For the seasoned gardener and even some beginners, the anticipation of getting outdoors to plant the garden is a long awaited pleasure!  That moment could arrive sooner than you think.  Some vegetables actually thrive in cooler spring weather - even tolerating a light frost or freeze.  The added bonus is: by getting your garden going early in the spring, you can actually free up room to re-plant for warmer weather crops.   Some of the early spring crops are:

Asparagus - Plant 1 year old dormant roots in early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.  Plan for no crop the first year, light the second year and full crop the third year.

Beets - Plant seeds about one month before the last frost date.

Broccoli - Start seeds indoors, then transplant outdoors about one month before the last frost date.  Broccoli does not like hot weather.

Cabbage - Plant when temperatures are consistently between 40 degrees and 70 degrees.  Stagger plantings.

Cilantro - Start seeds indoors, then transplant outdoors about 2 weeks before last frost date.  While cilantro loves the cool weather, it will not tolerate a freeze.  Cilantro will go to seed quickly if the soil gets too warm.

Carrots - Plant seeds in well-drained soil 2-3 weeks before the last frost date.  Protect from a hard freeze.

Lettuce - Plant from seed using a cold frame to protect.  Does very well in cool, wet spring weather but protect from a freeze.  Stagger plantings.

Onions - Plant partially grown bulbs - or sets - as soon as the soil is workable.

Peas - Plant as soon as the soil can be worked - about 1-2 months before last frost.  Peas will survive a light frost.  Protect from hard freeze.

Potatoes - Plant pieces of potato containing at least one ‘eye’ about 2 weeks before the last frost date.  Protect from freeze.

Spinach - Plant seed in early spring - as soon as the soil can be worked.  Stagger plantings.  Protect from a hard freeze.

As you consider what you will be planting in your garden this year, consider what kind of garden you might like.  How about a weed-free garden?  I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t tried it for myself.  Read all about it here.  Harvest fresh, nutritious vegetables - not weeds!  Happy gardening!