Wondering what to plant in spring? It’s the perfect season to get the whole family outside and growing. Warmer soil, longer days and plenty of colourful choices make spring gardening particularly rewarding for children and beginners.
From quick-growing vegetables to vibrant flowers, these ten family-friendly plants offer plenty to sow, plant, water and harvest together. Planting times vary between climates, so wait until the risk of frost has passed before planting cold-sensitive summer vegetables. Read on to discover what to plant in spring.
Top 5 vegetables to plant in spring
Bok choy
Fast-growing bok choy is a satisfying choice for children because young leaves can be ready to harvest within weeks. Sow it early in spring in a position with morning sun, particularly in warmer climates, as increasing heat can cause plants to bolt.
Carrots
Carrots are always exciting to harvest because you never quite know what’s hiding beneath the soil. Sow the seeds directly into loose, well-prepared soil and keep the surface consistently moist while they germinate.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers thrive once the soil warms. Plant them in full sun and provide a trellis to keep the vines tidy and make the fruit easier to spot and pick.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a family garden favourite. Plant seedlings in a sunny position after the risk of frost has passed, provide sturdy support and water consistently as the fruit develops.
Zucchini
Zucchini plants grow quickly and produce generously. Give them plenty of room, water around the base and check regularly for young fruit—they can seemingly grow overnight.
These productive vegetables are excellent options when deciding what to plant in spring, but adjust your timing to suit your local climate.
Top 5 flowers to plant in spring
Dianthus
Dianthus produces colourful, often fragrant blooms in sunny, well-drained garden beds and pots. Its compact growth makes it ideal for borders and smaller spaces.
Hippeastrum
With its large, trumpet-shaped blooms, hippeastrum creates an impressive spring display. Plant the bulbs in well-drained soil or containers and position them in sun or light shade.
Petunias
Petunias bring long-lasting colour to pots, hanging baskets and garden beds. Grow them in full sun, water regularly and remove spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
Statice
Statice produces papery flowers in beautiful colours and makes an excellent dried flower. Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil.
Verbena
Verbena creates clusters of colourful flowers that attract bees and butterflies. It performs well in sunny garden beds, borders and containers.
Adding flowers is a colourful way to complete your list of what to plant in spring. Children can help choose colours, arrange seedlings and watch for visiting pollinators.
Looking for even more seasonal colour? Explore our guide to six beautiful spring flowering bulbs, including daffodils, jonquils, freesias, hyacinths, ranunculus and tulips.
Grow vegetables and flowers together
You don’t need separate vegetable and flower gardens. Place taller tomatoes and climbing cucumbers towards the back of a sunny bed, with carrots or bok choy closer to the front. Use compact flowers such as dianthus, petunias and verbena around the edges or in nearby pots.
Hippeastrum can have a dedicated spot where its large blooms can be appreciated, while statice is ideal for children who want to pick and dry flowers.
When choosing what to plant in spring, select a manageable mix rather than trying to grow everything at once. A few vegetables to harvest and flowers to enjoy will give the family plenty to watch throughout the season.
