Spring is here – and with it the impatience of many hobby gardeners. As soon as the first mild days appear, the desire to finally plant, sow and bring the garden back to life grows. At the same time, a well-known rule of thumb has applied for generations: sensitive plants should only be planted outdoors after the ice saints in mid-May, when late frosts are no longer to be expected.
However, this does not mean that you have to remain inactive until then. In fact, there is a whole range of robust vegetable, herb and flowering plants that tolerate cool temperatures well and can already be planted in beds, raised beds or balcony boxes now. If you start in April, you can even give many crops a head start on growth – and often enjoy their first harvest much earlier. We have selected 12 candidates for you:
1. radish
Radishes are the classics for the impatient. They germinate even at low temperatures and grow rapidly: there are often only three to four weeks between sowing and harvesting. Loose soil and regular watering are important to keep the tubers tender.
2. carrots
Carrots can be sown directly outdoors from April. As the seeds germinate relatively slowly, you need a little patience – but the plants are robust and easy to care for later on. A loose, deep soil prevents the roots from growing crooked.
3. spinach
Spinach is one of the typical spring vegetables. The plant loves cool temperatures and grows particularly well as long as the days are not too warm. The first leaves can be harvested just six to eight weeks after sowing.
4. lettuce
This variety is uncomplicated and perfect for raised beds or balcony boxes. Unlike lettuce, it is harvested leaf by leaf so that the plant keeps growing back. If you reseed every two weeks, you will have fresh lettuce practically all spring.
5. peas
Peas can even tolerate light frosts and can therefore be planted early. Sweet peas and marrowfat peas are particularly popular because they grow quickly and produce sweet pods in early summer. A climbing aid helps the plants to grow.
6. onions and shallots
Onion sets are one of the most uncomplicated crops in the vegetable garden. They are simply planted a few centimetres deep in rows and require hardly any care. They develop into strong onions as early as the summer.
7. parsley
Parsley needs a little patience, as its seeds germinate slowly. However, if you sow them now, you will be supplied with fresh herbs all summer long. A semi-shady spot and evenly moist soil are ideal.
8. chives
Chives are a perennial favorite in the herb garden. Once planted, they reliably sprout again every spring. In April, existing plants can be divided or new ones planted. The purple flowers are edible and make a pretty decoration for salads.
9. marigolds
Marigolds are among the most robust summer flowers. They can be sown directly into the bed without any problems and bloom well into the fall. They are also a classic companion plant in the vegetable garden because they attract beneficial insects.
10. nasturtium
Nasturtium grows quickly and is versatile. Its leaves and flowers are edible and add a pleasant peppery note to salads. It looks particularly beautiful hanging over raised beds or balcony boxes.
11. cornflowers
Cornflowers are among the most charming wildflowers in the garden. They can be sown as early as April and develop their typical bright blue flowers in early summer. They are also a valuable magnet for bees and other pollinators.
12. cosmea (ornamental basket)
The delicate cosmeas are among the most elegant summer flowers. They can also be sown early and grow surprisingly quickly. Their delicate flowers in white, pink or rose later create an airy, almost romantic garden atmosphere.
A little gardening tip at the end: Even though many plants can be planted now, it is worth taking a look at the condition of the soil. If the soil is still very wet or cold, you should wait a few days. As soon as it is easy to loosen and appears slightly crumbly, the conditions are ideal for the first planting work.
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