10 Early Spring Vegetables You Can Start Indoors Right Now

Spring is just around the corner, and if you’re eager to get a head start on your garden, now is the perfect time to start growing vegetables indoors.

Starting seeds early allows for stronger plants and an extended growing season.

Here are 10 early spring vegetables that you can start indoors right now.

1. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to start indoors. It germinates quickly and can be transplanted outdoors once the soil is workable. Choose varieties like Romaine, Butterhead, or Looseleaf for a continuous harvest.

2. Spinach

Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent candidate for early indoor starting. Once seedlings are established, they can be moved outdoors as soon as the frost risk has passed.

3. Kale

Kale is a cold-hardy green that benefits from an early start. Plant seeds in seed trays and transplant them into the garden when the temperature remains above freezing.

4. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is another leafy green that grows well when started indoors. After about 4-6 weeks, you can move the seedlings outside for a steady supply of nutritious greens.

5. Broccoli

Broccoli needs a long growing season, so starting seeds indoors ensures a strong head start. Transplant seedlings outside about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for best results.

6. Cauliflower

Like broccoli, cauliflower benefits from an early indoor start. It requires consistent temperatures and careful watering to develop well before being transplanted.

7. Cabbage

Cabbage grows best when it matures in cool weather. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost and move them outdoors once they are sturdy.

8. Peas

While peas are usually direct-seeded outdoors, you can start them indoors in biodegradable pots for an even earlier harvest. Transplant them when the soil is still cool but not frozen.

9. Onions

Onion seeds take a while to develop, so starting them indoors gives them plenty of time to establish strong roots before being planted outside. You can also start onion sets or bulbs indoors.

10. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing root vegetables that can be started indoors and then moved outside once the soil is workable. They thrive in cool weather and can be harvested in as little as four weeks.

Final Tips for Success

• Use a quality seed-starting mix for optimal germination.
• Provide plenty of light with grow lights or a sunny window.
• Maintain consistent moisture levels but avoid overwatering.
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting them outdoors to prevent shock.

Starting these vegetables indoors now will give you a jump-start on a productive garden season. Happy planting!