Over the years, my spring gardening has gone from a hopeful experiment to something I genuinely feel proud of. It’s been a journey of trial, error, and let’s be honest, a whole lot more trial and error. Every season, I’ve learned something new—whether it’s about timing, soil preparation, or choosing the right plants to kick off the growing season. What used to be a game of “let’s see if this works” has become a process I look forward to with confidence and excitement. This year, I’m ready to put all that experience to good use and make it the best one yet.
For me, spring is all about those first blooms and the excitement of planting something that feels like a fresh start. I’ve come to appreciate how much those initial choices matter—not just for how the garden looks, but for how it grows all season long. Take the flowers, for example. I’ve learned that starting with hardy, early bloomers like daffodils or crocuses not only adds a splash of color to the garden but also boosts my own motivation to keep planting. There’s something magical about seeing those pops of yellow and purple right when the frost begins to fade.
And when it comes to the fruits and veggies, I’ve fine-tuned my approach. Early crops like lettuce, radishes, and peas used to be hit or miss for me, but with a little more research (and yes, even more trial and error), I’ve learned how to get the timing and spacing just right. Now, I get to enjoy those first harvests as a reminder of why I love gardening in the first place. It’s incredibly satisfying to eat something you grew from a tiny seed—and it makes all the work feel so worth it.
What I’ve found most exciting, though, is how every year builds on the last. The mistakes I made five years ago helped me avoid bigger ones last year. And the successes I’ve had—whether it’s finally perfecting my tomato planting or finding just the right balance of pollinator-friendly plants—have made the whole process even more rewarding. I know what works for my space, my soil, and even my schedule, and I’m using that experience to make this spring better than ever.
So whether you’re growing for beauty, food, or just the joy of seeing something come alive after a long winter, these first spring blooms are the perfect way to get started. Trust me, there’s nothing like putting your hands in the soil and seeing the results of your effort unfold. Let’s dive into these 15 must-have plants and make this spring your best gardening season yet!
1. Daffodils
These cheerful yellow flowers are one of the first signs of spring, and their hardy nature makes them a great early-season choice.
Picture This: A flower bed bursting with bright yellow daffodils, their petals glistening in the morning dew. A garden bench sits nearby, surrounded by lush greenery.
2. Pansies
Known for their vibrant, multicolored blooms, pansies thrive in cooler spring temperatures and add a cheerful pop of color to your garden.
I’ve found that the trick with pansies is all about timing and placement. These little beauties are some of the hardiest spring blooms you can plant, but they thrive when you know exactly how to set them up for success. Over the years, I’ve learned that starting them early, just as the frost begins to lift, gives them the best shot at showcasing their vibrant, multicolored blooms. The cooler spring temperatures are perfect for them, but they’ll only really thrive if you give them the right conditions.
For me, that means choosing a spot with plenty of morning sun and a little afternoon shade to keep them happy as the season warms up. I also like to mix them into planters or edges of garden beds where they can shine as the cheerful pop of color they’re meant to be. And here’s my favorite little tip: deadheading regularly. It might seem tedious, but pinching off those spent blooms works wonders in keeping pansies producing more flowers throughout the season.
Pansies have become a staple in my spring garden, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they set the tone for the rest of the growing season. There’s something about seeing those cheerful, multicolored faces early in the spring that reminds me why I love this time of year so much. They’re one of those plants where a little extra attention goes a long way, and the payoff is worth every bit of effort.
3. Snapdragons
Snapdragons are cool-weather annuals that bring vertical interest and a splash of color to any flower bed or container.
4. Tulips
A spring garden classic, tulips come in a variety of colors and shapes, making them a versatile addition to any outdoor space.
5. Lettuce
Fast-growing and frost-tolerant, lettuce is one of the easiest vegetables to plant in early spring for fresh, crisp salads.
6. Spinach
Like lettuce, spinach is a cold-hardy green that thrives in early spring and is perfect for quick, nutritious meals.
Picture This: Rows of dark green spinach leaves growing in a well-organized garden bed. A trowel and gloves are placed neatly on the edge of the bed.
7. Peas
Snap peas and snow peas are early spring favorites that grow quickly and offer sweet, crunchy pods.
Picture This: A trellis covered in climbing pea plants with delicate white flowers and small green pods beginning to form. A sunny sky and soft breeze complete the scene.
8. Carrots
Carrots love cool soil, making them an ideal root vegetable to sow as soon as spring arrives.
Picture This: A row of tiny carrot tops just breaking through the soil, with a small garden marker indicating the variety. Nearby, a pair of muddy gardening boots sits on a path.
9. Radishes
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, perfect for early spring planting and quick rewards.
Picture This: A freshly harvested bundle of radishes with bright red skins and green tops, displayed on a wooden garden table. A small knife and bowl sit nearby, ready for cleaning.
10. Kale
This nutrient-packed green thrives in cool weather and can handle light frosts, making it a spring garden staple.
11. Strawberries
Planting strawberries in early spring gives them time to establish and produce sweet, juicy berries by summer.
Picture This: A strawberry patch filled with flowering plants and tiny green berries just beginning to form. A wicker basket sits nearby, waiting for the first ripe harvest.
12. Chives
Chives are hardy herbs that add flavor to your kitchen and delicate purple flowers to your garden in early spring.
Picture This: A cluster of chives growing in a small herb garden, with their signature green stalks and purple blossoms. A pair of scissors lies nearby, ready for trimming.
13. Broccoli
Broccoli loves cool temperatures and can be planted early in the season for a hearty, healthy harvest.
Picture This: A single broccoli plant in a raised bed, its green head forming amid leafy stalks. A small watering can rests at the edge of the bed.
14. Petunias
Petunias are early-blooming flowers that add a bright, cheerful touch to containers, hanging baskets, or flower beds.
When it comes to petunias, I’ve found a few tricks that make them stand out in ways most people wouldn’t even think to try. First, I like to mix them with other plants that complement their bold, cheerful colors—not just visually, but in growth habits. I’ll pair them with cascading plants like sweet potato vine or trailing lobelia in hanging baskets or containers, creating a layered effect that makes the arrangement pop. The mix of textures and heights adds so much dimension, and it really takes those petunias to the next level.
Another thing I do is focus on feeding and trimming them regularly, which a lot of people skip. Petunias are heavy feeders, so I’ll use a water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks to keep them blooming like crazy. And here’s the trick that works wonders: I pinch back the stems every couple of weeks, even when it feels counterintuitive. This encourages the plant to grow bushier and produce more flowers, rather than getting leggy or sparse.
But my favorite thing—and this is where I think I’ve really cracked the code—is creating themed color palettes with petunias in unexpected ways. For example, I’ve planted deep purple and white petunias together to create a dramatic, almost moonlit vibe in the garden. Or I’ll combine bright red and pink varieties for a playful, cheerful look around seating areas. The key is to lean into their versatility and think beyond just sticking them in a pot or bed.
Finally, I’ve found that petunias thrive when they’re in well-drained soil that I’ve worked compost into beforehand. It gives them a great start, and they seem to reward the effort with non-stop blooms. People often ask me why my petunias look so full and vibrant, and honestly, it’s because I take the time to give them what they need.
It’s these little things—pairing them with the right companions, feeding and trimming them properly, and experimenting with bold color combinations—that make my petunias stand out in a way that feels unique. They’re such happy flowers, and with a little extra care and creativity, they can turn any space into a showstopper.
15. Sunflowers (Early Varieties)
Quick-growing sunflower varieties can be planted in early spring to provide bright blooms and attract pollinators.
Spring is my absolute favorite time to get back into the garden—it’s that perfect moment to shake off the winter blues and start fresh. Over the years, I’ve learned that the plants you choose early in the season can completely set the tone for the months ahead. Whether it’s flowers like pansies and petunias that add bursts of color and joy, or veggies like peas and lettuce that reward you with fresh, delicious harvests, these early choices are the foundation of a thriving garden.
For me, it’s not just about planting—it’s about creating a space that feels alive and inspiring. I think back to all the trial and error, the endless research, and the lessons learned, and I’m excited every year to put that experience to work. Each plant I pick is part of a bigger vision—not just for how the garden will look, but for how it will feel. That’s what keeps me going season after season: the excitement of trying something new, the satisfaction of seeing those first sprouts, and the pride that comes from a garden that’s uniquely mine.
Spring is your chance to bring all that energy into your own garden. Whether you’re planting for beauty, nourishment, or just the joy of seeing something grow, these 15 plants are the perfect way to kick off the season. Trust me, the effort you put in now will pay off in ways that go far beyond what’s growing in the soil. It’s about creating a garden—and a season—you’ll love. Let’s dig in and make this spring unforgettable!
Are you adding any of these to your garden this spring? Share your planting plans in the comments or tag me on Instagram with #LifeAndSubscribe! Don’t forget to pin this blog for inspiration and save it for your next gardening day!
