Spring is a fantastic time to start planting your vegetable garden. With the right planning and preparation, you can grow a wide range of delicious, fresh vegetables that will provide your family with healthy, nutritious meals throughout the season. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 23 best garden vegetables to grow in spring, providing insights and tips to help you get started.

Lettuce

A cool-weather crop that grows quickly, lettuce is an excellent choice for spring planting.

When to Plant: Plant lettuce seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil is workable in the spring.
How to Grow it: Choose a spot with well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Keep soil moist and fertilize regularly.
Watering Needs: Regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: When the leaves are large enough to use, typically within 4-6 weeks of planting.

Spinach

Another cool-weather crop, spinach is packed with nutrients and easy to grow.

When to Plant: Plant spinach seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
How to Grow it: Choose a spot with fertile, well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. Keep soil moist and fertilize regularly.
Watering Needs: Regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Choose a spot with full sun or partial shade.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: When leaves are large enough to use, typically within 4-6 weeks of planting.

Carrots

A root vegetable that is ideal for spring planting, carrots require well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

When to Plant: Plant carrot seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.
How to Grow it: Choose a spot with loose, well-drained soil. Water regularly, but do not overwater.
Watering Needs: Regular watering to keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Choose a spot with full sun.
Life Cycle: Biennial
When to Harvest: Carrots are ready to harvest when the tops are about 1 inch in diameter and the roots are 2-3 inches long.

Radishes

A fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested in just a few weeks, radishes are perfect for spring planting.

When to Plant: Plant radish seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.
How to Grow it: Choose a spot with loose, well-drained soil. Water regularly, but do not overwater.
Watering Needs: Regular watering to keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Choose a spot with full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: When roots are about 1 inch in diameter, typically within 3-4 weeks of planting.

Peas

A favorite among many gardeners, peas are easy to grow and produce a bountiful harvest.

When to Plant: Plant pea seeds as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring.
How to Grow it: Choose a spot with well-drained soil and full sun. Provide support for vines to climb. Water regularly.
Watering Needs: Regular watering to keep soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Choose a spot with full sun.
Life Cycle: Annual
When to Harvest: When pods are plump and before they turn yellow, typically within 2-3 months of planting.

Broccoli

A cool-weather crop that is packed with vitamins and minerals, broccoli is a great addition to any spring garden.

When to Plant: Plant broccoli in early spring or fall, 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date.
How to Grow it: Broccoli needs full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. It can be grown from seed or transplants.
Watering Needs: Water broccoli regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Plant broccoli in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is best to rotate its planting location every year to prevent disease and pests.
Life Cycle: Broccoli is an annual cool-weather crop that takes around 70-100 days to mature.
When to Harvest: Harvest broccoli when the heads are firm and tight, usually 55-100 days after planting.

Cauliflower

Another nutritious cool-weather crop, cauliflower is easy to grow and produces large, flavorful heads.

When to Plant: Plant cauliflower in early spring or fall, 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date.
How to Grow it: Cauliflower needs full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. It can be grown from seed or transplants.
Watering Needs: Water cauliflower regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Plant cauliflower in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is best to rotate its planting location every year to prevent disease and pests.
Life Cycle: Cauliflower is an annual cool-weather crop that takes around 55-100 days to mature.
When to Harvest: Harvest cauliflower when the heads are firm and tight, usually 50-100 days after planting.

Cabbage

A member of the brassica family, cabbage is a cool-weather crop that is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients.

When to Plant: Plant cabbage in early spring or fall, 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date.
How to Grow it: Cabbage needs full sun, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. It can be grown from seed or transplants.
Watering Needs: Water cabbage regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Plant cabbage in an area with full sun and well-drained soil. It is best to rotate its planting location every year to prevent disease and pests.
Life Cycle: Cabbage is an annual cool-weather crop that takes around 50-100 days to mature.
When to Harvest: Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm and tight, usually 60-180 days after planting.

Kale

A superfood that is incredibly nutritious, kale is a great choice for spring planting.

When to Plant: Plant kale in early spring or late summer, 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost date.
How to Grow it: Kale needs full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil, and consistent moisture. It can be grown from seed or transplants.
Watering Needs: Water kale regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Plant kale in an area with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It can also tolerate colder temperatures than other vegetables.
Life Cycle: Kale is an annual cool-weather crop that takes around 55-75 days to mature.
When to Harvest: Harvest kale when the leaves are large enough to eat, usually 50-75 days after planting.

Brussels Sprouts

A cool-weather crop that is often overlooked, Brussels sprouts are easy to grow and provide a delicious, healthy addition to any meal.

When to Plant: Brussels sprouts are a cool-season crop that is best planted in early spring or late summer.
How to Grow it: Brussels sprouts thrive in full sun and require fertile, well-draining soil. They need consistent moisture and benefit from regular fertilization.
Watering Needs: Brussels sprouts require consistent moisture, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
Where to place it: Brussels sprouts should be planted in a spot that receives full sun, with well-draining soil.
Life Cycle: Brussels sprouts have a long growing season and can take up to 3-4 months to mature.
When to Harvest: Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest when the sprouts are firm and about 1-2 inches in diameter.

Beets

A root vegetable that is high in fiber and essential minerals, beets are easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen.

When to Plant: Beets are a cool-season crop that is best planted in early spring or late summer.
How to Grow it: Beets prefer well-draining soil and thrive in full sun to partial shade. They need consistent moisture and benefit from regular fertilization.
Watering Needs: Beets require consistent moisture, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
Where to place it: Beets should be planted in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade, with well-draining soil.
Life Cycle: Beets have a short growing season and can be harvested in as little as 60 days.
When to Harvest: Beets are ready to harvest when the roots are about 1-2 inches in diameter.

Turnips

Another root vegetable that is ideal for spring planting, turnips can be boiled, roasted, or mashed for a tasty side dish.

When to Plant: Turnips are a cool-season crop that is best planted in early spring or late summer.
How to Grow it: Turnips prefer well-draining soil and thrive in full sun to partial shade. They need consistent moisture and benefit from regular fertilization.
Watering Needs: Turnips require consistent moisture, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
Where to place it: Turnips should be planted in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade, with well-draining soil.
Life Cycle: Turnips have a short growing season and can be harvested in as little as 45 days.
When to Harvest: Turnips are ready to harvest when the roots are about 2-3 inches in diameter.

Swiss Chard

A leafy green that is packed with vitamins and minerals, Swiss chard is easy to grow and adds color and flavor to any meal.

When to Plant: Swiss chard is a cool-season crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer.
How to Grow it: Swiss chard prefers well-draining soil and can thrive in full sun to partial shade. It needs consistent moisture and benefits from regular fertilization.
Watering Needs: Swiss chard requires consistent moisture, so be sure to water it regularly, especially during dry periods.
Where to place it: Swiss chard can be planted in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade, with well-draining soil.
Life Cycle: Swiss chard is a biennial plant and can be harvested throughout the growing season.
When to Harvest: Swiss chard can be harvested when the leaves are about 6-8 inches long.

Arugula

A peppery green that is easy to grow and adds a delicious kick to salads and other dishes.

When to Plant: Arugula can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring and can be grown throughout the summer and into the fall.
How to Grow it: Arugula prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Sow the seeds thinly and keep the soil moist until the plants germinate.
Watering Needs: Arugula prefers consistent moisture, so water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Arugula can be grown in containers or in the garden. It is a great choice for a shady spot in the garden or in a cooler microclimate.
Life Cycle: Arugula is an annual plant that can be grown throughout the growing season.
When to Harvest: Arugula can be harvested when the leaves are young and tender, usually within 40-60 days of planting.

Asparagus

A perennial vegetable that is often associated with spring, asparagus requires a bit of patience but is well worth the wait.

When to Plant: Asparagus should be planted in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
How to Grow it: Asparagus requires well-drained soil and full sun. Plant the crowns in trenches and cover with soil as they grow.
Watering Needs: Asparagus requires consistent moisture, so water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Asparagus is a perennial plant that should be grown in a dedicated bed where it can be left undisturbed for many years.
Life Cycle: Asparagus is a perennial plant that will produce a harvest for up to 20 years.
When to Harvest: Asparagus can be harvested in the second or third year after planting, when the spears are about 8-10 inches tall.

Green Beans

A favorite among many gardeners, green beans are easy to grow and provide a delicious, nutritious addition to any meal.

When to Plant: Green beans can be planted after the last frost in the spring and can be planted throughout the summer.
How to Grow it: Green beans prefer well-drained soil and full sun. Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart.
Watering Needs: Green beans require consistent moisture, so water them regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Green beans can be grown in containers or in the garden. They are a great choice for a sunny spot in the garden or in a raised bed.
Life Cycle: Green beans are annual plants that will produce a harvest throughout the growing season.
When to Harvest: Green beans can be harvested when the pods are young and tender, usually within 50-65 days of planting.

Zucchini

A prolific vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, zucchini is easy to grow and produces an abundant harvest.

When to Plant: Zucchini can be planted after the last frost in the spring and can be planted throughout the summer.
How to Grow it: Zucchini prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart.
Watering Needs: Zucchini requires consistent moisture, so water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Where to place it: Zucchini can be grown in containers or in the garden. They are a great choice for a sunny spot in the garden or in a raised bed.
Life Cycle: Zucchini is an annual plant that will produce a harvest throughout the growing season.
When to Harvest: Zucchini can be harvested when the fruit is young and tender, usually within 50-60 days of planting.

Cucumbers

A refreshing vegetable that is perfect for salads and sandwiches, cucumbers are easy to grow and require little maintenance.

When to Plant: Cucumbers should be planted after the last frost date in spring when the soil has warmed up to around 60°F (15°C).
How to Grow it: Cucumbers thrive in fertile, well-draining soil and require plenty of sunlight. They can be grown on a trellis or allowed to sprawl on the ground.
Watering Needs: Cucumbers require consistent moisture, so it’s important to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Where to place it: Cucumbers should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also benefit from a sheltered spot that protects them from strong winds.
Life Cycle: Cucumbers are an annual plant that typically produce fruit within 50-70 days of planting. They can be grown from seed or transplants.
When to Harvest: Cucumbers are ready to harvest when they are firm and have reached their full size. It’s best to harvest them before they become overripe and start to turn yellow.

Tomatoes

A staple in many gardens, tomatoes are easy to grow and provide a delicious, fresh addition to any meal.

When to Plant: Tomatoes should be planted after the last frost date in spring when the soil has warmed up to around 60°F (15°C).
How to Grow it: Tomatoes thrive in fertile, well-draining soil and require plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in the ground or in containers.
Watering Needs: Tomatoes require consistent moisture, so it’s important to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Where to place it: Tomatoes should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also benefit from a sheltered spot that protects them from strong winds.
Life Cycle: Tomatoes are an annual plant that typically produce fruit within 60-80 days of planting. They can be grown from seed or transplants.
When to Harvest: Tomatoes are ready to harvest when they are fully ripe and have a deep, rich color. They should be picked as soon as they are ripe to avoid overripe fruit.

Bell Peppers

A colorful and versatile vegetable, bell peppers are easy to grow and add flavor and nutrition to many dishes.

When to Plant: Bell peppers should be planted after the last frost date in spring when the soil has warmed up to around 65°F (18°C).
How to Grow it: Bell peppers thrive in fertile, well-draining soil and require plenty of sunlight. They can be grown in the ground or in containers.
Watering Needs: Bell peppers require consistent moisture, so it’s important to water them regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
Where to place it: Bell peppers should be planted in an area that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. They also benefit from a sheltered spot that protects them from strong winds.
Life Cycle: Bell peppers are an annual plant that typically produce fruit within 70-90 days of planting. They can be grown from seed or transplants.
When to Harvest: Bell peppers are ready to harvest when they have reached their full size and have a deep, rich color. They should be picked as soon as they are ripe to avoid overripe fruit.

Eggplant

A unique and flavorful vegetable, eggplant is easy to grow and provides a delicious addition to Mediterranean and Asian dishes.

When to Plant: Eggplants require warm soil temperatures to germinate, so they should be planted in late spring or early summer after the soil has warmed up.
How to Grow it: Eggplants need fertile, well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine to grow. They are typically started from seed indoors and transplanted outdoors once the soil has warmed up.
Watering Needs: Eggplants require consistent moisture to thrive, so they should be watered deeply once or twice a week. Avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent fungal diseases.
Where to Place it: Eggplants require a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. They should be planted in an area protected from strong winds.
Life Cycle: Eggplants are annual plants that typically live for one growing season.
When to Harvest: Eggplants are ready to harvest when they are firm and glossy. They should be picked when they are still young and tender, as older fruits can become tough and bitter.

Squash

A versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, squash is easy to grow and produces an abundant harvest.

When to Plant: Squash should be planted in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up.
How to Grow it: Squash need fertile, well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine to grow. They are typically started from seed outdoors after the soil has warmed up.
Watering Needs: Squash require consistent moisture to thrive, so they should be watered deeply once or twice a week.
Where to Place it: Squash require a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. They should be planted in an area protected from strong winds.
Life Cycle: Squash are annual plants that typically live for one growing season.
When to Harvest: Squash are ready to harvest when they are firm and fully colored. They should be picked regularly to encourage continued fruit production.

Corn

A favorite among many gardeners, corn is easy to grow and produces a delicious, fresh addition to any meal.

When to Plant: Corn should be planted in late spring after the soil has warmed up.
How to Grow it: Corn requires fertile, well-draining soil and plenty of sunshine to grow. It is typically started from seed outdoors once the soil has warmed up.
Watering Needs: Corn requires consistent moisture to thrive, so it should be watered deeply once or twice a week.
Where to Place it: Corn requires a sunny spot in the garden with well-draining soil. It should be planted in an area protected from strong winds.
Life Cycle: Corn is an annual plant that typically lives for one growing season.
When to Harvest: Corn is ready to harvest when the ears are fully formed and the kernels are plump and milky. They should be picked immediately after harvesting to preserve their sweetness.

Spring is the perfect time to start planning and planting your vegetable garden. With these 23 must-grow garden vegetables, you can create a diverse and nutritious garden that will provide fresh, delicious meals for you and your family throughout the season.