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Starting an early spring garden in Zone 4 can be an exciting venture. The key to a successful garden is selecting the right vegetables that can thrive in the cooler temperatures and shorter growing season. Here are ten must-have vegetables to kickstart your Zone 4 early spring garden.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season favorite that germinates quickly and grows rapidly. Choose varieties like ‘Buttercrunch’ or ‘Romaine’ for crisp salads. Sow seeds directly into the soil as soon as it can be worked in early spring.
2. Spinach
Spinach is another hardy vegetable perfect for early planting. It tolerates cold weather and can be harvested multiple times. Plant seeds about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.
3. Kale
Kale is a nutrient-dense leafy green that withstands chilly conditions. It can be started indoors or directly sown outdoors. Kale actually sweetens after a frost, making it ideal for early spring harvests.
4. Radishes
Radishes are quick-growing root vegetables that can be harvested in as little as three weeks. Their fast maturity makes them perfect for filling in gaps in your early spring planting schedule.
5. Peas
Peas, especially snow peas and sugar snap peas, thrive in cool weather. Sow seeds directly into the ground as soon as the soil can be worked, typically 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
6. Broccoli
Broccoli is a cool-season crop that can be started indoors and transplanted outdoors once the weather warms slightly. It requires consistent moisture and can be harvested in early summer.
7. Carrots
Carrots grow well in cool soil and can be sown directly into the garden in early spring. Choose short or Nantes varieties for easier harvesting in cooler conditions.
8. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green that tolerates cold and can be harvested continuously. Sow seeds early and enjoy a steady supply of nutritious greens throughout the season.
9. Turnips
Turnips are root vegetables that grow quickly and are hardy in cooler temperatures. Both the roots and greens are edible, making them a great addition to your early spring garden.
10. Mustard Greens
Mustard greens add a spicy kick to salads and cooked dishes. They grow rapidly and can be seeded directly into the garden in early spring, providing fresh greens in a short period.