What Are The Best Crops For Early Spring?

“I’ve just started a backyard farm and I live in Seattle, WA. With the early spring season approaching, I’m trying to figure out which crops to plant that will thrive in cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Could you provide some guidance on the best crops for early spring and how to care for them?” Thanks, Karen, Seattle, USA.

What Are The Best Crops For Early Spring?

Getting your backyard farm ready for early spring is a wonderful way to kickstart the growing season. With cooler temperatures and sometimes unpredictable weather, it’s crucial to pick crops that are resilient and can withstand early spring conditions. Let me walk you through the best crops for early spring, so you can make the most out of your backyard farm, Karen.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are an excellent choice for early spring planting. They thrive in cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts. Here are some fantastic options:

• Spinach: Spinach grows quickly and is highly nutritious. It prefers cooler temperatures and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable.
• Lettuce: There are numerous varieties of lettuce that grow well in early spring. Loose-leaf, butterhead, and romaine are great options. They grow quickly and provide a constant supply of fresh greens.
• Kale: Kale is incredibly hardy and can thrive in cold weather. Planting it in early spring ensures a steady supply of rich, leafy greens.
• Arugula: This peppery green grows fast and is very cold-hardy. It’s perfect for adding a bit of spice to your spring salads.

Root Vegetables

These crops are ideal for early spring as they can be sown directly into the soil and don’t mind cooler temperatures:

• Radishes: Radishes are one of the quickest-growing crops, maturing in as little as 25-30 days. They thrive in cool weather and add a nice crunch to salads.
• Carrots: Carrots prefer cooler temperatures for germination. Although they take longer to mature, carrots planted in early spring will provide sweet, robust roots.
• Beets: Beets are versatile and can be eaten fresh or stored for later. They grow well in cool weather and can be harvested as early as 50-60 days after planting.
• Turnips: These root vegetables are quick to grow and can be ready in about two months. Their tops are also edible and nutritious.

Brassicas

Early spring is an excellent time to plant members of the Brassica family, as they tend to thrive in cooler weather. Here are some favorites:

• Broccoli: This plant loves cool temperatures and fertile soil. Start seeds indoors and transplant them to your garden when temperatures are still mild.
• Cauliflower: Similar to broccoli, it prefers cool weather. Cauliflower can be a bit finicky but growing it in early spring increases your chances of success.
• Brussels Sprouts: These are long-season crops, but starting them in early spring ensures they mature before the heat of summer.
• Cabbage: Hardy and resilient, cabbage is another great choice for early spring planting. It stores well and is versatile in the kitchen.

Peas

Peas are fantastic early spring crops because they thrive in cool weather and dislike the heat. Plant them as soon as the soil can be worked for the best results:

• Snap Peas: Known for their sweet flavor and crunchy texture, snap peas are perfect for spring planting.
• Snow Peas: These peas have edible pods and can be harvested when they are young and tender.
• Shelling Peas: Also known as garden peas, these need to be removed from their pods before eating but offer a sweeter taste.

Herbs

Grow fresh herbs in early spring to enhance your cooking and enjoy their delightful aromas. The following herbs do well in cooler temperatures:

• Parsley: This biennial herb can be planted in early spring for a bountiful harvest through the summer.
• Cilantro: Prefers cooler weather and can be sown several times during the growing season for continuous harvests.
• Chives: Hardy perennials that come back year after year and can tolerate early spring conditions.
• Mint: Fast-growing and resilient, mint thrives in cool climates. Just be cautious as it can spread quickly.

Planting Tips for Early Spring

Now that you know what to plant, here are some tips on how to ensure these crops thrive, Karen:

Soil Preparation

The condition of your soil is fundamental to the success of your early spring crops:

• Test Your Soil: Knowing the pH and nutrient levels can help you amend the soil appropriately before planting. Most early spring crops prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0).
• Work the Soil When It’s Dry: Wet soil can become compacted and difficult to work with, so wait until it’s dry enough to till or dig.
• Add Organic Matter: Compost or well-rotted manure enhances soil structure, improves drainage, and adds nutrients.

Frost Protection

Frost can be a significant threat in early spring. Here’s how to protect your plants:

• Use Row Covers: Floating row covers can help shield plants from frost while allowing light, air, and moisture to reach them.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to maintain soil temperature and moisture.
• Cold Frames: These mini-greenhouses provide an excellent way to start seeds and protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps.

Irrigation

Proper watering is crucial in early spring when the soil might not retain moisture well:

• Water Early in the Day: This practice helps avoid fungal diseases and ensures the soil dries out by nightfall.
• Keep the Soil Consistently Moist: Regular, light watering is better than infrequent, heavy watering to keep the soil at the right moisture level.

Pest Management

Even in early spring, pests can be an issue. Here’s how to keep them at bay:

• Monitor Regularly: Regular checks of your plants help catch pest issues early before they become significant problems.
• Use Organic Methods: Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and beneficial insects can control pest populations without harming your plants or the environment.

Succession Planting

Maximize your harvest by practicing succession planting. This method ensures continuous crops throughout the season. Here’s how to do it:

• Stagger Planting Times: Plant smaller amounts of crops at intervals (every 2-3 weeks) to ensure you have continual harvests.
• Intercropping: Grow fast-maturing crops (like radishes) between slower ones (like broccoli) to make full use of your space and stagger your harvests.

Garden Planning

Finally, planning and organizing your garden can significantly impact your early spring planting success:

• Group Similar Plants Together: Group plants with similar sunlight, water, and nutrient needs to simplify care.
• Rotate Crops: Crop rotation helps prevent soil depletion and protects against pests and diseases specific to certain plant families.

Final Thoughts…

Karen, it’s wonderful that you’re starting your backyard farm this early spring. Remember, choosing resilient crops like leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas will give you the best chance for a productive start. Keep an eye on the weather, protect your plants from frost, and practice good soil, irrigation, and pest management strategies. Your early efforts will pay off with fresh, nutritious produce for you and your family.

Thanks for your question, and happy gardening!