Wondering what to plant in spring? As the weather warms, it’s a great time to get vegetables growing and add fresh colour to the garden. From productive favourites like beans and capsicum to colourful cosmos and zinnias, here are 10 plants to grow this spring. For more seasonal jobs, work through our 3 essential spring garden tasks to get your garden ready for the warmer months.
When deciding what to plant in spring, planting times vary between climates, so check local conditions and wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting cold-sensitive varieties.
5 vegetables to plant in spring
Beans
Beans are a rewarding warm-season crop and there are varieties suited to both garden beds and smaller spaces. Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil and provide climbing types with a trellis or support.
Beetroot
Beetroot can be grown for both its roots and young leaves. Sow into loose, well-drained soil in a sunny position and keep moisture consistent. Thin crowded seedlings to give each beetroot room to grow.
Capsicum
Capsicums love warmth and sunshine. Plant in a sunny, sheltered position and keep the soil evenly moist without waterlogging. As fruit develops, a small stake can provide support.
Eggplant
Eggplants thrive in warm conditions and plenty of sun. Give them a fertile, well-drained position and consistent moisture. In cooler climates, wait until temperatures rise before planting.
Pumpkin
Give pumpkins plenty of room to roam. These vigorous plants perform best in a sunny position with rich, well-drained soil. Keep them well watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development, directing water towards the soil rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
These productive favourites are a great place to start when deciding what to plant in spring for a home-grown harvest.
5 flowers to plant in spring
Cosmos
Cosmos produce masses of cheerful, daisy-like flowers and are an easy way to bring colour into a sunny garden. They work well through garden beds and borders, with taller varieties creating a soft, informal display.
Lavender
Lavender loves sunshine and excellent drainage. Choose a position with good airflow and avoid soil that remains wet for long periods. Its fragrant foliage and flowers make it an attractive addition to borders, pots and productive gardens.
Marigold
Bright and easy to grow, marigolds bring warm shades of yellow, orange and red to spring gardens. Plant them in full sun and remove spent flowers regularly to encourage the display to continue.
Salvia
Salvias come in a huge range of colours, sizes and forms, making them useful across many garden styles. Most perform best with plenty of sun and well-drained soil, although growing requirements vary between species and varieties.
Zinnia
Zinnias thrive as the weather warms and produce colourful flowers in a wide range of shades. Give them a sunny position with good airflow and avoid overcrowding plants. Regularly picking blooms or removing spent flowers can encourage more to develop.
Whether you’re planning a productive veggie patch or refreshing your flower beds, knowing what to plant in spring can help you make the most of the warmer growing season.
