When winter starts to fade and spring is on the horizon, gardening enthusiasts can start sowing seeds or planting hardy vegetables. Some vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures and can handle light frosts, making them ideal for early planting. If you want to get a jumpstart on your vegetable garden, here’s a list of 15 vegetables you can plant outdoors up to six weeks before the last spring frost.
1. Peas
Peas are among the hardiest vegetables and thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into the soil as soon as it’s workable.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 40–85°F
- Tips: Provide a trellis for climbing varieties to maximize space.
2. Spinach
Spinach loves the cool weather and can bolt if temperatures rise too quickly.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 35–75°F
- Tips: Plant in well-drained soil and harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth.
3. Kale
Kale is frost-resistant and even becomes sweeter after exposure to light frosts.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 45–75°F
- Tips: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow room for their leafy growth.
4. Radishes
Radishes are one of the quickest crops to mature, often ready for harvest within 3–4 weeks.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 45–85°F
- Tips: Plant in loose soil and sow every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
5. Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season favorite and comes in a variety of types, from loose-leaf to butterhead.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 40–75°F
- Tips: Keep the soil moist for tender, crisp leaves.
6. Carrots
Carrots tolerate cool weather and can be planted early for a spring harvest.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 40–85°F
- Tips: Use loose, sandy soil to prevent misshapen roots. Thin seedlings for proper spacing.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli thrives in cool temperatures and grows best when started early.
- Ideal Soil Temperature: 45–85°F
- Tips: Fertilize regularly to support the development of large heads.
8. Beets
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