Spring is here, and for many, it’s the perfect time to start a garden. As the world awakens from winter, your garden is waiting for its turn to bloom. If you’ve ever thought about growing your own food but didn’t know where to start, don’t worry! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or completely new to planting, the journey of growing food is exciting, rewarding, and best learned through trial and error. You don’t need to be an expert, you just need to get out there and give it a go!

The Power of Trial and Error

Before we dive into the specifics of spring gardening, I want to share a little bit of wisdom I’ve learned over the years. Gardening isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning from your mistakes. Sure, reading books and watching videos can provide helpful advice, but the real teachers are your plants. Every season brings something new to learn, and each crop you grow teaches you a little bit more about what works in your space and what doesn’t. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and fail. It's all part of the process.

Know Your Zone

The first step in any garden journey is to know your planting zone and the average last frost date for your area. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a great resource for this, and it will help you determine when it’s safe to start planting. For example, if you're in the northern Midwest like me (zone 6b), spring may come a bit later, but for those of you in warmer southern climates, your planting season may start much earlier.

Having this knowledge in hand will give you a solid starting point, but keep in mind that these dates are estimates. Over the years, you’ll become more attuned to the local weather patterns and be able to adjust accordingly.

What to Plant in Spring

Spring gardening is vastly different from summer gardening. While the heat of summer is perfect for crops like tomatoes and peppers, spring is all about the cool-weather crops—those that can handle the lingering chill of the early season.

Cool-weather crops are your spring heroes! These crops thrive when planted in the cooler months and can grow quickly, giving you a satisfying harvest before the summer heat arrives.

Here’s a peek at what I’m planting this spring in my garden:

Direct Sow:

• Lettuce (Red leaf, green leaf, romaine, baby)

• Spinach

• Kale

• Radishes (Red, Easter egg, French breakfast)

• Peas (Shelling and sugar snap)

• Scallions

• Root vegetables (Beets, turnips, carrots)

• Kohlrabi

• Herbs (Chamomile, calendula, cilantro, parsley, dill)

• Potatoes

Transplant:

• Onions

• Cabbage

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

Established Plants:

• Chives (Perennial)

• Rhubarb (Perennial)

• Garlic (Planted in autumn)

• Perennial herbs (Oregano, mint, lemon balm, catnip, etc.)

The beauty of spring is that many crops are frost-tolerant, so they won’t be harmed by a little chill. Think of radishes, peas, and lettuce—these can handle a light frost and still flourish. Other crops, like tomatoes and peppers, need to wait until the threat of frost has passed—typically around Mother's Day in my area, but it varies depending on your zone.

Understanding Your Planting Dates

Most seed packets will give you the information you need to determine the best time to plant, such as:

• “Plant 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date.”

• “Start indoors 4-8 weeks before your last frost.”

• “Plant as soon as the ground can be worked.”

Planting Tips and Tricks

Now, let’s talk about how to actually plant your seeds. In my garden, I mostly direct-sow my crops—meaning I plant them directly into the soil. This works well for fast-growing crops like greens, radishes, and root vegetables. However, some plants, like cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, need to be started indoors so they have a head start before going out into the garden.

When planting seeds, a good rule of thumb is to plant them at a depth of two times the width of the seed. For instance, tiny seeds like lettuce only need to be covered by about 1/8 inch of soil, while larger seeds like peas should be planted about 1 inch deep.

Be sure to check the back of your seed packets for specific planting instructions. And if you ever feel unsure, a quick visit to the company’s website can provide the answers you need.

Don’t Worry—You Won’t Mess It Up!

At the end of the day, gardening is about learning and growing—literally and figuratively. Don’t stress if you end up with a few plants that don’t take off or if something doesn’t go according to plan. You’re learning more with each attempt, and that’s what matters most. If nothing else, you’ll have gained more experience for the next season.

Most importantly, be patient with yourself and your plants. Water them, weed the garden, and let them do their thing. Before you know it, you’ll be reaping the rewards of your hard work.

Final Thoughts

Starting your own garden is an incredibly rewarding experience, and spring is the perfect time to jump in. Whether you’re growing your own food for the first time or you’re a seasoned gardener, remember that there is no one "right" way to do it. The best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty and enjoying the process.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, plant some seeds, and let the magic of spring begin. Gardening isn’t about being perfect; it’s about trying, learning, and growing—just like the plants you’ll be nurturing.

Happy gardening, and may you have a bountiful harvest this season! ?