Spring is in full swing, and if you’ve been itching to dig into the soil, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, knowing what to plant—and when—can make all the difference between a lush, productive garden and a lackluster one.
As a gardening expert, I’ve compiled a list of top-performing vegetables, herbs, flowers, and even a few shrubs that are ideal for planting right now. So grab your gloves, prep those beds, and let’s get growing!
🥕 Vegetables to Plant Now
Depending on your zone (in most parts of Canada and the northern U.S., you’re likely in Zones 4–6), April and May are prime time for planting cool-season crops. These varieties thrive in the milder temperatures and can handle a light frost.
Direct Sow (Seeds into the Soil):
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Carrots – Sow in loose, well-drained soil and keep them moist. They’re slow to germinate but well worth the wait.
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Beets – A quick-growing root crop that loves the cool weather.
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Lettuce & Spinach – Plant successively every two weeks for a continuous harvest.
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Peas – These cool-loving climbers grow fast and taste best when harvested young.
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Radishes – Perfect for beginners. These grow in as little as 3-4 weeks!
Transplants (Seedlings):
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Broccoli, Cabbage & Cauliflower – These brassicas enjoy the cooler temps and should be planted out now for a summer harvest.
🍅 Warm-Season Crops (Start Indoors or Prep for Transplant)
While it’s still a bit early to plant tender vegetables like tomatoes and peppers outdoors in most regions, you should be starting them indoors now or getting your greenhouse trays going.
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Tomatoes – Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Harden off seedlings before transplanting.
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Peppers – Like heat and need time, so early indoor starts are key.
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Cucumbers, Squash, & Zucchini – Can be started indoors or directly sown later in the month when the soil warms.
Pro Tip: Use a soil thermometer. Once soil temps are consistently above 16°C (60°F), it’s safe to transplant warm-season crops outdoors.
🌿 Herbs to Plant Now
Herbs are incredibly rewarding and can be grown in beds, containers, or kitchen windows. Some love the cool air and can go in the garden now:
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Parsley
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Chives
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Cilantro
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Thyme
Basil, on the other hand, is cold-sensitive—wait until night temps are consistently above 10°C (50°F) before transplanting.
🌸 Flowers to Sow Now
Brighten your garden with easy-to-grow blooms that can be sown directly into the soil or transplanted as young starts.
Cool-Tolerant Annuals:
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Pansies & Violas – Hardy and colorful, perfect for containers or borders.
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Sweet Alyssum – Low-growing and fragrant.
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Calendula – An edible flower with healing properties, great for garden beds.
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Snapdragons – These upright bloomers thrive in cooler temps.
Perennials to Plant Now:
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Echinacea (Coneflower)
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Black-Eyed Susan
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Shasta Daisy
These perennials take a bit longer to establish but will come back year after year with beautiful blooms.
🌳 Shrubs & Fruit Plants
Early spring is also a great time to plant shrubs, small fruit trees, and berries before the heat of summer arrives.
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Raspberries & Blueberries – Plant bare-root or potted starts now.
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Strawberries – Choose everbearing or June-bearing depending on your harvest preference.
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Hydrangeas & Lilacs – These hardy shrubs benefit from early planting while soil is still cool.
Final Gardening Tips:
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Test Your Soil – Healthy plants start with healthy soil. Use a pH kit or send a sample to your local extension office.
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Add Compost – Work in aged compost or manure to enrich your soil and boost plant growth.
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Water Smart – Water in the early morning and aim for deep, infrequent soakings rather than light daily sprinkles.
Ready, Set, Grow! 🌼
Now is the time to set your garden up for success. With the right timing and a mix of cool and warm-season plants, you’ll enjoy fresh harvests and blooms from now well into fall. The garden is calling—what will you plant today?