There’s nothing quite like those first warm days of spring. The light changes, the breeze carries a softness, and suddenly, the garden starts whispering to us again. Around here, it’s my husband who answers the call first: boots on, gloves ready, moving straight toward the raised beds like he’s been waiting all winter (which he has). I follow behind with coffee and baby in hand, happy to observe, take it all in, and dream up what we’ll plant next.
Gardening in the spring feels like a ritual—part therapy, part tradition, and part pure joy. Over the years, we’ve found a rhythm of what works best for us in these early months. So I thought I’d share some of our spring gardening favorites and go-to tips, especially for anyone just getting started or looking for a little inspiration.
Our Favorite Things to Grow in Spring
1. Herbs
We always start with herbs. They’re easy, rewarding, and instantly make any meal taste fresher. Our staples:
- Cilantro
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Mint (we keep it in a pot so it doesn’t take over!) We made the mistake year one
2. Leafy Greens
These thrive in the cooler days of spring and grow quickly (these are a few that we are trying this year)
- Lettuce (we love mixed mesclun for variety)
- Spinach
- Kale
Perfect for quick salads right from the backyard.
3. Peas
- Sweet peas and snap peas are a spring classic. We plant them along a little trellis and enjoy watching them climb. They’re fun for kids to help with, too.
4. Flowers that Make Us Smile
Spring wouldn’t feel right without color popping through:
- Daffodils
- Hyacinths
- Tulips
- Pansies (they’re hardy and cheerful)
What We’ve Learned Along the Way
- Start slow. It’s tempting to do everything at once, but spring is a marathon, not a sprint.
- Know your zone. Planting too early can mean frost damage—local garden centers usually offer great advice on when to start each crop.
- Compost is gold. We mix compost into the beds before planting anything. It makes a huge difference in the health and taste of what we grow.
Why We Love It
While my husband is the one hands-deep in soil, I love the slow pace of our garden days—sitting nearby, chatting about what we’ll plant next, and watching the birds and bees return. It is so much more fun now that my baby loves to be outside. There’s something grounding about spring gardening, even if you’re not the one doing the digging. It’s hope in motion. It’s life coming back.
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