By Andrew Bunting, PHS VP of Horticulture 

After a relatively long and hard winter, gardeners across the country are eager to get outdoors and start planting. Depending on your region, early spring planting can begin when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above freezing. 

Many “cool season” annuals and vegetables tolerate chilly nights, and even light frost in some cases, making them ideal for early spring gardens. In the Mid-Atlantic region, this planting window typically runs from mid- to late March through May.  

Pansies and Violas for Early Spring Color 

One of the most popular choices for early spring planting is pansies and violas. In warmer climates, pansies can be planted in the fall, go dormant over winter, and re-emerge in spring. Most gardeners, however, plant them in early spring for an instant infusion of bright color after a long, gray winter. 

Pansies are low-growing annuals with rounded, lobed flowers. Their distinctive dark petal markings create a “face-like” appearance. They are available in a wide range of colors, including yellow, orange, pink, burgundy, purple, and blue, with many bicolored and multicolored varieties. 

Pansies can be started indoors under grow lights or on windowsills from January to February, though many gardeners opt to purchase young plants in cell packs from garden centers. They bloom prolifically from late March through mid- to late May. As temperatures rise, flower production begins to decline. Deadheading spent blooms can help extend flowering. Many varieties are also fragrant. 

While pansies tolerate partial shade, they perform best in full sun. Popular series include Cool Wave®, Matrix®, and Delta™. 

For a more compact option, consider violas, which are essentially smaller, more refined versions of pansies. Popular series include Sorbet® and Deltini™. Both pansies and violas are excellent for window boxes, patio containers, and mass plantings in the garden. They are adaptable to a range of soils if drainage is good, but they can be susceptible to browsing from rabbits and deer. 

Colorful Early Spring Annuals That Tolerate Frost 

In addition to pansies, many other frost-tolerant annuals thrive in early spring temperatures. Below is a list of options that can be used in many types of garden conditions and setups. 

• Sweet alyssum - Lobularia maritima is a low-growing, spreading annual with clusters of tiny, fragrant flowers in white, pink, purple, and blended shades. The Easter Bonnet series features soft pastels and white tones. Sweet alyssum works especially well at the edge of containers or window boxes, where it can spill over gracefully. 
• Geraniums - some zonal geraniums can also be used early in the season for their decorative foliage. ‘Wilhelm Langguth’ features rounded leaves with white variegated edges, while ‘Mrs. Pollock’ offers striking zonal variegation in cream, burgundy, and green. 
• Nemesia has become a popular early spring annual. Native to South Africa, it has been bred into compact, highly floriferous plants. ‘Bluebird’ produces vibrant violet-blue flowers, while the Sunsatia® and Nesia™ series offer a wide range of colors. 
• Osteospermum is a daisy relative also native to South Africa, known for its abundant blooms. The Zion™ series includes striking color combinations with lighter centers in shades of orange, terracotta, salmon, pink, and violet. 
• Wallflowers or Erysimum are another excellent choice that are often grown as annuals. These upright plants can reach up to 22 inches tall and produce spikes of fragrant flowers. The Brightside™ series includes Bright Yellow, Lemon Ice, White, and Magenta Glow. 

Ornamental Vegetables for Containers and Window Boxes 

Early spring containers can also include ornamental (and edible!) vegetables that thrive in cool conditions but also look great alongside ornamental flowers and plants. These edible plants add both texture and color to mixed plantings while giving gardeners an early start to their vegetable gardens as well. 

• Mustard greens - ‘Miz America’ mustard features deeply lobed, dark purple-black leaves with a mild, spicy flavor, making it a great addition to salad mixes.  
• Kale - ‘Red Russian’ kale has deeply lobed leaves with a slight purple tint,  
• Lettuce - ‘Red Buttercrunch’ lettuce produces wavy, reddish-purple foliage. 
• Swiss Chard - ‘Bright Lights' delivers a pop of color with vibrant stems in yellow, orange, pink, and red. Its glossy green leaves add height and contrast, making it a standout in mixed plantings while remaining highly productive. 
• Arugula – This fast-growing green brings a softer texture and a peppery bite. Its delicate, lobed leaves help balance heavier foliage like kale and cabbage, and it thrives in cool spring temperatures. 
• Spinach – With its smooth, deep green leaves, spinach adds a rich, dense look to containers. It’s one of the most cold-tolerant greens and works well tucked between flowering plants for a full, abundant display. 

Cool-Season Vegetables to Plant in Early Spring 

Early spring is also the perfect time to plant cool-season vegetable crops. 

Some crops, such as kale, cabbage, Swiss chard, and broccoli, are best started indoors and transplanted into the garden. Others, including radishes, lettuce, spinach, carrots, and peas, can be directly sown into the soil. 

• ‘Stonehead’ cabbage matures in 50–70 days and produces dense, four-pound heads.  
• ‘Ruby Perfection’ takes about 80 days and develops striking purple-red heads. 
• ‘Black Magic’ kale, an improved selection of ‘Toscano’, grows up to 24 inches tall with nearly black, puckered leaves and matures in 65–80 days.  
• ‘Georgia’ collards is an heirloom variety valued for its productivity. 

Leafy greens that can be directly sown in early spring include ‘Space’ spinach, ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss chard—also prized for its colorful stems—‘Miz America’ mustard, and lettuces such as ‘Red Sails’, ‘Romaine’, and ‘Red Buttercrunch’. 

How to Prepare Your Garden for Early Spring Planting

Getting your garden ready for early spring planting starts with healthy soil and thoughtful timing. Whether you’re transplanting seedlings or sowing cool-season crops, proper preparation now can lead to stronger growth and a more successful spring harvest. Here are some tips on how to ensure your spring planting season thrives! 

• Avoid planting when soil is wet or immediately after rainfall and allow time for drainage and drying to prevent compaction. 
• Amend garden beds with approximately two inches of fresh compost to improve soil structure and fertility.  
• Harden off seedlings started indoors to acclimate them to outdoor conditions before transplanting. 
• Check soil temperature before planting to ensure conditions are right for early spring crops.  
• Remove winter debris and early weeds to create a clean, healthy growing space.  
• Loosen compacted soil to support strong root growth and proper drainage.  
• Mulch lightly after planting to help retain moisture and reduce weeds. 

If you’re new to gardening, start small and expand each year, whether by increasing your garden size or experimenting with new flowers and vegetables.