What to Plant First in Garden: A Beginner’s Guide

Starting a garden can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but knowing what to plant first in your garden is crucial to ensure a healthy and productive growing season. Whether you have a small backyard patch or a spacious vegetable plot, selecting the right crops to plant early sets the foundation for success. This guide will walk you through the best plants to start with, considering climate, soil, and timing, so your garden flourishes from the very beginning.

Planting early crops that thrive in cooler temperatures not only maximizes your growing window but also helps prepare the soil for warmer-season plants. We’ll explore easy-to-grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers ideal for early planting, plus expert tips on soil preparation and seed starting. By the end of this article, you’ll be confidently equipped to kick off your garden with the right choices and timing.

Table of Contents

Why Choosing the Right First Plants Matters

Planting the right crops first impacts your garden’s overall health and productivity. Early plants:

Prepare soil nutrients for later crops.
Control weeds by covering bare soil.
Attract beneficial insects for pest control.
Extend the growing season by making full use of early spring or late winter.

Understanding your local climate and frost dates is key to knowing when and what to plant first. Early planting helps you avoid the risk of late frosts damaging young seedlings and maximizes your harvest potential.

When to Plant: Understanding Your Garden’s Timeline

Before choosing your first plants, identify your last frost date—the average date of the last spring frost in your area. Planting too early risks frost damage, while planting too late shortens the growing season.

Use local extension services or gardening apps to find your last frost date.
Start seeds indoors 4–6 weeks before the last frost for plants that need a head start.
Direct sow cold-tolerant seeds around 2–4 weeks before the last frost.

Best Vegetables to Plant First in Your Garden

Some vegetables thrive in cool soil and cooler air temperatures, making them ideal for early planting. Here are the top choices:

1. Leafy Greens (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard)

Why? These greens germinate quickly and tolerate chilly weather.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly in soil as soon as it can be worked, usually 2-4 weeks before the last frost.
Harvest Time: 30-50 days.

2. Peas (Garden Peas and Snap Peas)

Why? Peas are frost-hardy and fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for future crops.
Planting Tips: Sow directly outdoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Harvest Time: 60-70 days.

3. Radishes

Why? Radishes grow rapidly and prefer cool weather.
Planting Tips: Direct sow seeds 4 weeks before the last frost; they mature in about 3-4 weeks.
Harvest Time: 20-30 days.

4. Carrots

Why? Carrots can handle cooler soil and benefit from early planting.
Planting Tips: Sow seeds directly 2-3 weeks before the last frost; keep soil moist for germination.
Harvest Time: 60-80 days.

5. Onions (Sets or Seedlings)

Why? Onions establish well in cool weather and can overwinter in many climates.
Planting Tips: Plant onion sets or seedlings 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
Harvest Time: 90-120 days.

Herbs to Plant Early for a Flavorful Garden Start

Herbs add variety and flavor to your garden and kitchen. Some herbs thrive when planted early:

Parsley: Cold-tolerant and slow to germinate; start indoors or sow directly 4-6 weeks before last frost.
Chives: Hardy and easy to start early in the garden.
Cilantro: Prefers cool weather; plant outdoors 2-4 weeks before last frost.

Flowers to Plant First for Early Color and Pollinator Support

Early-blooming flowers not only beautify your garden but attract pollinators essential for vegetable production.

Pansies and Violas: Thrive in cool weather and can be planted 6-8 weeks before last frost.
Snapdragons: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost, transplant early.
Calendula: Direct sow 4-6 weeks before last frost; attracts beneficial insects.

Preparing Your Garden Soil for Early Planting

Healthy soil is the backbone of a successful garden. Follow these steps to prepare your soil for early planting:

Test Soil pH and Nutrients: Aim for a pH of 6.0–7.0 for most vegetables.
Add Organic Matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility.
Loosen Soil: Till or dig to a depth of 8-12 inches to promote root growth.
Ensure Proper Drainage: Avoid waterlogged soil, which can damage young roots.
Warm Up the Soil: Use black plastic mulch or cloches to increase soil temperature if needed.

Starting Seeds Indoors for Early Planting Success

Some plants benefit from starting indoors before transplanting outside:

Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants: Require a long growing season; start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.
Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Cabbage: Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost for early transplant.
Herbs like Basil and Oregano: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost.

Use seed trays, quality potting mix, and maintain consistent moisture and warmth for best results.

Expert Tips to Maximize Early Garden Success

Use Row Covers: Protect young plants from sudden cold snaps and pests.
Succession Planting: Sow small amounts of early crops every 2 weeks to extend harvest.
Companion Planting: Plant peas near carrots or radishes to improve growth and pest resistance.
Water Consistently: Early seedlings need steady moisture but avoid overwatering.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting Early

Planting Too Early: Frost damage can kill young plants—always check frost dates.
Ignoring Soil Temperature: Seeds may rot or fail to germinate if soil is too cold.
Skipping Soil Preparation: Poor soil leads to weak plants and low yields.
Overcrowding Plants: Provide enough space to reduce disease and improve growth.

Conclusion

Knowing what to plant first in your garden sets the stage for a fruitful and enjoyable growing season. Start with cool-weather vegetables like leafy greens, peas, radishes, and carrots, and don’t hesitate to add early herbs and flowers to boost flavor and pollination. Pay close attention to your local frost dates, soil preparation, and seed-starting techniques to give your garden the best possible start.

By planting smartly and early, you extend your harvest window and create a thriving garden ecosystem. Ready to dig in? Plan your planting schedule today and watch your garden bloom from the very first seeds you sow!

Quick Reference: Top Early Garden Plants

Start your garden with confidence by planting the right crops first!