What to Plant in Spring – A Full Guide

Spring is the season of renewal — and the perfect time to start sowing seeds, planting young plants, and setting up your garden for a productive year ahead. Whether you’re growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers, knowing what to plant in spring ensures a head start on a thriving garden.
This complete guide will walk you through the best vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers to plant in early, mid, and late spring, plus key tips for a successful growing season.

Why Spring is the Best Time to Plant

Spring provides the ideal conditions for planting:

Warming soil: Essential for seed germination and root development.
Increasing daylight: Boosts plant photosynthesis and growth.
Frequent rainfall: Reduces watering needs and supports young plants.
Cooler temperatures: Fewer pests compared to summer.

Timing your spring planting properly can lead to earlier harvests, stronger plants, and a more productive garden overall.

Factors to Consider Before Planting in Spring

Before you start sowing seeds, keep these important factors in mind:

Last Frost Date

Know your local last expected frost date to avoid planting too early.

Soil Temperature

Some seeds require soil temperatures above 10°C (50°F) to germinate successfully.

Sunlight

Choose planting locations based on the amount of daily sunlight your crops need.

Garden Preparation

Clear debris, amend soil with compost, and check drainage before planting.

Vegetables to Plant in Early Spring

Early spring (March–April) is perfect for sowing cool-season crops.

Best vegetables for early spring:

Peas: Sow directly into the ground once soil is workable.
Lettuce: Grow varieties like ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Salad Bowl’.
Radishes: Fast-growing and ready in just a few weeks.
Spinach: Cold-tolerant and quick to mature.
Onions: Plant onion sets or seedlings.
Broad Beans: Tough and reliable early spring crop.

Tip: Use cloches, cold frames, or fleece to protect young seedlings from sudden cold snaps.

Vegetables to Plant in Mid Spring

Mid spring (April–May) offers warmer conditions ideal for a wider range of vegetables.

Best vegetables for mid spring:

Carrots: Sow directly; thin seedlings as they grow.
Beetroot: Easy to grow and loves warming soil.
Chard: Hardy and productive leafy green.
Potatoes: Plant first and second early varieties for summer harvest.
Cauliflower and Cabbage: Transplant young plants into fertile soil.

Tip: Stagger sowings every few weeks for continuous harvests.

Vegetables to Plant in Late Spring

Late spring (May–June) brings warmer weather, perfect for more tender crops.

Best vegetables for late spring:

Tomatoes: Plant outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
Courgettes: Direct sow or transplant seedlings outside.
Sweetcorn: Needs warmth and space to grow.
Runner Beans and French Beans: Sow seeds once soil is warm.
Pumpkins and Squash: Sow into prepared beds rich in compost.

Tip: Harden off indoor-raised plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting out.

Herbs to Plant in Spring

Spring is the ideal time to sow or plant a wide range of culinary herbs.

Best herbs to plant in spring:

Basil: Start indoors or sow outside after the last frost.
Parsley: Sow directly or transplant seedlings.
Chives: Easy to grow and perennial in many climates.
Coriander: Sow directly in cooler weather.
Thyme and Oregano: Plant young plants in well-drained soil.

Tip: Most herbs love sunny, sheltered spots with free-draining soil.

Fruits to Plant in Spring

Spring is a great time to plant soft fruits and fruiting shrubs.

Best fruits to plant in spring:

Strawberries: Plant runners or potted plants into beds or containers.
Raspberries: Plant canes of summer or autumn fruiting varieties.
Blueberries: Prefer acidic soil — plant in ericaceous compost if needed.
Gooseberries and Currants: Plant bare-root bushes early or container-grown plants later in spring.

Tip: Mulch fruit bushes to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Flowers to Plant in Spring

Add colour and attract pollinators by planting beautiful spring flowers.

Best flowers to plant in spring:

Sunflowers: Sow seeds directly after frost danger has passed.
Sweet Peas: Plant seedlings for stunning, fragrant blooms.
Marigolds: Great companion plants for vegetables.
Cosmos: Easy to grow from seed for long-lasting colour.
Zinnias: Sow in late spring for vibrant summer displays.

Tip: Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering and encourage more blooms.

Quick Reference Chart: What to Plant by Month

Month	Vegetables	Herbs	Fruits	Flowers
March	Peas, spinach, lettuce	Chives, parsley	Strawberries	Sweet peas
April	Carrots, beetroot, onions	Coriander, thyme	Raspberries	Marigolds
May	Tomatoes, courgettes, beans	Basil, oregano	Blueberries	Sunflowers, zinnias

Common Spring Planting Mistakes to Avoid

Planting too early

Seeds may rot in cold, wet soil.

Ignoring soil preparation

Poor soil leads to weak, disease-prone plants.

Forgetting to harden off plants

Sudden exposure to wind and cold can shock tender plants.

Overcrowding seedlings

Give each plant enough space to grow properly.

Tip: Always check seed packets for sowing and spacing advice.

Conclusion: Set Your Garden Up for Success This Spring

Spring is the season of new beginnings, and there’s no better time to get your garden growing!
By choosing the right crops, preparing your soil, and timing your planting carefully, you’ll enjoy healthy, productive plants that reward you with delicious harvests and beautiful blooms.
Use this guide to plan what to plant in spring — and watch your garden come to life!