Here are 30 fruits and vegetables that can be planted in the spring to eat fresh and preserved for long-term storage. Do not miss out on a successful spring garden by delaying the sowing of the first harvest of the season.

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Spring turns to Summer. Summer then turns into Fall. Fall quickly turns into Winter; before you know it, Spring, and the growing season, is here once again. It is the time of year when we begin planning for the new growing season.

I crave spring and cold-season crops. There is something fresh and enjoyable about the first harvest. Not to mention, cool-season crops are the very first items we begin preserving for the upcoming winter months. Prepare the dehydrator or freeze dryer, make room in the freezer, and sanitize your fermenting crocks because the Spring planting is upon us!

Before we jump into what to plant, tips for when to sow seeds, and when to transplant new plants, I want to leave you with some of our favorite methods for preserving spring crops:

One last word on fermenting: when trying to make kimchi, the final flavor of this ferment is up to you. Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your best taste.

Know your growing zone

When I first started gardening, I followed no rules and did what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. However, when I started growing food to feed my family year-round, I realized that I could not simply plant seeds and hope for the best. Nature and the patterns of the years past dictate the current growing season. Luckily, many sources will help to ensure your spring garden will thrive.

The most important tip for those new to an area or first-time gardeners is to know your growing zone. Determining your growing zone is relatively easy:

  • Contact your cooperative extension
  • Search the keyword, growing zone on Google and enter your zip code
  • Grab a copy of the trusty Farmer’s Almanac 
  • Ask your local plant nursery or family farm that grows produce for resale

To ensure a lucrative harvest, you must know what to plant thrives in your location and the best time to plant it.

Let me give you an example. We can maintain two cold-season crop gardens here in Tennessee and two summer gardens. We can also extend the fall cool season garden by growing it in a greenhouse, utilizing a cold frame and low polytunnels.

Determine the best growing method for your location

Whether you are a hobby gardener or one that grows food to consume throughout the year, vegetable gardening is an art. Now that you know your growing zone, the second tip is to determine the type of garden you wish to maintain. 

Leaving Washington State to reside in Tennessee meant learning a new growing zone and adjusting to the area’s topography. The location we chose for the garden was the best spot possible. However, the area was less than ideal:

  • The topsoil was no more than 4-inches deep
  • Churt, crushed limestone rock, sat below the topsoil and, at specific points, it went as deep as 8 inches
  • Below the churt was clay

For this reason, we use:

The above methods allow us to grow enough food to eat fresh and preserve. The abovementioned methods can be used throughout the growing season with proper crop rotation. 

For those seeking to construct a garden using raised beds, consider utilizing material readily available before purchasing any. 

  • Use larger rocks 
  • Fallen trees
  • Even scrap lumber (exclude building raised beds utilizing treated lumber)

A raised bed is a great item to use for growing root vegetables. This allows the root systems to develop without contending with compact soil, rocks, or packed clay. 

Work smarter, not harder

Over the last two years, I have learned to simplify the way we grow food. I sought a tool that would help me determine the best time to sow seeds outdoors or start seeds indoors. When to transplant the seedlings and when to sow them in the garden, as well as the best time for succession planting.

The Seed Time Garden Planner is everything I needed. In addition to helping me manage everything mentioned above, it also allows you to lay out your garden space. Basically, this app is everything a home, market, or CSA grower needs to simplify the job at hand.

Did I mention it was free? Go ahead and give it a try; what do you have to lose?

Sow seeds with a high germination rate

I spent many years sowing seeds based on what I could easily find at a big box store. Over the years, I realized many of the seed packs purchased had a low germination rate. Why? I believe it was due to the company not testing the germination rate of the seeds they offered.

The seed company I trust and endorse is Sow Right Seeds. This small, family-owned company tests the germination rate for the seeds they offer each and every year. Additionally, I ran my own germination test utilizing Sow Right Seeds and seeds from a very well-known seed company. Sow Right Seeds came in at a 97% germination rate, whereas the other company came in at a 15% germination rate.

Choose your seed companies wisely; ensuring a successful growing season will rely on this. I would suggest giving Sow Right Seeds a try, and if you do, take advantage of receiving 10% off your order by using the code afarmgirl.

When to plant spring time starts outdoors

The best advice I can give you is this: Wait to jump the gun and drop seeds or plant starts before the time is right, regardless of how excited you are to get back to growing food.

Also, before dropping any starts or direct sowing seeds, you’ll want to make sure:

  • To amend your garden soil if necessary
  • Raised beds have well-drained soil. If not, amend them by adding a small amount of sand
  • Determine the last frost date for your growing zone
  • Ensure the soil temperature is ideal for direct sowing
  • Plan for weather conditions in exceptionally colder areas. and utilize row covers if necessary
  • The garden, regardless of the growing method, has plenty of organic matter in the soil

The third bullet point mentioned above is that organic matter is generally added at the end of the growing season. However, as long as it is properly aged, organic compost can be added when planting. 

The last point is, for best results, follow the instructions on the seed packet when sowing seeds in early spring. I tend to sow seeds heavily and thin them out as necessary. Is this the best method to use? Only sometimes, however, does it work well for us and our garden. 

Fruits to plant for a Spring harvest

When we think of the start of the gardening season, we focus on vegetable plants. However, Spring is also ideal for planting fruit trees and a late Spring fruit harvest. When incorporating fruit trees onto the homestead, purchasing them from your local nursery or extension office is always best. Doing so ensures you are selecting not only native trees but fruit trees that do well in your growing zone.

The fruit trees below can be harvested from late Spring through early Summer. For those who live in a more tropical location, additional tropical fruits do well in your area. 

Apricots

Apricots thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8. However, a few varieties can do well in Zone 4. The concern with growing this fruit in zone 4 is frost damage to the blossoms, causing sporadic fruit production.

The nice thing about apricots is they are self-fruiting, making them ideal for homesteads on smaller acreage. One of the most challenging decisions you’ll have to make to grow this fruit is how to select from the 40 varieties available!

Avacado

Avacados do best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. This fruit tree can handle frost or temperatures under 25 degrees Fahrenheit. For us and our farm here in Tennessee, avocado trees will not thrive due to our location and how often it frosts.

Blueberries

Blueberries are a much more diverse fruit to plant and quite a high-producing fruit. Your location will determine the variety to plant: Southern highbush blueberries are suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 10. Meanwhile, lowbush blueberries are best suited for zones 4 to 7.

Blueberries are self-pollinating plants. For those with space restraints, this is the ideal fruit to grow.

Grapefruit

Another early spring fruit that grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11.. This fruit tree matures in 5 years, so do not hesitate to plant it in the spring. 

Grapefruits are self-pollinating but do require full sun to thrive. Loose, well-drained sandy, textured soil is best, whereas clay and clay-like soil will kill a tree instantly.

Strawberries

There is quite a bit of information to share about growing strawberries. Let’s begin with the best growing zone. This perennial berry plant grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 and produces fruit from late Spring through early July, hence the June or July-bearing plants.

Aside from giving a great harvest, the plant itself keeps on giving. Strawberry plants produce runners, and these runners (smaller berry plants that stem off the main plant) can be snipped off the main plant to create another plant. Only three runners should remain on the main plant at a time to ensure the plant thrives.

Strawberries make a great companion plant when planted with asparagus. However, nightshades and melons do not make the best neighbors.

Vegetables for a Spring Harvest

Remember that leafy greens will continue giving throughout the growing season and often produce a high-quality yield. Succession planting is an excellent practice for those who seek continual fresh produce during this time.

Cold weather crops are excellent for eating fresh, fermenting, and freezing. Another great way to utilize cool-season vegetables is to preserve them to consume later. Regardless of your choice, the drying method allows the items to be ground into a powder and used in smoothies and culinary dishes.

As a homesteader and small family farm, we live a very intentional life. The best advice I can give is this: Plant the vegetables that your family will consume or that you can sell. Do not worry about growing everything in one season; you have two cold weather growing opportunities each year!

Cabbage

Cabbage is one of the most universal cool weather vegetables to plant, regardless of the variety. Once harvested, cabbage can be eaten fresh, cooked, and fermented, and it also stores exceptionally well long-term.

Cabbage is part of the Brassica family and can be transplanted into a garden, depending on your location, as quickly as February. Remember that row covers and a good layer of mulch can be used to protect young transplants. The ideal USDA Hardiness Zone for planting this variety of Brassica is seven and warmer, though zones 9 to 10 are great for Fall planting.

Lettuce Varieties and Arugula

A plethora of varieties is available for individuals who wish to plant lettuce. Depending on your growing zone and gardening practices, you can grow Arugula and Mesclun well into the summer months, as these varieties can be harvested as early as 20 days after the seeds have been sown.

Let’s face it, lettuce can be grown anywhere in the world. It does not do well in extreme heat and can become bitter and even bolt when exposed to temperatures above 65 degrees for an extended period. The UDSA Hardiness Zones for growing any variety of lettuce are 2a to 11b

Brussel Sprouts

I will be the first to admit that growing Brussels Sprouts has been difficult for us. Each year, we start strong. However, no Brussels Sprouts head would form on the stalks. After much research, I discovered that Brussels Sprouts and cabbage are heavy feeders and would benefit from good organic fertilizer every few weeks. Now that we are in a new growing zone, we will try to grow these delicious morsels again!

Here are a few tips: Seeds will germinate within 7 to 10 days and be ready to be transplanted into the garden four weeks later. As mentioned above, they are heavy feeders, and the plants thrive in well-drained soil. Make sure to amend the garden bed with nutrient-rich compost before planting.

Sorrel

USDA Hardiness Zones 5 and higher sorrel are grown as perennials in the proper growing zones. Individuals growing in zones 3 through 7 are grown annually. This leafy green is cold weather-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as -30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Sorrel leaves are eaten cooked or raw and often used in salads, soups, and other culinary preparations. Harvest the leaves when they are young and tender for the best flavor. There are five varieties of edible sorrels, with the best-tasting plants being the English and French varieties, which have a citrusy flavor.

Rhubarb

Another great cold season item is rhubarb. This plant has many varieties, with the Victorian Rhubarb being the most common choice. The USDA Hardiness Zone for this bush plant is 3 to 8, making rhubarb an excellent option for many southern states such as Tennessee. Rhubarb does not thrive in extreme heat. 

There are two opinions when it comes to harvesting the stalks. Some will cut the stalk with a knife where they wish. Others will gently pull the stalk close to the base. So, which is the best method for the plant? 

The University of Minnesota Extension office states: To pick rhubarb, hold the stalk close to the base firmly, pull, and twist. Do not use a knife to cut the stalks from the plant. The knife can carry diseases from plant to plant, and the remaining stalk can be a point of entry for other pests. The tart stocks can be picked and consumed fresh, dipped in sugar, or preserved to make:

Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale

Leafy greens like Swiss Chard, collards, and kale varieties are great for growing in cold climates. In addition, these plants do excellent in areas with extreme and moderate winters when grown in a polytunnel or greenhouse. Each leafy green variety mentioned here has a slightly different USDA Hardiness Zone: 

  • Swiss Chard – Zones 6 to 10
  • Collard varieties – Zone 8 and southward
  • Kale varieties – Zones 7 to 10

The leafy greens mentioned here are an excellent ingredient for this Italian sausage and eggplant soup.

Broccoli, Brocollini, Broccoli Rabe

Stay ahead of the game when growing the above items, especially if you intend to preserve the plants. The florets will bolt quickly when temperatures rise, roughly 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The USDA Hardiness Zone for these items is:

  • Broccoli – Zones 2 to 11.
    • The best companion plants for broccoli are celery, potatoes, and onions. Herbs such as basil, chives, dill, oregano, rosemary, sage, and thyme also make good companion plants as they deter pests from the plant. 
  • Broccolini – Zones 2 to 10.
    • Broccolini is a cross between broccoli and Chinese broccoli and is often prepared as an Asian side dish. The best time to harvest is when the heads are tight and firm before they flower. 
  • Broccoli Rabe – Zones 3 to 10.
    • The perfect time to harvest Broccoli Rabi is around 35 days from when you sow the seeds, allowing the plant to be harvested before the florets flower. 

Cauliflower

To ensure your cauliflower produces a nice large head, ensure enough space between plants, roughly 12 to 18 inches, and that the rows are 2 to 3 feet apart in space. The best-growing temperature for this Brassica variety is 32 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Much like Broccoli, the best USDA Hardiness Zone for cauliflower is 2 to 11.

Beets

Of all the vegetables in the world, I can freely admit that beets are my love language. The various varieties of this root vegetable keep you appreciating their sweet, earthy flavor. However, for those who do not enjoy the earthy flavor of beets, try the white and golden beet varieties. Each year, we plant a variety pack and enjoy each taste this root vegetable offers. 

Beets grow best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 11; the ideal temperature for growing beets is 55 to 75 degrees. Beets mature and are ready to be harvested between 7 to 8 weeks.

If you are not too keen on cooking beets, try pickling them. Pickled golden beets in white wine balsamic vinegar are phenomenal and a great way to preserve the harvest. 

Kohlrabi

A great vegetable to grow, and one that often goes under the radar, is kohrabi. It is available in white and purple varieties and is eaten raw or cooked. 

  • soups and stews
  • fermented to make a kraut
  • into a fresh garden slaw

The ideal growing temperature for kohlrabi plants ranges from 40 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. This crop is grown in Zones 3-10 but does not tolerate warmer temperatures well. Two things make this bulb fibrous, woody, and unpalatable: temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit and insufficient watering. 

Plan to start seeds indoors for areas with longer winters. Once the temperature averages 50 degrees, transplant the starts outdoors. 

Carrots

Carrots grow well in Hardiness Zones 3 to 10. This root vegetable can be planted after the last frost and ideally when the nighttime temperatures are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Much like most cool weather crops, carrots do not do well when the temperature exceeds 75 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The best companion plants to grow with carrots are: 

  • leeks and onions as their smell deters flies
  • tomatoes
  • beans
  • lettuce
  • radishes
  • herbs like rosemary, sage, chives

Remember that carrots, like loose, sandy soil, do not do well when the soil is compacted. Remember that carrots, like loose, sandy soil, do not do well when the soil is compacted. Using raised beds for growing carrots and other deep-root vegetables is a good idea.

Radishes

Radishes are a quick and easy crop to grow and can be planted multiple times within the growing season. The USDA Growing Zone for radishes is 2 to 11, with the first seeds sown roughly 2 to 3 weeks from the last frost date. Because of how quickly radishes grow, approximately 3 to 5 weeks, this springtime root vegetable can be enjoyed throughout the cool weather months.

Much like other root vegetables, radishes grow best in loose soil. Turning the ground a minimum of 6 inches deep allows the crop to grow to its full size.

Turnips

Grow turnips in Hardiness Growing Zones 2 to 9 in well-draining, loamy with sand soil. This means compact soil is not ideal for a root vegetable like turnips. Unlike other root vegetables, turnips will grow if the weather does not drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit and sweeten quite a bit after a hard frost or two.

Because of the hardiness of this crop, planting turnips in the fall is ideal for those who seek to eat fresh directly from the garden.

Parsnips

Unlike carrots, parsnips are ready to harvest 100 to 120 days from germination. This crop thrives in partial shade to full sun and likes loose, well-drained, sandy-like soil to allow the roots to grow deep. The Hardiness Growing Zone for this crop is 2 to 9.

To allow parsnips to grow to their full potential, thin seedling parsnips to 3 inches apart in a row with rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Like potatoes, they are ready to be harvested once the leafy green tops die back. Many gardeners will wait until the second hard frost hits before harvesting as it allows for a much sweeter root vegetable.

Daikon Radishes

I grew up eating daikon radish and loved growing it. In Asian culture, it is used as an ingredient in soups and pickled as a side for Korean BBQ. However, we love making daikon radish kimchi once the root is harvested.

The USDA Growing Zone for daikon root are zones 2 to 11. Like any root vegetable, daikon radish requires well-drained soil and thrives best when directly sown. To allow for a large root, thin seedlings 4 to 6 inches apart with rows 18 inches wide.

Sweet Peas

The Hardiness Growing Zone for sweet peas is the same, and both grow best in zones 3 to 11. The ideal temperature for this pea variety is between 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are varieties of bush peas. However, the name is misleading as all pea varieties require a trellis to support their vines.

Asparagus

The asparagus plant is a perennial that will give year after year if treated well. Because this plant can take up quite a bit of space, it is better to plant asparagus along a fence line or in your flower garden to prevent the root system from being disrupted for a few years. Keep in mind this perennial thrives in full sun.

The best USDA Hardiness Growing Zone is 3 to 10. Does it grow well in the south? There are mixed reviews on this topic. However, if you want to try it, plant strawberries with asparagus, as it makes a great companion plant.

Spring Onions

Spring or green onions are commonly found in your local supermarket. The telltale difference between spring onions and scallions is that spring onions have a bulb at the base of the stalk. 

  • Hardiness Growing Zones for green onions is 6 to 9
  • Hardiness Growing Zones for scallions is 5 to 9

Bulb onions, slicing onions, are planted in the spring but harvested in late summer. Know which onion variety is best for storing onions long-term. 

Leeks

Most leeks mature 100 to 120 days after sowing the seeds. King Richard leeks from Johnny’s seeds mature in 75 days. 

  • Hardiness Growing Zones for leeks is zones 7 and warmer

Unlike onion varieties, leeks do not store well fresh long. The best harvest storage method is to slice the stem into coins and dehydrate or freeze-dry them. Place an oxygen absorber into the jars for maximum storing time. 

Shallots

Shallots are a member of the allium family and a variety that stores great long-term when adequately cured. 

  • Hang the bulb to dry. Once dried, gently brush the bulb to remove any excessive amount of dirt, cut the foliage end, and trim the roots
  • Store in a cold storage or root cellar at 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at 60 to 70 percent humidity 
  • We store allium in untreated burlap sacks to allow for proper airflow
  • Shallots will keep well for 6 months or longer

The Hardiness Growing Zones for shallots are between zone 2 to 10. 

Plant herbs and flowers in the Spring

Make sure to start herbs and plants according to your hardiness growth zone. Herbs make excellent companion plants and work to deter bugs and other pests. Here are just a few common herbs and flowers to plant:

  • Basil
  • Onions
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Marigolds (This flower germinates well in warmer temperatures. Using a seed mat helps ensure that starts are ready to put into when desired.
  • Lemon Balm (this herb is invasive when allowed to go to seed)
  • Sage
  • Tansy
  • Thyme
  • Mints 

Get a jump start on warm season crops

Depending on your growing zone, due to needing extra time to germinate, Get a head start on starting seeds for an early summer planting. Many items can be started as early as January and February for summer planting; peppers, tomatoes, and marigolds are great examples of this.

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