For years, I waited for the nurseries to tell me when to start planting. I’d stroll through the garden center in early spring, eagerly waiting for trays of tomatoes and basil to appear, assuming that was my cue to get started. I figured if the plants weren’t out yet, then it must not be time to garden. But then I found Gardenary, and everything changed. I learned about planting with the seasons, watching the temperatures, and not relying on big-box stores to dictate my growing schedule. Now, I plant all year round, and I teach others to do the same!

If you live in Northern Virginia, you can plant more than you think you can in early spring. Nurseries don’t stock plants based on what’s actually best for the season—they stock them based on customer demand and frost date estimates. That means while you’re waiting for them to put out seedlings, you’re missing weeks (or even months) of growing time! With the right knowledge, you can plant long before those tomatoes and peppers show up, giving yourself a head start on a thriving, productive garden.

You Can Start Planting Earlier Than You Think

One of the biggest mistakes new gardeners make is waiting too long to start planting. Nurseries typically put plants out around the estimated last frost date, which in Northern Virginia falls between April 10 and April 25. But here’s the thing—many cool-season vegetables and herbs thrive in much colder temperatures! If you wait until late April to plant everything, you’ll miss out on an entire season of harvests.

Cool-season crops, like lettuce, peas, and radishes, don’t just tolerate cooler temperatures—they love them. These plants grow best when the daytime temperatures range between 30°F and 65°F, well before the heat-loving summer crops take over. If you’ve ever struggled to grow lettuce or spinach in June, it’s because these crops bolt (flower prematurely) in hot weather. And don’t get me started on cilantro. The best way to enjoy fresh greens and crisp spring vegetables? Plant them now, while it’s still cool!

Understanding Temperature and How Plants Thrive

Every plant has a temperature range in which it thrives. Summer crops like tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers need warm soil and air to grow well, usually above 65°F. But cool-season crops do best in cooler weather and will struggle once the heat of summer arrives.

So, how do you know what to plant when? Think in terms of temperature, not dates.

In early spring, when daytime temperatures hover between 30°F and 65°F, this is prime time for planting crops that prefer cool weather. Root vegetables, leafy greens, and hardy herbs thrive in these conditions because they don’t mind the chilly nights.

Another great thing about early spring planting? Fewer pests! Many of the biggest garden pests, like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms, aren’t as active in cool weather. That means your crops will have a head start before the bugs wake up and start munching their way through your garden.

What You Can Plant Right Now in Northern Virginia

Ready to get started? Here’s a list of cool-season crops that you can plant right now for a bountiful early spring garden.

Vegetables

● Lettuce – The ultimate beginner-friendly crop, lettuce grows quickly and can be harvested leaf by leaf, so you don’t have to wait weeks for a full head. Plus, homegrown lettuce tastes so much better than anything from the grocery store!

● Spinach – Cold-hardy and packed with nutrients, spinach thrives in early spring. It even shrugs off a light frost, so don’t worry if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

● Peas – Whether you choose sugar snap, snow, or shelling peas, these sweet little veggies love climbing up trellises and thrive in cooler temps. Bonus: they add nitrogen to your soil, making it richer for whatever you plant next.

● Radishes – If you want a quick-growing vegetable, radishes are your best friend. Some varieties are ready to harvest in as little as 25 days, perfect for impatient gardeners!

● Carrots – Carrots prefer cool weather, and their roots develop the sweetest flavor when grown in early spring. Loosen your soil well before planting to help them grow long and straight.

● Beets – Both the roots and greens of beets are edible, and they thrive in early spring. Roast them, juice them, or toss the greens into a salad!

● Kale – Frost only makes kale sweeter! This hardy green can be harvested leaf by leaf all season long.

● Broccoli – Start your broccoli now, and you’ll be harvesting beautiful heads before the

summer heat sets in.

● Cabbage – A true cool-weather crop, cabbage takes a little time to mature but will reward you with crunchy, delicious heads that store well.

Herbs

● Parsley – Unlike basil, which hates the cold, parsley thrives in cool weather and can even overwinter in some cases.

● Cilantro – Want homegrown salsa ingredients? Plant cilantro early, as it bolts quickly in the heat.

● Chives – One of the easiest herbs to grow, chives come back year after year and add a mild onion flavor to dishes.

● Dill – A great companion plant that attracts beneficial insects, dill loves cool spring temperatures.

Flowers

● Pansies – These charming flowers love cool weather and add a pop of color to your garden beds.

● Violas – Edible and adorable, violas make a great addition to both garden beds and salads!

● Snapdragons – A cold-hardy flower that blooms early and keeps going into summer.

Start Planting and Make Your Garden Thrive!

Now that you know what you can plant, it’s time to take action! Don’t wait for nurseries to dictate when you start your garden. Use this blog as your guide and make a list of cool-season plants that you want to grow. By planting now, you’ll enjoy a longer growing season, healthier plants, and an abundant spring harvest before summer even begins!

If you need help planning your early spring garden, I’d love to help! Book a garden coaching session, and we’ll design a layout that maximizes your space using intensive planting techniques so you can grow more food in less space.

🌱 Happy planting! 🌱