April 6, 2024
Top 10 Cool Weather Vegetables to Plant in Early Spring
Early spring is one of the most exciting times in the garden. While it may still feel a little too cold for summer favorites, there are plenty of vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures—and getting them in early gives you a head start on the season.
These cool weather crops can handle chilly nights, light frosts, and unpredictable spring weather, making them perfect for planting as soon as the soil is workable.
In this video, we’re highlighting our top 10 cool weather vegetables—all grown locally in our Woburn greenhouses as part of our Uncle Mike’s line.
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Why Plant Cool Weather Vegetables Early?
Cool season crops are naturally adapted to spring conditions. Planting early means:
- Better flavor and texture (especially for greens)
- Less stress from heat and drought
- Earlier harvests
- Fewer pest issues compared to summer
Many of these can even be planted again in late summer for a fall harvest.
Our Top 10 Cool Weather Veggies
1. Cabbage
A classic spring crop that forms dense, flavorful heads. Great for fresh eating, slaws, or cooking.
2. Leeks
Slow-growing but worth the wait. Leeks thrive in cool weather and bring a mild, onion-like flavor to soups and dishes.
3. Broccoli
One of the most popular spring vegetables. Plant early for tender heads before the heat of summer sets in.
4. Brussels Sprouts
These take a bit of patience, but cool weather improves their flavor. Perfect for roasting later in the season.
5. Lettuce
Fast-growing and incredibly rewarding. Harvest baby greens early or let heads fully develop.
6. Spinach
A true cold-weather champion. Spinach can tolerate frost and grows quickly in early spring.
7. Peas
One of the first crops you can plant. Peas love cool soil and will reward you with an early harvest.
8. Swiss Chard
Colorful, hardy, and productive. Swiss chard handles fluctuating spring temperatures with ease.
9. Kale
Extremely cold-tolerant and nutrient-rich. Kale actually tastes sweeter after a light frost.
10. Bunching Onion
Easy to grow and great for continuous harvest. A perfect addition to early spring planting.
When Can You Start Planting?
In Massachusetts, many cool weather vegetables can be planted as soon as:
- The soil is no longer frozen
- The ground has drained from winter moisture
- Daytime temperatures are consistently above freezing
Even if nights are still cold, these crops are built to handle it.
Tips for Early Spring Success
- Don’t rush soggy soil – wait until it’s workable, not muddy
- Keep row cover or frost cloth handy for unexpected cold snaps
- Water consistently once planted, especially on warmer spring days
- Start with strong plants for the best results
Our Uncle Mike’s vegetable starts are grown right in our Woburn greenhouses, so they’re already acclimated to New England conditions—giving you a strong, reliable start to the season.
Start Your Spring Garden Strong
Getting these cool weather vegetables in the ground early is one of the easiest ways to jumpstart your garden. Whether you’re planting in raised beds, backyard plots, or even patio pots, these crops are a great way to ease into the growing season.
Stop in to shop our selection of locally grown Uncle Mike’s vegetables and get growing.