20 Vegetables to Grow in Spring for a Thriving Garden

Spring is the perfect season to kickstart your vegetable garden. As the soil warms up and days grow longer, many vegetables thrive in these conditions.

Here are 20 vegetables you can grow in the USA during spring or even before spring, depending on your region:

1. Spinach

Spinach is a cool-weather crop that grows quickly and thrives in early spring. It’s perfect for salads and smoothies.

2. Lettuce

Lettuce varieties like romaine, butterhead, and loose-leaf can be planted as soon as the ground is workable.

3. Radishes

Radishes are fast-growing and can be harvested within a month, making them ideal for early spring planting.

4. Peas

Sugar snap and snow peas thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for planting in late winter or early spring.

5. Carrots

Carrots prefer cool soil and can be sown directly in the garden in early spring.

6. Kale

Kale is frost-tolerant and grows well in early spring, producing tender leaves for weeks.

7. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is a colorful, versatile green that tolerates cool weather and can be planted early.

8. Beets

Beets grow well in cool weather and offer both delicious roots and tender greens.

9. Broccoli

Broccoli thrives in cooler temperatures and can be started indoors before transplanting in spring.

10. Cabbage

Cabbage is a hardy crop that grows well in the cool temperatures of spring.

11. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another cool-season vegetable that can be planted early in the growing season.

12. Onions

Onions can be planted as sets or seeds in early spring and grow best in cool weather.

13. Garlic

Garlic planted in fall can be harvested in late spring or early summer, but spring planting works for some varieties.

14. Potatoes

Seed potatoes can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in spring.

15. Arugula

Arugula grows quickly in cooler temperatures, adding a peppery punch to salads.

16. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens thrive in the cool weather of spring and add a spicy kick to dishes.

17. Turnips

Turnips are versatile, offering both roots and greens, and they grow well in cool soil.

18. Parsnips

Parsnips require a long growing season but can be planted early in spring for a fall harvest.

19. Collard Greens

Collard greens are frost-tolerant and thrive in the cool conditions of early spring.

20. Snap Beans

While snap beans prefer slightly warmer soil, they can be planted in mid-to-late spring for a quick harvest.

These vegetables not only thrive in spring conditions but also provide a variety of fresh, homegrown options for your meals.

Check your USDA Hardiness Zone for specific planting times, and enjoy the rewarding process of growing your own vegetables!