Spring is just around the corner and, you have decided to take on a new hobby- gardening. But you don’t know where or how to begin. Do not fret because we have assembled a list of 10 vegetables that are best grown in spring!
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce not only brightens up your salad bowls but also brings a lot of nutrients to the table. Packed with essential vitamins such as vitamin A and K, this vegetable is great to plant in your garden. Lettuce needs cool, moist weather and is, therefore, best grown in spring. Planting in hot weather conditions can lead to a summer bolt that produces bitter lettuce.
Keep in mind not to plant the seeds too deep because they need the sun to germinate. It is best to plant the seeds at a depth of ¼ to ½ inches. For better growth, consider using compost or manure.
Temperature: 40F to 85F
Water: light, frequent, consistent watering
Sun exposure: partial shade
PH level: 6.2 to 6.8
Harvest time: after 30 to 70 days (depends on the variety)
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
You may recall how Popeye, the sailor-man depended on this vegetable for his life. Well, he was not wrong. This crisp green vegetable is an essential source of vitamin A, K folic acid, and calcium and is, therefore, a must-add to your spring garden. Moreover, it does not take too long to grow. You will watch the seeds sprout in just 5 to 9 days!
This superfood hates harsh weather, but it can grow in the shade of other vegetables such as beans or corn. In the cold, use cold frames to protect your plant.
Temperature: 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit
Water: twice a day
Sun exposure: full to partial sun
PH level: 6.0 to 7.5
Harvest time: after 40 days
Beets (Beta vulgaris)
Beets are cool-weather veggies and are best to be planted 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date in spring. Although the seedlings can survive at 41 degrees Fahrenheit, the optimal temperature required for germination is 77 to 86F.
If using compost, make sure you only use aged manure because high amounts of nitrogen can twist and fork the beetroots or make them hairy. Another tip for growing beets is to presoak the seed clusters for about 12 hours before sowing them.
Plant the seedlings 1-inch-deep and 1 inch apart and once they grow about 3 inches tall, use scissors to thin them to 4 to 6 inches.
Temperature: 77 to 86 Fahrenheit
Water: 1 inch of water per week
Sun exposure: full sun
PH level: 6.0 to 7.0
Harvest time: after 7 to 8 weeks
Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
This productive crop was a definite addition to our ten best spring vegetables. No matter what variety you opt for, be it the compact bush bean, or the tall pole bean variety, this vegetable will surely add to the aesthetics of your garden. So take your pick and start planting!
Temperature: 65F to 85F
Water: twice a week
Sun exposure: partial shade
PH level: approximately 6.5
Harvest time: after45 to 60 days
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
These slender spears sprouting from the ground act as a herald of the spring season and are among the most abundant crops. Plant it once, and you will be good to go for the next 25 years!
Asparagus crowns are usually only available during early spring so, make sure you don’t miss your chance to add them to your list of spring vegetables.
Plant the crowns 6 to 8 feet deep and 1 ½ foot apart. Watch out for weed since asparagus does not tolerate competition!
Temperature: 75F to 85F
Water: 1 to 2 inches per week for the first two growing seasons
Sun exposure: full sun
PH level: 6.5 – 7.0
Harvest time: 2 years after plantation
Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Although rhubarb is technically a vegetable, it is often referred to as the fruit of the season because of its culinary use. Commonly baked in pies and cobblers, rhubarb is known for its tart flavor. But beware of its stalks as they are very poisonous.
As rhubarb thrives in cool weather, it is one of the best vegetables to grow in the spring. Once planted, it is likely to keep producing for the next five years.
Temperature: 40 to 75F
Water: deep soaking every 7 to 10 days during the dry season
Sun exposure: full sun to light shade
PH level: 6.0 to 6.8
Harvest time: Harvest after three years
Peas (Pisum sativum)
You may have left them on your plate when you were a child but, now that you’re an adult, it is time to acknowledge the benefits of this nature’s candy.
Plant the seeds as soon as the soil gets worked. Don’t worry, even if snow falls after you have sowed the seeds, as peas can handle light snow. Spread the seeds in rows set 12 to 24 inches apart but make sure that the soil is well-drained, or your plant may succumb to seed rot.
Unlike most veggies, peas for not hate competition. Thus, making great companions.
Temperature: Below 70F
Water: sparse watering
Sun exposure: full sun
PH level: 6.0 to 7.5
Harvest time: 60 to 70 days
Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
This flavorful vegetable comes in many varieties (and colors) so, whether you prefer the sweet bell peppers or have a knack for eating the spicy hot peppers, spring is the best time to grow them.
Plant the peppers indoors and then transplant them to your garden two to three weeks after the last frost. Pepper seeds need a good 8 to 10 weeks before they are transplanted.
Temperature: 65F to 80F
Water: 1-inch water per week
Sun exposure: Most varieties prefer full sun
PH level: 5.5 to 7.0
Harvest time: 60 to 95 days
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Our salads, burgers, and sandwiches are incomplete without this crunchy vegetable and let’s face it, Cucumber-water tastes better than plain water. This versatile vegetable also requires moderately warm weather conditions and therefore is best grown during springtime.
Cucumbers can effortlessly grow on a climbing frame. But, if you lack space, you can also grow them in a large-sized pot. However, you’ll have to train the vines up a climbing frame.
Temperature: 70F or above
Water: consist watering, at least 1-inch water per week
Sun exposure: full sun
PH level: 6.0 to 7.0
Harvest time: 55 to 65 days
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
A staple for the Irish, potato is one of the most consumed vegetables and understandably so (hey, who can resist French fries or mashed potatoes?). So, if you want a taste of homegrown potatoes, keep in mind that this vegetable is best grown during spring.
To grow potatoes, dig a 6 to 8-inch-deep trench in rows spaced 3 feet apart. While planting the spuds, make sure that the eyes point upwards.
Temperature: 60F to 70F
Water: 1-inch water per week
Sun exposure: full sun
PH level: 5.3 to 6.0
Harvest time: 100 to 120 days
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