Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to start planning your vegetable garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or new to the game, sowing vegetable seeds before spring can give your plants a head start and ensure a bountiful harvest come summer. Here are 15 vegetable seeds that you should consider sowing before spring.
Peas: Peas are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 40-75°F, making them perfect for early spring sowing.
Radishes: Radishes are another cool-season crop that germinate well in soil temperatures between 40-75°F. They can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost, and can be harvested in as little as 22 days.
Spinach: Spinach is a hardy, cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. It germinates best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 30 days.
Lettuce: Lettuce is a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. It germinates best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 30-45 days.
Arugula: Arugula is a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. It germinates best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 30-40 days.
Mustard greens: Mustard greens are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 30-40 days.
Swiss chard: Swiss chard is a hardy, cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. It germinates best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 40-60 days.
Beets: Beets are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 50-60 days.
Carrots: Carrots are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 60-70 days.
Turnips: Turnips are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 40-50 days.
Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi is a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. It germinates best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 40-50 days.
Parsnips: Parsnips are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 90-120 days.
Leeks: Leeks are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 120-150 days.
Onions: Onions are a cool-season crop that can be sown as early as 4-6 weeks before the last frost. They germinate best in soil temperatures between 45-75°F, and can be harvested in as little as 100-120 days.
Garlic: Garlic is a cool-season crop that can be planted in the fall, before the ground freezes. It can be harvested in the summer.
By starting your vegetable seeds before spring, you’ll be able to harvest your crops earlier and enjoy a longer growing season. Keep in mind that some of these vegetables can also be grown indoors under lights as well.
Remember to check the hardiness zone and the last frost date for your area, as well as the specific seed packet instructions before sowing your seeds. Be sure to use quality seed starting mix, and keep your seedlings warm and well-watered. Happy gardening!