The 20 Best Vegetables to Grow for Spring’s Bounty

Spring has always felt like the most hopeful time of the year. The soil thaws, the air warms, and suddenly, life begins to stir in every corner of the garden.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that spring is the perfect season to grow a diverse array of vegetables that thrive in the mild temperatures and moist conditions.

Let me share with you 22 of the best vegetables to grow in spring, along with everything you need to know to get them flourishing in your garden.

#1. Radish

One of my favorites to start with is radishes. There’s something satisfying about their quick growth; in just three to four weeks, you can harvest crisp, peppery roots.

They thrive in cool spring weather and loose, well-drained soil. The best part? They’re one of the easiest vegetables to grow, making them perfect for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

#2. Spinach

Spinach is another spring gem. Its tender, dark green leaves are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with vitamins A and C, iron, and calcium.

Spinach thrives in the cool, damp weather of spring, and I’ve found that sowing seeds directly into the garden soil as soon as it’s workable yields the best results. Fresh spinach is unbeatable in salads or sautéed with garlic for a quick side dish.

#3. Pea

Peas are a must-have in any spring garden. Whether you’re growing sugar snap, snow, or shelling peas, these plants love the cool temperatures of early spring.

I usually set up a trellis for them to climb, as their delicate vines can grow quite tall. Harvesting peas is always a joy; the sweet, crisp pods are perfect for snacking straight from the garden.

#4. Carrot

Carrots are another spring staple. Their sweet flavor is enhanced by the cool weather, and they thrive in loose, sandy soil that allows their roots to grow long and straight.

I’ve learned to be patient with carrots, as they take a little longer to mature, but the reward of pulling up perfectly formed roots is well worth the wait.

#5. Broccoli

Broccoli loves the mild temperatures of spring. I usually start mine indoors and transplant them into the garden once the soil has warmed up a bit. Broccoli heads form best in cooler weather, and they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants.

There’s nothing quite like harvesting fresh broccoli and steaming it for dinner, it’s miles ahead of store-bought.

#6. Kale

Another spring favorite of mine is kale. Its curly, dark green leaves are incredibly hardy and packed with vitamins and minerals. Kale thrives in the cool weather and actually becomes sweeter after a light frost.

I harvest the outer leaves as the plant grows, ensuring a continuous supply throughout the season.

#7. Beet

Beets are a versatile vegetable that thrive in spring. Their deep red roots are earthy and sweet, while the greens are perfect for sautéing. Beets prefer cooler weather and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable.

I love roasting fresh beets with a drizzle of olive oil for a simple and delicious side dish.

#8. Lettuce

Lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to grow in spring. Its tender leaves thrive in the cooler temperatures, and I usually plant a mix of varieties for a colorful, flavorful harvest.

Lettuce grows quickly, and I often sow new seeds every couple of weeks to ensure a continuous supply of fresh greens for salads.

#9. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is another cool-weather crop that excels in spring. It requires consistent moisture and rich soil to form dense, flavorful heads.

I’ve found that shading the heads as they develop helps preserve their creamy white color. Fresh cauliflower is delicious roasted or steamed and pairs well with a variety of seasonings.

#10. Swiss chard

Swiss chard is a resilient vegetable that adds a splash of color to the spring garden with its vibrant red, yellow, and orange stems. It thrives in cooler weather and can be harvested leaf by leaf, ensuring a long-lasting supply.

Swiss chard is not only beautiful but also versatile in the kitchen, perfect for salads, soups, and sautés.

#11. Onion

Onions are a rewarding crop to grow in spring. I usually start them from sets, planting them as soon as the soil can be worked. Onions love the cool temperatures and grow steadily throughout the season.

Harvesting a fresh onion from the garden is incredibly satisfying, and their flavor is unparalleled.

#12. Turnip

Turnips are an often-overlooked spring vegetable, but their tender roots and greens are a delight. They grow quickly and thrive in cool, moist soil.

I love adding young turnips to stews or roasting them with a drizzle of honey to bring out their natural sweetness.

#13. Arugula

Arugula, with its peppery leaves, is one of the fastest-growing vegetables you can plant in spring. It thrives in cool weather and requires minimal care.

I use arugula as a base for salads or as a topping for pizzas and sandwiches to add a zesty kick.

#14. Snap Bean

Snap beans are another vegetable that performs well in spring. They prefer slightly warmer temperatures, so I usually plant them later in the season.

Snap beans grow quickly and produce an abundance of crisp, tender pods. They’re perfect for steaming, stir-frying, or eating raw.

#15. Cabbage

Cabbage is a cool-season crop that thrives in spring’s mild temperatures. Its dense, leafy heads are rich in vitamins C and K.

I usually plant cabbage seedlings early in the season and keep the soil evenly moist to ensure healthy growth. Homemade coleslaw made with fresh cabbage is always a hit.

#16. Brussels Sprout

Brussels sprouts, while often associated with fall, grow well in the cool weather of spring. They require a longer growing season, so I start them early and transplant them into rich, well-drained soil.

Brussels sprouts are incredibly nutritious and taste fantastic when roasted with a touch of olive oil and garlic.

#17. Radicchio

Radicchio is a chicory vegetable that thrives in cool spring weather. Its vibrant red leaves add a burst of color to salads, and its slightly bitter flavor pairs well with sweet dressings.

Radicchio prefers full sun and well-drained soil, making it a unique addition to the spring garden.

#18. Fennel

Fennel is another spring favorite, with its feathery fronds and bulbous base. It thrives in cool weather and requires rich, well-drained soil.

Fennel’s licorice-like flavor adds depth to soups and roasted dishes, and the fronds make a lovely garnish.

#19. Parsnip

Spring is also the perfect time to grow parsnips. These root vegetables require loose, well-drained soil and cool temperatures to develop their sweet, nutty flavor.

Parsnips are incredibly versatile, delicious when roasted, mashed, or added to soups.

#20. Leek

Finally, leeks are a hardy vegetable that thrives in spring’s cool weather. They require loose, fertile soil and consistent moisture.

I usually mound soil around the base of the plants to blanch the stems, which results in tender, flavorful leeks that are perfect for soups and stews.