliflower enjoys a climate with mild temperatures, typically between 60-75°F (15-24°C) making them the perfect vegetable to grow during the spring season. To cultivate cauliflower, plant it in well-drained, fertile soil with full sun exposure. It's crucial to provide consistent moisture to prevent stress and encourage steady growth.
As the plant matures, consider blanching the developing curd (the edible white head) by tying the leaves over it to protect it from direct sunlight, ensuring a pristine appearance. Regular inspection for pests like aphids and caterpillars is essential, and organic pest control methods can be employed if necessary.
19. Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a warm-season vegetable ideal for planting in the spring. It thrives in areas with a long growing season and a temperature range of 60-95°F (15-35°C). When planting, choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds directly into the soil about 1-2 inches deep, spacing them around 8-12 inches apart.
Ensure adequate irrigation, as corn plants require consistent moisture throughout their growth. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer before planting and once again when the plants are knee-high. To promote pollination, plant corn in blocks rather than single rows. Harvest the corn when the ears are plump and the silk turns brown, usually around 20-25 days after the silks appear.
20. Carrots
Carrots thrive in cooler temperatures and well-drained soil. They prefer a climate with daytime temperatures between 60-70°F (15-24°C) making them ideal spring sow. To plant them, prepare loose, rock-free soil and sow the seeds directly in rows, ensuring they are shallowly covered.
Thin the seedlings to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to smaller carrots. Regular watering is crucial, as inconsistent moisture may result in splitting or cracking. A layer of mulch can help retain soil moisture. For a great harvest, consider planting in successive intervals, providing a continuous supply of fresh, crisp carrots throughout the spring and early summer months.