Cool Weather Vegetables to Plant in the Early Spring - Zone 5
- Le Luong
- Apr 1
- 5 min read
Spring is finally here, and for gardeners in Zone 5, April is an exciting time to start planting! While temperatures can still be cool, plenty of cold-hardy vegetables thrive in early spring conditions. These resilient crops can handle light frosts and benefit from the cool weather, giving you an early harvest before summer heat sets in. Here are some of the best cold-hardy vegetables to plant in Zone 5 in April.
1. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest and fastest-growing crops for early spring and thrives in cool temperatures. Try different varieties like romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce for a continuous harvest. For best results, sow seeds directly in the garden and keep the soil moist. Seeds can also be started indoors and transplanted at the four-leaf stage..
Soil Temperature: 40°F (4°C)
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 6–12 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 30-60 days
Health Benefits: High in vitamins A and K, lettuce supports eye health and bone strength while being low in calories.
2. Kale
Kale is one of the hardiest greens you can grow in early spring. It can withstand cold temperatures, and the flavour improves after a light frost. Plant seeds or transplants in rich soil and harvest leaves for nutritious salads and smoothies throughout the season. Harvest the outer leaves first to encourage continuous production.
Soil Temperature: 40°F (4°C) and above
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 12 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 50–65 days
Health Benefits: Packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin K, kale supports heart and bone health.
3. Spinach
Spinach is another nutrient-rich green that loves cool weather. It grows best in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Plant seeds directly in the garden when the soil is moist and enjoy fresh leaves in as little as 4–6 weeks. For extended harvests, plant in succession every couple of weeks.
Soil Temperature: 40–65°F (4–18°C)
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 2–4 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 40-50 days.
Health Benefits: Loaded with iron, folate, and vitamin C, spinach helps boost immunity and improve circulation.
4. Peas
Peas are a classic spring vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures. Snow peas, sugar snap peas, and shelling peas all do well when planted in mid-to-late April. Plant peas closely, provide a trellis or support for climbing varieties, and enjoy fresh, sweet peas before summer. Sow seeds in succession for prolonged harvest.
Soil Temperature: 0–50°F (4–10°C)
Planting Depth: 1 inch
Spacing: 2 inches apart in rows
Days to Harvest: 55–70 days
Health Benefits: Rich in fiber, protein, and vitamin C, peas support digestion and immune function.
5. Carrots
Carrots are a cool-season crop that grows best when planted early in the season. Sow seeds directly in loose, well-drained soil to encourage straight, uniform roots. Remember to water consistently to prevent splitting. Since carrots take longer to mature, planting in April gives them plenty of time to develop before summer.
Soil Temperature: 45°F (7°C) and above
Planting Depth: ¼ inch
Spacing: 2 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 60–80 days
Health Benefits: High in beta-carotene, carrots promote healthy vision and skin.
6. Radishes
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables, making them perfect for impatient gardeners. Plant the seeds directly into the soil to grow radishes and ensure they are well-watered to develop tender, crisp roots. To prevent overcrowding, it's important to thin the seeds early on. Don’t forget that radish leaves are edible as they contain vitamin C, Vitamin A, iron, calcium, and potassium. Click here to learn about our in-house research conducted on radish.
Soil Temperature: 40°F (4°C) and above
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 1 inch apart
Days to Harvest: 20–30 days
Health Benefits: Radishes contain antioxidants and compounds that support liver health and digestion.
7. Onions
Onions are another great crop to start in April. Yellow onions are ideal for cooking, red onions are mild and enhance salads, white onions are crispy and slightly sweet, and green onions (scallions) are quick-growing. Plant onion sets or transplants in well-drained soil, and they will grow steadily through the season. Green onions can be harvested early, while full-sized onions will mature in summer.
Soil Temperature: 50°F (10°C) and above
Planting Depth: 1 inch
Spacing: 4-6 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 90-120 days
Health Benefits: Onions contain sulfur compounds that aid heart health and immune support.
8. Beets
Beets are a versatile root vegetable that thrives in cool weather. Plant seeds directly in the garden and enjoy the root and the leafy greens. Beets can be harvested young for tender baby beets or left to mature for more extensive roots.
Soil Temperature: 50°F (10°C) and above
Planting Depth: ½ inch
Spacing: 2–4 inches apart
Days to Harvest: 50–70 days
Health Benefits: Beets are rich in nitrates that support blood flow, lower blood pressure, and boost stamina.
Final Tips for Early Spring Planting
As you prepare for a successful gardening season, here are a few essential tips to ensure your plants thrive. Start by loosening and enriching your soil with compost to improve drainage and provide vital nutrients. Row covers can be a gardener's best friend, protecting young seedlings from late frosts and pests. Consistent watering is key, particularly for fast-growing crops, so keep the soil evenly moist. Lastly, consider succession planting, which involves staggering your plantings throughout the season, allowing for a continuous harvest of fresh produce. Don't forget to fertilize, as plants need nutrients to grow.
By planting these cold-hardy vegetables in April, you'll jumpstart your garden and enjoy a fresh and early harvest packed with essential nutrients. With some preparation and care, you can savour the health benefits of homegrown produce throughout the season. Happy gardening, and cheers to a successful and bountiful harvest!
Ready to get your garden started? Check out our biofertilizer designed to give your plants the best start. Get started on their gardening journey!
About the Blogger:
Le is the CEO and Co-founder of Nurture Growth Bio Fertilizer. She is passionate about sustainable agriculture and has an extensive orchid and rare plant collection.
To learn more about Le, visit her LinkedIn Page.
References:
Rodale Institute. (n.d.). Cold-Hardy Vegetables for Your Garden. https://rodaleinstitute.org
The Old Farmer’s Almanac. (2025). Planting Calendar for Zone 5. https://www.almanac.com
University of Illinois Extension. (2023). Cool-Season Crops: Planting, Growing, and Harvesting. https://extension.illinois.edu
The Spruce. (2024). How to Grow Cold-Hardy Vegetables in Spring. https://www.thespruce.com
American Horticultural Society. (2023). Planting Cold-Hardy Vegetables in Spring. https://www.ahsgardening.org
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