Easy Spring Vegetables

Leeks are an easy spring vegetable to grow in your home vegetable garden. They are able to thrive in most soil types. They need warmth to fully develop, but they can still be eaten and grown well in spring. Similarly, lettuce is a popular spring vegetable that is much healthier than store-bought varieties. Other spring vegetables that aren't iceberg lettuce include mustard greens, fennel, or dandelion greens.

You can plant spring vegetables as early in April as well, but you need to prepare the soil properly for optimal growth. You should prepare your soil properly by adding compost or other organic matter. The rule of thumb is to add 2 inches of organic matter for every 6 inches of soil. This will ensure that your plants receive the right amount of nutrients, water, air, and oxygen. If you do not have a compost pile, you can buy compost from a local garden center.

If you are unsure of when to plant your vegetables, you can begin with potatoes, which should be planted in late March or early April. The best time to buy seed potatoes is in the early spring. These plants will be ready for harvest in mid to late summer. You should also plant cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts in the late March-early April. These cold crops are best planted in cooler spring weather. Harvesting is typically in late May or early June.

Spinach is another popular spring vegetable. The cruciferous family includes spinach. Spinach should be grown in cool conditions. In cold climates, you can plant it as early as late autumn. It prefers a slightly acidic or neutral soil. This vegetable is able to grow well in zones 2 through 9. The season for spinach depends on the weather and soil type. So, if you are growing spinach, consider planting it in spring.

Lettuce, another spring vegetable that is easy to grow, can also be used. This green leafy vegetable matures in 45-50 days. Early April sowings of lettuce will produce fresh greens by mid-May. Since lettuce seeds are small, you will need a container that is able to hold moisture and is lighter in weight. Mixing seeds will allow you to sow several. Place several seedlings in the same area and then replant the seedlings as needed to reach the desired size.

Radishes are another spring vegetable to consider. You can cook and braise them just like potatoes or turnips. Cook them alongside other root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and yams. Another option is to roast and braise these vegetables. A slaw made with green and root vegetables is a traditional way to make a meal. There is something for everybody this season!

FAQ

What is a planting calendar?

A planting calendar is a list that lists plants that should be planted at specific times throughout the year. The goal is to maximize growth while minimizing stress for the plant. Early spring crops like spinach, lettuce, and peas must be sow after the last frost date. Spring crops later include squash, cucumbers, summer beans, and squash. Fall crops include carrots and cabbage, broccoli, cauliflowers, kale, potatoes, and others.

How much space does a vegetable garden require?

One square foot of soil will require 1/2 pound of seeds. This is a good rule of thumb. So if you have an area of 10 feet by 10 feet (3 meters by 3 meters), you'll need 100 pounds of seeds.

When should you plant herbs?

Herbs should be planted during springtime when soil temperatures reach 55degF. Plant them in full sun for best results. For basil indoors, plant seedlings in potting mix-filled pots and let them grow until they produce leaves. Once plants start growing, move them into bright indirect light. After approximately three weeks, transplant them into individual containers. Continue to water them as needed.

Statistics

• As the price of fruit and vegetables is expected to rise by 8% after Brexit, the idea of growing your own is now better than ever. (countryliving.com)
• It will likely be ready if a seedling has between 3 and 4 true leaves. (gilmour.com)
• According to the National Gardening Association, the average family with a garden spends $70 on their crops—but they grow an estimated $600 worth of veggies! - blog.nationwide.com
• According to a survey from the National Gardening Association, upward of 18 million novice gardeners have picked up a shovel since 2020. (wsj.com)

External Links

thespruce.com

• Do you prefer to start your vegetable garden from seeds or seedlings?

bhg.com

• 6 Essential Steps for Starting Your First Vegetable Garden Off Right

How To

How can I keep weeds at bay in my vegetable yard?

Growing vegetables that are healthy is not possible due to weeds. They compete for space, water, nutrients, sun, and sunlight. These tips will help you prevent them taking over your garden.

1. Take all flowers and plant material.
2. Take out any plant debris from the base of your plant
3. Mulch is a good choice
4. Get water regularly
5. Rotate crops
6. Don't let the grass grow too long
7. Keep soil moist
8. Plant early
9. Harvest often
10. Mix compost
11. Avoid using chemical pesticides
12. Plant organic vegetables
13. Get heirloom seeds
14. Start small
15. Learn more about companion planting
16. Be patient
17. Enjoy gardening!