A thriving, productive garden starts with early planting! Many vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures, making them perfect for an early start. By planting cool-weather crops early in the season, you’ll set yourself up for a harvest that just keeps giving.
Best Vegetables to Plant Early
While some vegetables demand summer heat, others flourish in the crisp air of early spring. These cool-season champions not only tolerate chilly conditions but often taste even better when grown in them!
-
Lettuce – Quick to establish and ready to harvest in just weeks, lettuce thrives in cool temperatures and can be planted as soon as the soil temperature reaches 40°F. It can tolerate light frosts but should be protected from hard freezes. [Shop Lettuce Plugs]
-
Spinach – This leafy green loves the cold! In fact, spinach grows best when soil temperatures are between 35-75°F and can be planted as soon as the ground is workable. Spinach is highly frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures as low as 20°F.
-
Kale – Hardy and packed with nutrients, kale can handle light frosts and grows vigorously in early spring when soil temperatures reach 45°F. It can survive hard frosts down to 20°F and even improve in flavor after exposure to cold.
-
Broccoli – A cool-season favorite, broccoli develops best before summer heat sets in and can be planted when soil temperatures are 40-75°F. It tolerates light frosts but should be covered if temperatures drop below 28°F.
-
Cabbage – Another early-season staple, cabbage forms firm, crisp heads when planted in cooler weather and can be started at 45°F soil temperature. Cabbage can handle light frosts but should be protected from deep freezes.
-
Brussels Sprouts – These slow-growing plants need an early start for a late-season harvest and can be planted when soil temperatures reach 45°F. They are extremely frost-hardy and can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F.
Timing & Planting Tips for Early Vegetables
-
Start as soon as the soil is workable. Cool-weather crops are resilient and can often be planted weeks before the last frost.
-
Choose starter plugs over seeds. Our robust starter plugs give your garden a head start, ensuring faster growth and stronger plants.
-
Protect against temperature swings. While these veggies tolerate the cold, unexpected frosts can still be a risk. Row covers or cold frames can help safeguard your young plants.
-
Ensure proper spacing. Overcrowding reduces airflow and increases the risk of disease. Follow spacing guidelines to maximize your harvest.
Preorder Your Early Vegetables Now!
The best way to secure a strong start to your garden is to plan ahead. Preordering your cool-season vegetable plugs ensures you’ll receive high-quality, ready-to-plant starts at just the right time for your garden.
Get a jump on the season and enjoy a bountiful harvest—shop our selection of cool-weather starter plugs today!
