As temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s the perfect time to dig into your garden. From cool-season crops to heat-loving summer vegetables, planting at the right time ensures a thriving garden.

Here’s a planting guide to help you through the spring season from March to June.

March: Early Spring Planting

As the soil begins to warm up and the risk of frost decreases, it's time to plant those cold-hardy vegetables that can tolerate cooler temperatures.

• Onions: Plant sets or transplants early in the month for strong growth.
• Potatoes: Mid-to-late March is perfect for planting seed potatoes for a bountiful summer harvest.
• Peas: English peas, sugar snap peas, and snow peas can be planted in early March.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, radishes, beets, turnips, and parsnips do well in the cool soil of early spring.
• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, kale, collard greens, and Swiss chard can be directly seeded or transplanted in March.
• Cole Crops (Brassicas): Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts should be transplanted for a productive growing season.
• Asparagus: If starting a patch, plant asparagus crowns in late March.

Pro Tip: Watch out for any late frosts! If temperatures dip, be ready to cover your plants to protect them from the cold.

April: Mid-Spring Planting

April is the perfect time to plant many of your favorite vegetables. With the soil warming up, you can start planting more crops that enjoy the moderate temperatures of spring.

• Lettuce, Spinach, Radishes, and Carrots: These can be successively planted throughout April for a steady supply of fresh vegetables.
• Green Onions: Direct seed for a continual harvest of fresh scallions.
• Swiss Chard: Plant a second round for tender greens that will continue into early summer.
• Beets and Turnips: These root vegetables also benefit from a second planting for a longer harvest period.
• Herbs: Parsley, cilantro, and dill thrive in the cool weather of April. Start seeds indoors or transplant young plants into your garden.

Pro Tip: As your plants grow, mulch around them to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay.

May: Warm-Season Planting

Once the risk of frost has passed, it’s time to introduce warm-season vegetables that thrive in the summer heat. May is an ideal time to plant crops that require a little more warmth to thrive.

• Tomatoes: Transplant young tomato plants after the last frost date to ensure strong growth.
• Peppers: Bell peppers, hot peppers, and sweet peppers love the warmth of May soil.
• Cucumbers: Direct seed or transplant cucumber seedlings for a delicious summer harvest.
• Squash and Zucchini: These fast-growing plants can be direct-seeded or transplanted in early May for a summer bounty.
• Beans: Green beans, bush beans, and pole beans all do well when planted in mid-May.
• Corn: Plant corn in blocks for better pollination, ensuring a full summer harvest.
• Melons: Cantaloupe and watermelon thrive in the warmth of May.
• Okra: Plant okra in mid to late May for a summer-long harvest of this heat-loving vegetable.

Pro Tip: Keep soil moist during the hot days by mulching around plants and watering deeply during dry spells.

June: Summer Planting

By June, temperatures are consistently warm, and it's time to focus on crops that need the summer heat to reach their full potential.

• Beans: Continue planting beans through early June for a long harvest season.
• Sweet Potatoes: Transplant slips in late May to early June for a summer-to-fall harvest.
• Peppers: Continue planting peppers if you haven't already — these heat-loving plants thrive in the summer.
• Herbs: Summer herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme can be directly seeded or transplanted in June for fresh flavors all season long.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on your crops for pests and diseases. Regularly check leaves and stems for signs of trouble and use natural pest control if necessary.

Stockdale’s is your go-to destination for everything you need to make your garden successful. From seeds to fertilizers, tools, and pest control, we have what you need to help your garden thrive. Plus, our experts are here to offer advice and help you choose the right products for your garden.

Here are a few products to help you get started this spring and summer:

• Jiffy Professional Greenhouse Kit: Perfect for starting your seeds early and giving them a strong, healthy start.
• Jiffy Seed Starting Garden Soil: The ideal soil to help your seeds germinate and grow strong.
• Coast of Maine Black Earth Lawn Soil: A nutrient-rich soil to help your plants thrive throughout the growing season.
• Tarter Raised Bed Garden Planter: A convenient raised bed planter that makes gardening easier and more efficient.
• Miracle Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix: A high-quality potting mix to support your seedlings as they grow into strong, healthy plants.

Stop by today and let us help you get started with your spring and summer planting! Find the closest Stockdale’s location here. Click here to shop more Stockdale’s products online.