Spring is one of the most exciting times of the gardening year. Whether you're just getting started or planning another productive season, choosing the right crops early on can make all the difference.
The vegetables below are chosen specifically for UK conditions, reliable yields, and ease of growing. We've also included a handy sowing calendar at the end to help you plan your season.
Quick to germinate and ideal for beginners, salad leaves are one of the easiest spring crops. You can sow direct or in modules, and pick them just weeks later. Try a mix of textures and colours for a longer-lasting harvest.
Tip: Sow a small batch every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply through the season.
Carrots love cool, light soils and make a perfect spring crop. Avoid overly rich soil to prevent forking, and use fine tilth compost if you're growing in containers.
Top tip: Cover early sowings with fleece to protect from frost and carrot root fly.
Fast to grow and very space-efficient, spring onions are ideal for interplanting between slower crops. Sow thickly for bunching or thinly for single stems.
Great raw in salads, added to stir-fries, or chopped into salsas.
Spring is a great time to sow broccoli for early summer harvests. Start indoors or under cover, then transplant once the risk of frost has passed.
Tip: Space 45cm apart and firm in well to prevent wind rock.
Peas thrive in the cool, moist soil of early spring. Sow direct into the ground, or in root trainers if your soil is still cold and wet.
Use pea netting or twiggy sticks to support growth.
Nothing beats the flavour of freshly lifted new potatoes. Chit your seed potatoes in February or March and plant out as soon as the soil is workable.
Planting Depth: 10–15cm deep, 30cm apart.
If you missed autumn planting, spring is still a great time to get garlic in the ground. Choose softneck varieties for best results.
Spacing: 10–15cm between cloves in rows 25cm apart.
Versatile and easy, beetroot is perfect for early sowings. The roots and leaves are both edible.
Tip: Keep soil moist to avoid woody roots.
Spinach prefers the cooler temperatures of early spring. Succession sow to avoid plants bolting in warm weather.
Pick baby leaves young or allow to mature for cooking.
Chillies and sweet peppers need a longer season, so start them indoors in a heated propagator or warm windowsill.
Note: Transplant to a greenhouse or sunny patio after all risk of frost has passed.
Browse our full range of spring vegetable seeds curated for UK growers. Everything listed above is available in our shop with fast dispatch and proven results.