Get showy flowers and tasty vegetables that require a longer growing season sooner by planting seeds in February. In warmer planting zones, seeds can be sown directly in the ground. In colder areas, start seeds indoors in a propagator or on a sunny windowsill. The following six garden plants transplant well and are excellent choices for an early spring garden.
Tomatoes
Eaten fresh or used in many recipes, tomatoes are a favorite vegetable (though they are technically a fruit). They come in a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, and tastes. Start the seeds in seed compost indoors six to eight weeks before the projected last frost. Keep the compost moist.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a perfect spring crops before the summer heat sets in. Start salad mix greens in peat pots several weeks before the last frost date. Place the pots in a sunny window or under artificial light. When the soil is soft and warm enough to work, plant the seedlings outdoors. Keep back some of the seedlings and plant directly in the garden in late spring as the season progresses.
Onions
The key to growing onions successfully is to choose a variety well-suited for a particular growing zone. In lower growing zones, plant long day onions. Those in zones 3-6 should plant short day onions. Transplant onions to a sunny garden spot when the soil can be worked.
Peppers
Another garden favorite, peppers come in almost as many varieties as tomatoes. Plant several varieties. Peppers don’t take up a lot of space in the garden and can be planted close together for high yields of produce. Start seeds indoors at least eight weeks before the last frost.
Herbs
Fresh herbs are great to have on hand for cooking. They are a favorite for growing indoors all winter in every zone. Plant heat-loving herbs such as Greek oregano, thyme, Italian basil, and Broadleaf sage.
Broccoli and Kale
Both broccoli and kale are cruciferous vegetables and superfoods worthy of a spring garden. Plant seeds indoors in modules with two or three seeds in each. Cover seeds with one-half inch soil and keep moist. Thin out all but the healthiest seedlings. Place under lights and transplant after the danger of frost has passed.
Spring Flowers
Don’t forget about spring flowers. There are several varieties of annuals and perennials that can be transplanted in the garden after starting indoors. Plant them after the last frost in March or April. Easy ones to grow from seeds include marigolds, zinnias, daisies, poppies, and coneflowers.