Best Plants to Grow in Spring (That Actually Thrive in Cooler Weather)

Spring is the Goldilocks season for gardening—not too hot, not too cold, just right! But not all plants are cool with spring’s unpredictable weather. Some veggies and flowers love the early-season chill, while others will straight-up die if you plant them too soon.

Let’s talk about the best plants to grow in spring so your garden thrives from the start!

1. Best Vegetables to Plant in Early Spring

These veggies thrive in cool weather and can handle a little frost.

🥕 Carrots – Sweet, crunchy, and love cool soil. Direct sow them for best results.

🥬 Lettuce & Spinach – Fast-growing leafy greens that taste better in cool temps.

🧅 Onions & Shallots – Plant sets (baby onions) in early spring for a summer harvest.

🌱 Peas – A spring garden staple! They grow fast and fix nitrogen in the soil.

🌿 Kale & Swiss Chard – These nutrient powerhouses grow like crazy in spring.

💡 Pro Tip: Succession plant your greens every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest!

2. Best Flowers to Plant in Spring

Want a gorgeous spring garden? These flowers bloom early and love cool temps.

🌼 Pansies & Violas – Cold-hardy champs that bloom even when temps drop.

🌷 Tulips & Daffodils – Technically, these should be planted in fall, but if you forgot, you can buy potted ones and transplant them in spring!

🌺 Primroses – Bright and cheerful, perfect for shady areas.

🌸 Sweet Peas – Climbing, fragrant flowers that thrive in cool, moist soil.

💡 Pro Tip: Mix flowers with veggies to attract pollinators and deter pests naturally!

3. Best Herbs to Grow in Spring

These herbs love cool weather and grow fast!

🌿 Parsley – A tough herb that overwinters in mild climates.

🌱 Chives – Perennial, meaning they come back every year!

🍃 Mint – Super hardy (and kind of invasive—plant in a pot to contain it!).

🌿 Thyme & Oregano – Low-maintenance and perfect for spring herb gardens.

💡 Pro Tip: Herbs are best planted near your kitchen so you can grab fresh ones while cooking!

4. What NOT to Plant in Early Spring

Some plants are total divas and need warmer soil to grow properly. Hold off on these until later:

🚫 Tomatoes & Peppers – These hate cold soil. Wait until temps are consistently above 60°F (15°C).

🚫 Cucumbers & Squash – Need warm soil to germinate properly.

🚫 Basil – This herb won’t survive cold nights. Wait until late spring.

💡 Pro Tip: Use black plastic over your garden beds to warm up the soil faster!

5. Quick Spring Gardening Tips for Success

✅ Check soil temperature before planting (aim for 40°F–50°F for most early crops).
✅ Use row covers to protect plants from late frosts.
✅ Plant flowers alongside veggies for natural pest control.
✅ Mulch your garden beds to retain moisture & prevent weeds.
✅ Succession plant leafy greens every 2 weeks for a continuous harvest.

Final Thoughts: Spring is Your Garden’s Fresh Start!

Spring is THE best time to get your garden going, but planting the right crops at the right time is key! Stick with cool-season veggies, hardy flowers, and tough herbs to kickstart a thriving garden.

🚀 What are you planting this spring? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! 🥒😏