20 Veggies to Grow in Spring

Are you ready to make your springtime garden work for YOU? Now that planting season is finally here, it’s time to get outside and plant all the amazing veggies that you’ll enjoy this season. After all, the best home gardens are the ones that look beautiful and feed your family!

Lucky for you if you’re reading this right now – April and May are the best months to plant veggies so you can enjoy them all summer long. The climate is starting to warm, your soil is starting to moisten and the sun is starting to shine more regularly. There couldn’t be a better time to plant than RIGHT NOW and we’ve got a list of all the amazing veggies you can start with. Read on for our favorite veggies to grow in spring.

Veggies to Plant in April

1. Beans

Whether you go with a bush or a pole, beans are the perfect crop to plant in April, now that the soil and air are starting to warm up. Experts say to plant different varieties continuously over 7–10 days so you have consistent crops. And with names like Contender, Kentucky Wonder and Topcrop, you won’t have any trouble finding your favorites.

2. Tomatoes

Ah, the blessed tomato. It’s one of the most popular home garden veggies … even though some may call it a fruit as well. With different varieties (Roma, Heirloom, Brandywine and Sweetie, just to name a few), tomatoes are fun to grow and even more fun to eat straight off the vine.

3. Carrots

You’ll love eating these colorful root vegetables all summer if you get your carrot crop planted in April and start early.

4. Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts take up considerably more space than peppers, but if you have the room, they are well worth it. And being one of the hardiest veggies, you can plant brussels as early in April as you want – they actually survive freezing temps even better than hot ones.

5. Lettuce

Early spring is the perfect time to plant lettuce – the cooler air and wetter climate will make it taste particularly crisp and fresh. It may take a little patience and protection (especially in the earlier weeks), but with hundreds of lettuce varieties to choose from in your garden, it will definitely be worth it.

6. Onions

Onions are a bit trickier to plant, but only because you have to make sure you select the right variety for your climate zone. Once you figure that out though, your onions will thrive.

7. Peppers

Peppers are a great option for small gardens, as they don’t take up much space and can be planted close together – that actually helps them produce more. From jalapeno to banana to chili peppers, plant a bunch of different varieties and you’ll be all set for the whole summer.

8. Peas

Peas are the perfect spring veggie because they like cooler temps more than warmer temps. Whether you want green peas or those crispy sugar snaps, plant your peas in April and reap the rewards in May.

9. Beets

Like brussels, beets are best planted in the cooler temps of April. After seven or eight weeks, you’ll have deliciously plump and juicy beets to make every salad pop.

10. Spinach

Spinach is the backbone of any good salad and definitely one you want in your spring garden. Plant your first spinach crop in the cooler weather of April and keep planting it all season. It grows fast, but you’ll probably be eating it fast too!

Veggies to Plant in May

11. Cabbage

Cabbage is super easy to grow in a home garden, mostly because it’s hardy just like it’s younger brother, the brussel. Pick your favorite variety and make sure to keep your soil well watered and fertilized to maximize your cabbage’s growing potential.

12. Cucumbers

You can plant your cucumbers as a bush or a vine, either way, they’ll grow fast and be delicious. We prefer the taste of vine cucumbers, but they do need a bit more space so make sure you have it for them.

 

13. Kale

Kale is another great spring veggie to plant if you want quick results. Kale seeds can be planted in May and harvested as sweeter baby greens or full-grown leaves, which have some spice. Grow it quick and then use it for everything from salads to smoothies!

14. Asparagus

We love asparagus, and not just because it tastes amazing. These small, crisp green stalks are perennials, which means you can plant them once and reap the harvest every year.

15. Radishes

Another fast-growing veggie, radishes can be grown and harvested in as little as four weeks. Mix these red and pink beauties with your favorite greens for a colorful, healthy and tasty summertime side dish.

16. Okra

A quintessential Southern veggie, okra is a great crop to plant in your spring garden. They thrive in warm weather, taste great right off the stalk, and even produce beautiful flowers when they bloom.

17. Eggplant

Eggplants should be reserved for larger gardens, but if you have the space, these dark purple veggies are a great choice to plant in spring. They’ll be ripe just in time for grilling.

18. Corn

Want a quick reward for your planting efforts? Start with corn. These bright yellow ears grow quickly and taste delicious right off the stalk.

19. Summer squash

Pumpkins may be best in fall, but they’re not the only squash around. In fact, summer squashes like zucchini, yellow and (our favorite!) tromboncino squash are amazing spring and summer veggies to throw on the grill as a kebab or next to your burgers.

20. Herbs

While you’re planting all these amazing spring veggies, make sure to plant the herbs that will season them and give them even more taste too. Dill, rosemary, basil, oregano and cilantro can all be planted (or grown in your windowsill garden) in the spring.

The Best Part of Spring Veggies: Eating!

Of course, the best part of every spring garden is the harvesting and the eating. Let us know in the comments below what veggies you plan to plant and what recipes you use to enjoy them!

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Photo by Anda Ambrosini on Unsplash