You’ve got a few days left to sow these easy vegetables
Spring’s final weeks offer a narrow window to plant cold-hardy crops before heat sets in. Many vegetables thrive in cooler temperatures but struggle as summer intensifies, making timely planting essential for optimal yields. Gardeners in colder regions should prioritize frost-hardy varieties, while those in warmer climates must act quickly to avoid heat stress.
Peas, lettuce, and radishes are among the most urgent crops to plant now. These vegetables bolt (go to seed) or become bitter when exposed to prolonged heat, reducing their quality and productivity. For example, lettuce varieties like Deer Tongue or Mild Mesclun require planting before temperatures rise above 75°F (24°C) to maintain their sweet flavor.
Avoiding heat stress and bolting
Broccoli and cabbage, while hardy, also benefit from early planting. In warmer regions, these crops may bolt if planted too late, as heat triggers premature flowering. Transplants should be spaced 12–18 inches apart to accommodate growth and airflow.
Key vegetables to plant immediately
Peas: Snow, snap, and shelling varieties
Plant snow peas or snap peas directly in the ground 1 inch deep and 1 inch apart. These varieties grow quickly and require minimal support, unlike shelling peas, which need larger harvests for practical yields. Use trellises or pea netting to maximize space.
Lettuce and other greens: Succession planting
Sow lettuce seeds thinly in rows, keeping soil moist during germination. Harvest baby leaves in 3–4 weeks, then allow remaining plants to mature. For continuous harvests, plant new batches every 2–3 weeks. Royal Oakleaf and Marvel of Four Seasons are heat-tolerant options for warmer climates.
Radishes mature in 30 days and can be planted in short rows every two weeks. Thin seedlings to 1 inch apart to prevent overcrowding. Varieties like Easter Egg and Cherry Belle add color and spice to salads.
Carrots: Soil preparation and thinning
Sow carrot seeds in mid-to-late April, when soil is cool but not cold. Cover lightly and maintain moisture to prevent splitting. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart. Scarlet Nantes and Purple Haze are popular for their flavor and visual appeal.
Shallots and onions: Sets vs. seeds
Plant shallot bulbs 6 inches apart a month before the last frost. These require minimal care but benefit from regular weeding. For onions, use sets (small bulbs) spaced 3–4 inches apart. Texas Early Grano and White Lisbon are reliable choices for bunching onions.
Broccoli and cabbage: Transplants and spacing
Start broccoli and cabbage as transplants from nurseries, spacing them 12–18 inches apart. These heavy feeders need rich soil and consistent watering. In warm climates, plant earlier to avoid heat stress.
Beets: Colorful varieties and care
Direct-seed beets ½ inch deep a few weeks before the last frost. Thin seedlings to 4 inches apart. Chioggia and Golden Detroit offer edible leaves and roots, adding versatility to meals.
Climate-specific planting strategies
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In regions with late frosts, prioritize peas, radishes, and lettuce, which tolerate light freezes. Check local frost dates via cooperative extension services and delay planting until soil is workable. Use row covers to protect tender transplants.
Mid-climates: Balancing cool and warm crops
Gardeners in mid-climates can plant carrots and beets now, then transition to warm-season crops like beans and cucumbers in late May. Monitor soil temperatures with a thermometer to ensure optimal germination.
Warm climates: Heat-tolerant varieties and timing
In warmer areas, focus on lettuce and spinach before heat sets in. Plant broccoli and cabbage in early spring, as they bolt quickly in high temperatures. Use shade cloth to protect crops from intense sun.
Test soil with a thermometer to ensure it’s within the ideal range for each crop (e.g., 55–65°F for peas). Direct sowing minimizes transplant shock, especially for beans and cucumbers, which germinate poorly in cold, wet soil.
Succession planting for continuous harvest
Plant lettuce, radishes, and greens in staggered batches to extend the harvest season. For cilantro, sow every 3–4 weeks to replace bolting plants. This method ensures fresh herbs and greens throughout spring.
Companion planting and crop rotation
Pair peas with carrots to optimize space and deter pests. Rotate crops annually to avoid depleting soil nutrients. For example, follow broccoli with tomatoes to balance nitrogen levels.
Using the One-Bed Method for efficiency
This intensive gardening technique maximizes space by combining crops like lettuce, carrots, and herbs in a single bed. Thin seedlings progressively and harvest baby leaves to allow remaining plants to mature.
April’s planting window is fleeting, but strategic choices now yield abundant harvests. Prioritize peas, lettuce, and radishes for quick returns, while carrots and beets provide long-term rewards. Tailor planting to your climate, use succession strategies, and leverage expert methods like the One-Bed approach to maximize efficiency. With careful planning, even small gardens can thrive this spring.
Allan is a lifelong gardening enthusiast who still gets excited when the first seedlings pop up in spring. With a deep love for nature and a hands-in-the-soil approach, he shares practical tips, plant discoveries, and clever tricks picked up over years of digging, planting, and observing. Whether you’re a new gardener or have a shed full of tools, Allan writes like a neighbor who’s always happy to swap cuttings and stories over the fence.
You can find more about Allan’s work on Malt or connect with him on LinkedIn.
