Knowing what seeds to plant in spring is one of the most important decisions you can make for a productive and healthy garden. Spring is the season of new beginnings—when the soil thaws, temperatures warm, and daylight hours stretch longer, offering ideal conditions for seeds to germinate and flourish. Whether you're working with a spacious backyard plot or a few containers on a balcony, choosing the right seeds at the right time sets the foundation for a bountiful growing season.
This guide breaks down what seeds to plant in spring based on climate zones, soil conditions, and crop type. It covers everything from fast-growing vegetables to cool-season greens, root crops, and even early flowers to help you make informed decisions and grow a garden that thrives from early spring into summer.
Understanding Your Growing Zone
Before planting anything, it’s essential to know your USDA Hardiness Zone or equivalent regional climate classification. Your zone determines the average last frost date in your area, which directly influences what seeds to plant in spring and when to plant them.
You can find your zone using online lookup tools or local gardening extension services. Once you know your last expected frost date, you can divide your spring planting plan into two categories:
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Cool-season crops – planted before the last frost or as soon as the ground is workable.
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Warm-season crops – planted after the last frost, once soil temperatures rise.
This distinction is critical. Some seeds, like spinach and peas, thrive in chilly soil, while others, like beans and cucumbers, demand warmth and will rot in cold conditions.
Cool-Season Vegetables: What to Plant Early in Spring
Cool-season vegetables are frost-tolerant and grow best when daytime temperatures stay between 40°F and 70°F (4°C–21°C). Many of these can be direct-sown into the garden even when the soil is still slightly cold.
1. Peas
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Ideal planting time: 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
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Soil needs: Well-drained with a neutral pH.
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Notes: Choose from shelling, snow, or snap peas. Use a trellis for climbing varieties.
2. Spinach
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Ideal planting time: As soon as soil can be worked.
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Soil needs: Moist, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
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Notes: Bolts quickly in heat, so early planting is key.
3. Lettuce
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Ideal planting time: 4 weeks before the last frost.
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Soil needs: Loose, rich, and well-drained.
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Notes: Sow in succession every two weeks for continuous harvests.
4. Radishes
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Ideal planting time: 4–6 weeks before the last frost.
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Soil needs: Loose, sandy soil to prevent misshapen roots.
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Notes: One of the quickest crops—ready in as little as 3 weeks.
5. Kale
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Ideal planting time: 4 weeks before last frost.
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Soil needs: Rich and moist with good drainage.
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Notes: Cold-hardy and improves in flavor after a light frost.
6. Carrots
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Ideal planting time: 2–4 weeks before last frost.
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Soil needs: Deep, loose, stone-free soil.
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Notes: Germinates slowly—keep soil evenly moist.
7. Beets
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Ideal planting time: 2–4 weeks before last frost.
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Soil needs: Fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline.
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Notes: Harvest for roots and edible greens.
8. Onions (from seed)
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Ideal planting time: As early as soil is workable.
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Soil needs: Rich, well-drained.
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Notes: Long-day varieties for the north, short-day for southern regions.
9. Arugula
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Ideal planting time: 3–4 weeks before the last frost.
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Soil needs: Fertile and moist.
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Notes: Quick to mature and ideal for spring salads.
Warm-Season Vegetables: What to Plant After Frost Threat Passes
Once the danger of frost has passed and the soil warms to at least 50–60°F (10–16°C), you can plant heat-loving crops that require warmer conditions to thrive.
1. Beans
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Ideal planting time: 1–2 weeks after the last frost.
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Soil needs: Well-drained, warm soil.
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Notes: Sow directly; avoid planting in cold soil to prevent rot.
2. Corn
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Ideal planting time: After soil reaches 60°F (16°C).
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Soil needs: Fertile with plenty of organic matter.
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Notes: Needs space and should be planted in blocks for wind pollination.
3. Cucumbers
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Ideal planting time: 2–3 weeks after the last frost.
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Soil needs: Rich, warm, and moist.
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Notes: Mulch to maintain even moisture and warmth.
4. Zucchini and Summer Squash
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Ideal planting time: After soil reaches 60°F.
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Soil needs: Well-drained and fertile.
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Notes: Direct sow for best results; very fast-growing.
5. Tomatoes (from seed or transplant)
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Ideal planting time: After last frost, once soil is warm.
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Soil needs: Loamy and rich in organic matter.
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Notes: Start indoors 6–8 weeks before frost date, then transplant.
6. Peppers
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Ideal planting time: After nights are consistently above 55°F (13°C).
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Soil needs: Light, sandy, and warm.
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Notes: Start indoors and transplant; slow to mature.
7. Melons (Cantaloupe, Watermelon)
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Ideal planting time: 2–3 weeks after last frost.
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Soil needs: Well-drained and warm.
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Notes: Needs plenty of space and full sun.
8. Pumpkins
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Ideal planting time: 2–3 weeks after frost.
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Soil needs: Rich and loamy.
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Notes: Vining varieties require room to spread.
9. Okra
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Ideal planting time: When temperatures reach 70°F.
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Soil needs: Warm, sandy, and well-drained.
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Notes: Heat-loving and drought-tolerant once established.
Best Herbs to Sow in Spring
Herbs are a wonderful addition to spring gardens, providing fragrance, flavor, and pollinator support.
1. Basil
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Start indoors or sow outdoors after frost.
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Needs warm, fertile soil and full sun.
2. Cilantro
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Cool-season herb that bolts in heat—sow early.
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Plant in succession for prolonged harvest.
3. Parsley
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Start in early spring; slow to germinate.
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Prefers rich, moist soil and partial sun.
4. Dill
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Direct sow in spring for quick growth.
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Attracts beneficial insects.
5. Chives
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Cold-tolerant and easy to grow.
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Great for borders and containers.
Flowers to Sow in Spring for Pollinators
Attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects is vital for vegetable pollination. Spring is a great time to sow flowers that support your garden ecosystem.
1. Calendula
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Thrives in cool spring soil.
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Edible petals and great for pest control.
2. Nasturtium
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Direct sow after last frost.
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Edible flowers and leaves; deters aphids.
3. Sunflowers
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Sow after frost; fast-growing and pollinator-friendly.
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Tall varieties can offer shade for tender crops.
4. Zinnias
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Sow when soil warms.
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Blooms quickly and attracts a variety of pollinators.
Tips for Successful Spring Seed Planting
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Test Soil Temperature
Use a soil thermometer to check if your soil has warmed up enough for planting. -
Amend Soil Early
Add compost or aged manure a few weeks before planting to enrich the soil. -
Label Everything
With multiple sowing rounds, it’s easy to lose track of what’s been planted. -
Water Gently and Consistently
Seeds need even moisture to germinate. Avoid overwatering which can lead to rot. -
Mulch Around Seedlings
Helps regulate temperature and retain moisture once plants are established. -
Protect with Row Covers
Use lightweight fabric to shield new seedlings from pests and cold snaps. -
Succession Planting
Stagger your seed sowing every 2–3 weeks to extend your harvest window.
What Not to Plant in Early Spring
Certain seeds are too sensitive for early planting. Avoid sowing these until you’re confident the soil and air have warmed consistently:
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Eggplant (start indoors early)
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Sweet potatoes (require sustained warm temperatures)
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Basil (wait for warm nights)
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Corn (slow germination in cold soil)
If planted too early, these crops often struggle with disease or fail to grow altogether.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what seeds to plant in spring is the cornerstone of a successful gardening season. With proper planning, soil preparation, and timing, you can create a thriving garden filled with diverse vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Whether you're sowing cool-weather greens early in the season or waiting to direct-seed summer favorites, paying attention to your local climate and soil temperatures will yield better results.
Start small, grow what you love to eat, and give your seeds the conditions they need to thrive. The choices you make in spring will echo through the entire growing season, providing fresh food and vibrant beauty all the way to harvest.