Spring 2026 is here, and the window for cool-season crops is already open. Whether you're in a frost-free climate or still watching nighttime temps hover near freezing, this guide tells you exactly what to plant right now — organized by USDA hardiness zone so you're not guessing.
The 10 Best Spring Vegetables to Grow in 2026
1. Lettuce — The Universal Spring Starter
Lettuce germinates in soil as cold as 40°F (4°C), making it the first vegetable you can direct sow outdoors. Loose-leaf varieties like 'Black Seeded Simpson' or 'Red Sails' are ready to cut-and-come-again in 30–40 days. Sow every two weeks for a continuous harvest through June.
Best zones: All zones (4–13 in spring). In zones 9–11, plant now before summer heat arrives. See our complete lettuce growing guide and find your city's best planting window at New York, London, or Toronto.
2. Spinach — Cold-Hardy and Nutritious
Spinach tolerates light frost and actually tastes sweeter after a cold snap. Direct sow as soon as the soil can be worked — typically 4–6 weeks before your last frost date. 'Bloomsdale Long Standing' bolts slowly, giving you more harvest time. Plant 1 inch apart, thin to 4 inches.
Best zones: Zones 4–9 in spring. Read the full spinach growing guide for watering and fertilizing tips.
3. Peas — Sweet and Surprisingly Easy
Peas are one of the oldest cultivated vegetables, and for good reason — they require minimal attention and reward you with one of spring's best flavors. Direct sow 1 inch deep, 2 inches apart, as soon as the soil reaches 45°F. 'Sugar Snap' and 'Oregon Sugar Pod' are reliable performers. Provide a trellis or fence — even small varieties climb.
Best zones: Zones 3–8. Skip in zones 9–11 (too warm for reliable production).
4. Radish — Ready in 3 Weeks
Radishes are the instant-gratification crop of spring. Sow directly, thin to 2 inches, and harvest 'Cherry Belle' or 'French Breakfast' in as little as 22 days. They also loosen compacted soil and make excellent companions for slower crops. Plant between rows of carrots or lettuce to maximize space.
Full details in our radish growing guide.
5. Kale — Cold-Hardy and Nutrient-Dense
Plant kale transplants (started indoors 6 weeks earlier) or direct sow now in zones 6–9. 'Lacinato' (dinosaur kale) is less bitter and more heat-tolerant. Harvest outer leaves as the plant grows — one plant can produce for months. Kale is also a great candidate for containers. Read our kale growing guide.
6. Carrot — Patience Rewarded
Carrots need 70–80 days but can be started now in zones 5–9. The key is loose, deep, rock-free soil — hard soil causes forked, stunted roots. 'Nantes' varieties are more forgiving in average soil than 'Imperator' types. Thin ruthlessly to 3 inches; crowded carrots stay small. See our carrot growing guide.
7. Arugula — The Spicy Spring Green
Arugula germinates in as few as 5 days and is ready to harvest in 21–28 days. Direct sow densely and cut with scissors 1 inch above the soil — it regrows 2–3 times. It bolts quickly in heat, so plant now and enjoy through late spring. Excellent in salads and on pizza.
8. Basil — Start Indoors Now for Summer
Basil cannot tolerate frost, but starting seeds indoors now means you'll have transplant-ready seedlings when nighttime temps stay above 50°F. 'Genovese' is the classic; 'Thai' basil is more heat-tolerant. Use a heat mat for germination — soil temperature below 65°F causes slow, patchy germination.
Check when to transplant basil in New York or your city's guide for precise dates. Full basil growing guide.
9. Tomato — The Flagship of Summer (Start Now)
If you're in zones 5–7, start tomato seeds indoors in March. They need 6–8 weeks before transplanting, which puts outdoor planting in mid-May (after last frost). Choose varieties suited to your season length: 'Glacier' (55 days) for short seasons, 'San Marzano' or 'Brandywine' (78–80 days) for zones 7+. Our tomato growing guide covers everything.
10. Cucumber — Sow in Spring, Harvest All Summer
Direct sow cucumbers after your last frost when soil hits 60°F, or start indoors 3–4 weeks early. 'Marketmore 76' is reliable; 'Spacemaster' is ideal for containers. Cucumbers love heat and consistent moisture — mulch the base to retain water and warmth. See our cucumber growing guide.
Spring Planting by USDA Zone
| Zone | Last Frost (Approx.) | Plant Now (March) | Plant in April–May |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zones 3–4 | Mid–Late May | Start indoors: tomato, pepper, basil | Transplant after May 15 |
| Zones 5–6 | Late April – May 1 | Lettuce, spinach, peas, kale outdoors; tomato/pepper indoors | Cucumber, zucchini, basil outdoors |
| Zones 7–8 | March – April 1 | Lettuce, carrot, peas, arugula, radish outdoors | Tomato, cucumber, pepper transplants |
| Zones 9–11 | January – February | Tomato, pepper, cucumber, zucchini, basil — full spring season underway | Switch to heat-tolerant varieties |
Find Your City's Exact Planting Dates
GrowByCity provides city-specific planting calendars for over 350 cities worldwide. Each calendar is based on local climate data, not generic zone estimates. Enter your city to see exactly when to plant each of the crops above — down to the specific month.
Popular spring planting guides: London · Paris · Berlin · Sydney (autumn planting) · Tokyo