As winter ends and days grow long, gardeners wait for spring. The earth warms and life stirs. Now is a fine time to begin planting. Here are five vegetables to put in the ground early so you start strong before spring comes.
1. Garlic
Garlic fills many kitchens. It is a smart choice to plant early. Though most garlic goes in autumn, some types do well in early spring. Plant the cloves as soon as the earth works. Place each clove 6 inches apart with the tip facing up, just below the surface.
If the garden stays cold or wet, plant cloves in small pots. Grow them indoors until the weather steadies outside. Garlic has shallow roots, so keep the soil free of weeds. Hand weeding is best to keep roots safe.
2. Fava Beans
Fava beans, or broad beans, hold well in cold skies. They can go in the soil when it works or start in trays indoors if that fits your space. Plant the seeds 2 inches deep. Set them in rows or blocks, leaving 8 inches between each seed. Most types need some support, so tie a string between posts to help them stand.
3. Onions
Onions grown from seeds yield strong plants. Starting with seeds helps keep them from flowering too soon. Sow the seeds indoors with a warm light and a good seed mix. Once the seedlings grow, transplant them to larger trays. When mid-spring comes, set them 6 to 8 inches apart in the garden. Fresh seeds work best because older ones may not sprout well.
4. Early Salad Greens
For a fast treat, plant salad greens like spinach and lettuce. Start them indoors with enough light if you lack a greenhouse. Scatter seeds thinly in pots or trays. When the seedlings grow big enough, move each to a larger pot.
When the young plants break free, move them outdoors under a simple cover until air warms. These greens sprout quickly and taste great in a meal.
5. Tomatoes
Tomatoes brighten the start of warm days. Now is the time to pick up seeds for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Sow the seeds indoors, spacing them a finger’s width apart before you add a light coat of soil.
A heated box can speed up sprouting. Covering the seeds with plastic creates a warm space for them. Once the sprouts show up, move them to their own pots. Cover part of their stems to bring up strong support. As the air warms, let them get used to outside life before planting them in your summer garden.
Conclusion
These five vegetables—garlic, fava beans, onions, salad greens, and tomatoes—help you start your garden early. They bring early harvests and a strong start to the season. You might also try radishes or young brassicas like cabbage and cauliflower.
What vegetable will you start with now? Share your growing tale and test more early planting tricks to make this season a good one!
About Steve’s Property Maintenance
Steve’s Property Maintenance is a trusted lawn care and landscaping service provider dedicated to keeping properties in top condition across New London County, Connecticut. With a reputation for reliability, attention to detail, and top-quality service, we specialize in lawn care, yard maintenance, landscaping, power washing, and more. Our team is committed to delivering lush, healthy lawns and pristine outdoor spaces for both residential and commercial clients.
📍 Serving: Norwich, Preston, Groton, Stonington, Waterford, Mystic, and surrounding areas.
📞 Contact us at +1 (860) 847-3441 for a free quote and let us take care of your lawn care needs!
