If you’re a gardener, then you may already know what springtime means. But if you aren’t familiar, spring is usually the perfect time to plant a variety of fruits, herbs and vegetables, giving you fresh, delicious produce throughout summer and fall. As grounds thaw from winter and plants come back to life, prepare your garden spaces and decide on the types of fruits and veggies you want to plant this season. Doing so gives you a chance to gather the supplies you need, so you can get on your way to successful harvesting. Learn more about what to plant this spring from Tractor Supply, America’s largest rural lifestyle retailer.
Vegetables, Fruits and Herb Plants Best for Spring Planting
There are dozens of edible plants that can be planted in the spring, from kale and peas to cabbage and beets. But according to expert Keven Shanks with Scotts Miracle-Gro, the best types of plants for beginners include leaf lettuce, including butter crunch, romaine and red leaf varieties, as well as radishes and herbs. “Some of the more difficult edible plants to grow include cauliflower and Brussels sprouts,” Shanks adds.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, consider planting one of the following this spring:
Leaf Lettuce
Leaf lettuce is a top choice for beginners, as it’s often easier to grow than other lettuce types. It’s also cold hardy, meaning it can be planted directly outdoors even in early spring while it is still chilly out. Once you plant it, it’ll keep growing to give you multiple harvests in one season.
The great thing about leaf lettuce is that it doesn’t require a whole lot of space, and care is minimal and convenient. You also won’t have to wait for plants to bloom and flower before harvesting. Instead, you can cut leaves off as soon as they’re a good size. Different varieties are suitable for various USDA zones, ranging from two to 11, and plants take about 30 to 90 days to reach maturity. Try out many varieties in your garden this season, from buttercrunch to romaine to red leaf.
Radishes
Radishes are a type of root vegetable, usually planted outdoors in early spring as soon as the ground thaws. They can also be planted at the end of summer and more toward the fall, at least four to six weeks before the first frost. Radishes grow better in colder conditions, so you won’t be able to plant these in the heat of summer (anything over 65 degrees). These are quick-growing plants, requiring full sun, and are ready to harvest once the roots measure around 1 inch in diameter.
Basil
Basil is an herb that thrives in warmer weather, usually requiring you to start seeds indoors before transplanting them to outdoor garden spaces. These plants work well in warmer climates, where daytime reaches the 70s and nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees. Basil also needs full sun, anywhere from six to eight hours. But if you live in a hotter climate, then your plants will require part shade.
Be sure to water basil plants regularly and use well-draining soils. Wait about six weeks to start pruning leaves, and they’ll be ready to harvest around 60 to 90 days after seeding.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is best grown in the early spring and fall, preferring cooler weather and sun. However, it needs consistently cool temperatures to thrive, so once temperatures heat up, it’s important to make sure your plants have ample shade. Make sure each cauliflower plant has about 18 to 25 inches of space surrounding it, and be sure to frequently water and monitor it, even if it rains. These vegetables will be ready for harvesting anywhere from 50 to 100 days after planting, with different varieties having varying harvesting requirements.
Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are another cool-season crop. They typically have a longer growing season than other vegetable plants, anywhere from 80 to 100 days to harvest. These plants require full sun and do best when grown in raised garden beds, as they need specific temperatures and conditions to grow. When starting these plants, you can start seeds indoors, or directly sow them into garden beds when it’s time to get planting.
Blueberries
If you’re wanting to plant some fruits in the springtime, then blueberries are a great option. Not only are they compatible with most USDA growing zones, but the plants are also relatively small and don’t require the use of a trellis, as some other types of berries do. While blueberry plants grow slowly and may not start producing for several years, once the berries do appear, they’ll be ready for harvest from June through September.
Considerations to Make Before Planting
It’s not as simple as digging a hole in the dirt, planting seeds and hoping they grow. These are the top considerations to take into account:
Spacing and Planning
Plants will need a certain amount of space within the soil to grow, allowing enough room for their root systems and blooms. If you plant them too close to each other, fruits and vegetables may have a harder time growing, as they’ll be competing for the same sunlight, water and soil nutrients, meaning they’ll receive less.
Because of this, it’s important to follow the spacing guidelines for the type of plant you’re growing, which can be found right on the packaging or plant tag. One easy method for planning out gardens is using a grid, which sections gardens off into smaller boxes, making it easy to see where to put plants.
“If you have limited space, you can still grow some fruits, vegetables and herbs in containers,” suggests Shanks. He also mentions that you should consider your area’s climate, choosing plants that will thrive in your local weather conditions.
Seed Starting
While some gardeners prefer transplanting already-growing plants into their gardens, others may want to start from seeds. But if you plan to do your gardening this way, you’ll need to do much more prep work before working on your garden beds for the season. Seed starting is the process of caring for and tending to seeds indoors, allowing them to start growing in a more controlled environment. As seeds grow, they eventually turn into suitable plants you can transfer right into the garden.
While you don’t always have to start seeds indoors, some plants, such as tomato plants, may require it. “Remember, different seeds have different needs,” adds Shanks. Be sure to look at your plant’s specific growing instructions, and prepare seed starters earlier in the spring to ensure they’re ready by the time the ground thaws out.
Sunlight and Soil
The next aspect is making sure your plants have adequate sunlight and the right soil conditions. For instance, some plants prefer full sun to part shade, while others thrive in part sun to full shade, or even just full shade or full sun. So, before selecting your plants, it can be a good idea to research their sunlight requirements, making it easier for you to find a suitable space in your backyard that meets their needs.
Shanks has another tip for ensuring you find a sunny spot. “Watch for patterns of light and shade in different areas of your property and figure out where your plants will get the most sun,” he says.
Additionally, consider the type of soil you use with your plants:
- If planting in a planter, use a potting mix.
- If planting in a raised garden bed, use a raised bed soil.
- If planting in-ground, use garden soil.
Watering and Feeding Your Plants
Feeding your plants with soil amendments and fertilizers allows them to receive the nutrients they require, especially if your soil lacks essential properties. However, your feeding schedule will depend on the type of plant food you use. With liquid or water-soluble options, you’ll need to replenish products more frequently compared to slow-time-release fertilizers. So, be sure to complete some research about the plant food you use and how often you should give it to plants to determine a suitable feeding schedule.
In terms of watering, Shanks states that there are a few things to think about that may impact watering. “Factors, such as soil, humidity and sunlight, can make a big difference. Clay soils hold water best but take a long time to absorb it. Sandy soil absorbs water very quickly but can’t hold much,” he explains. “Your soil should contain enough organic material to retain moisture and still allow spaces for air to reach plant roots.”
When it comes to watering your plants, be sure to water them in the morning, giving leaves the day to dry, which will decrease the chance that diseases develop.
Know Your USDA Hardiness Zone
Another important aspect to consider is the USDA hardiness zone in your area, which helps determine how well plants will hold up in warmer or colder climates. The lower the zone, the better it will grow in colder temperatures, while higher zones indicate a more heat-hardy plant. Always make sure to research your hardiness zone to determine which types of plants will grow best in your area.
Find the Gardening Tools You Need at Tractor Supply
From vegetable seeds and herb seeds to plant supports and plant ties, you can find everything you need to start your garden and help it thrive throughout the season. Whether you’re someone looking to start your very first backyard garden or want to know more about how to care for plants, we are your one-stop-shop for living Life Out Here. To learn more about what we offer, visit your local Tractor Supply store today or browse online.