Don't Wait for the Last Frost to Plant!
For many gardeners, the arrival of spring is an exciting time. The days grow longer, the air carries a hint of warmth, and the garden beds start calling. But while some may be tempted to wait until all risk of frost has passed, there are plenty of hardy crops that thrive in cool soil. If you want an early harvest, don’t hesitate—get planting!
Cold-Loving Crops That Thrive in Early Spring
Not all vegetables are sensitive to frost. In fact, some prefer the cool temperatures of early spring and will struggle once the heat of summer sets in. Spinach, peas, lettuce, radishes, and kale are prime examples. These plants germinate well in cool soil and grow quickly, giving you fresh greens and crisp veggies long before the rest of your garden is ready.
- Spinach loves the cool weather and even tolerates light frost. If planted early, it produces lush, tender leaves before bolting in the summer heat.
- Peas germinate in soil as cool as 5°C (41°F) and grow best when temperatures stay mild. By planting them early, you’ll have a crop ready to harvest by late spring.
- Lettuce prefers cool temperatures, and an early start means sweet, crisp leaves before the summer heat causes it to become bitter or bolt.
How to Prepare Your Garden for Early Planting
Planting before the last frost doesn’t mean tossing seeds into frozen ground. Some simple preparations will give your early crops the best chance to thrive.
- Check the Soil Temperature – Cold-hardy seeds germinate best when the soil is at least 5°C (41°F). A soil thermometer is a great tool to have on hand.
- Improve Drainage – Wet, compacted soil can be a problem in early spring. Work in compost or aged manure to improve texture and drainage.
- Use Row Covers or Cloches – If a sudden cold snap is in the forecast, lightweight row covers or individual cloches (like cut-off plastic bottles) can protect young seedlings.
- Choose a Sunny Spot – Spring sunlight helps warm the soil faster, so plant in an area that gets plenty of sun.
The Benefits of Planting Early
Beyond an early harvest, planting cool-season crops as soon as possible has other benefits. It maximizes your growing season, allowing you to use the same garden bed for a second crop later in the year. Early crops also help suppress weeds, and some, like peas, even improve the soil by fixing nitrogen.
By taking advantage of the cool season, you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown produce while other gardeners are just getting started. So, don’t wait for the last frost—embrace early planting and make the most of your garden this spring!
