My Spring Gardening Checklist: What To Plant Right Now

Many of my friends and family complain about not having enough planting options for spring. They’ve apparently tried “everything” and, now, there’s nothing left for them to grow. Yeah…trust me…that’s definitely NOT the case…

In this article, I’ll go over my spring gardening checklist and walk you through all the plants, vegetables, and flowers you can grow right now.

Let’s get right into it, shall we?

Cool-Season Vegetables (Early Spring)

Lettuce: Lettuce is known for being the ultimate cool season leafy green. It thrives in low temperature conditions and should be planted early in spring for the best results.
Spinach: This rich, earthy leafy green grows best in cool weather conditions, making the beginning of spring the ideal planting time for it.
Kale: While I do find kale pretty boring and not the most pleasant tasting leafy green, its hardiness and ability to withstand chilly conditions is definitely noteworthy.
Radishes: Radishes should be planted around early spring and grow the best in cooler environments. If your spring garden lacks color, planting radishes is a good way to add some vibrance to the landscape.
Peas: Many gardeners love peas for the cold weather, especially sugar snap peas that develop an even sweeter flavor in the cold.

Warm-Season Vegetables (After Last Frost)

Tomatoes: Tomatoes are an excellent warm-season choice that can be planted after the last frost. While they don’t prefer scorching heat, warmth that develops after the last frost keeps them going and growing.
Peppers: Peppers, whether bell or chili, prefer some heat for optimal growth. Growing them after the last frost is a good idea as frost can end up damaging them, even if it’s light.
Cucumbers: This juicy, flavorful long vegetable grows best in slightly warmer conditions despite having somewhat of a misunderstood reputation for cold-season growth.
Zucchini: Zucchini thrive in similar weather conditions as cucumbers. Planting them after the last frost date is ideal and gives them plenty of time to establish and grow fully.
Beans: Both bush and pole beans should be planted after the passing of the last frost date as cold weather can often damage them beyond repair. Make sure you don’t overwater your beans as waterlogging issues are common with them.

Herbs That Thrive In Spring

Basil: Basil is the spring herb. The season and its temperature conditions serve this one perfectly and allow basil to grow dense and aromatic like it should.
Cilantro: Cilantro is the perfect savory dish garnish in my opinion. It adds some flavor and freshness but not too much to the point that it becomes overpowering. Cilantro thrives in spring conditions and prefers cool-weather growth.
Parsley: Growing parsley definitely isn’t as sunlight intensive as the herbs above. It can grow quite well in partial to dim light and prefers chilly temperatures for complete growth.
Chives: Chives can easily survive a light frost as long as they’re given optimal conditions for growth and sustenance. Their mild onion-like flavor adds a wonderful touch to savory dishes.
Dill: While dill is also somewhat known for garnishes, it truly shines in pickling. The first time I learned about dill was through dill pickles. This smooth aromatic herb attracts beneficial insects to the garden while growing best in spring.

Flowers That Attract Pollinators

Marigolds: Marigolds, as some of you may already know, are the ultimate natural pest deterrents in the garden. They produce certain compounds that repel pests and invite beneficial pollinators at the same time.
Sunflowers: Many people still think sunflowers bring nothing but beauty to the garden. This is far from the truth. Tall growing and blooming sunflowers attract not only beneficial insects that wipe out pest populations but also pollinators that improve the overall garden ecosystem.
Lavender: As fragrant and wonderful as lavender smells, it works wonders for attracting pollinators like bees and ladybugs to the garden as well. You can knock two birds with one stone with lavender.
Zinnias: Zinnias offer striking beauty in the garden with their diverse array of colorful blooms. Thanks to their eye-catching color, these flowers attract pollinators that positively impact the garden ecosystem.
Coneflowers: This hardy perennial is known for its vibrant blooms in colors like yellow, orange, and crimson. Pollinators like bees and hummingbirds are drawn to coneflowers a lot.

Quick Gardening Tips For Spring Success

Before you leave (which I hate because I love seeing you around!), I wanted to give you some simple (but VERY informative) tips on what you can do to be successful during the spring!

First of all, test your soil and add compost to improve fertility and nutrient composition of the soil.
It’s also important to protect your plants from late frosts and cover them if needed.
If you wish to give your plants a head start, consider starting seeds indoors and transplant seedlings outdoors later.
Be consistent with your watering routine but make sure not to overdo it as waterlogging issues can be detrimental to plant health and overall growth.

These simple tips will ensure success in your vegetable garden this spring!

Conclusion

Raised beds with lettuce, kale, and sweet potatoes.

Well, these are all the plants, vegetables, and flowers that are in my spring gardening checklist. Trust me, I have most of these plants in my mom’s garden and yet I feel I’m missing out on some. Gardening is a limitless hobby, so don’t fool yourself into thinking you’re running out of planting options because you probably aren’t.