Spring is almost here! And it’s a great time to get your spring gardening plan together. Let’s look at the vegetables and herbs that thrive in a spring garden.
Vegetables for Spring Gardening
Some of the most popular vegetables for spring gardening are:
- Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can tolerate light frost. It grows quickly and can be harvested as baby greens or mature heads. Lettuce comes in many varieties, such as romaine, butterhead, leaf, and iceberg. You can sow lettuce seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. Lettuce seeds should be planted 1/4 inch deep, and spaced 6 to 12 inches apart, depending on the variety.Â
- Carrots: Carrots are another cool-season crop that can withstand frost. They are root vegetables that need loose, well-drained soil to grow long and straight. Carrots come in different colors, shapes, and sizes, such as orange, purple, white, round, and cylindrical. You can sow carrot seeds directly in the garden, about 1/4 inch deep, and thin them to 2 to 4 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.Â
- Peas: Peas are legumes that can fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits other plants. They are also delicious and nutritious, rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Peas can be grown as shelling peas, snap peas, or snow peas, depending on how you like to eat them. Peas need a trellis or a fence to climb on, as they can grow up to 6 feet tall. You can sow pea seeds directly in the garden, about 1 inch deep, and spaced 2 to 3 inches apart.Â
Herbs for Spring Gardening
Some of the most popular herbs for spring gardening are:
- Basil: Basil is a warm-season herb that loves sun and heat. It has a fragrant and flavorful aroma that goes well with many dishes, especially Italian and Asian cuisine. Basil comes in many varieties, such as sweet, lemon, Thai, and purple. You can start basil seeds indoors, about 1/4 inch deep, and transplant them outdoors when the temperature is above 50°F. They should be placed 12-18 inches apart when moved outdoors.
- Parsley: Parsley is a biennial herb that can grow in both cool and warm seasons. It has a fresh and mild flavor that can enhance salads, soups, sauces, and meats. Parsley comes in two types, curly and flat-leaf, with the latter being more flavorful. You can sow parsley seeds directly in the garden, about 1/4 inch deep, and thin them to 6 to 10 inches apart when they are 2 inches tall. Or in rows you can space 12-18 inches apart.
- Mint: Mint is another perennial herb that can grow in sun or shade. It’s refreshing and cooling flavor is great for teas, cocktails, desserts, and salads. Mint comes in many varieties, such as spearmint, peppermint, chocolate, and pineapple. Watch out though, it’s very invasive! So it’s best to grow it in containers or raised beds. You can start mint seeds indoors, about 1/4 inch deep, and transplant them outdoors when the temperature is above 50°F. Mint plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
Now, get that spring garden planted and growing!
