Gardening isn’t just for the warm months—winter gardening can be just as rewarding, especially when it comes to getting a jumpstart on early spring blooms. While the colder weather may seem like an off-season for planting, it’s actually the perfect time to prepare your garden for a burst of color as soon as spring arrives. By planting a few hardy flowers, vegetables, and herbs during the winter months, you can enjoy vibrant blooms and fresh harvests right when the weather warms up.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best plants to put in the ground this winter for early spring blooms and harvests. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, these tips will help you extend your growing season and ensure a stunning garden when the cold weather fades.
Why Plant in Winter for Early Spring Blooms?
You might wonder why bother planting in winter when temperatures are low and frost is still in the air. However, many plants are built to thrive in cooler temperatures, and planting in winter gives them a head start for spring. By preparing your garden now, you’re setting your plants up for success so that they can bloom or be harvested earlier than if you waited until the last frost.
Here are some reasons to consider planting in winter:
- Early Blooms and Harvests: By planting winter-hardy plants, you get an earlier start on your garden’s blooming and harvesting season.
- Weed Control: Winter planting helps prevent weeds from taking root and competing with your plants for nutrients.
- Improved Soil Quality: Cold weather slows down decomposition, allowing organic material to break down slowly and enrich the soil for future plantings.
- Longer Growing Season: Planting in winter can extend your growing season, meaning your garden will produce blooms or harvests sooner than it would otherwise.
Now, let’s dive into what you should plant this winter for the best early spring blooms and harvests.
Best Flowers to Plant in Winter for Early Spring Blooms
While it might be cold outside, there are several hardy flowers that can be planted in winter and bloom in the early spring. These flowers can withstand frost and chilly weather, making them ideal candidates for your winter garden.
1. Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis)
Snowdrops are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, often appearing through the snow. These small, white flowers are tough enough to handle freezing temperatures. Snowdrops do well in partially shaded areas and grow best in well-drained soil.
How to Plant:
- Plant snowdrop bulbs about 3 inches deep.
- Choose a partially shaded spot in your garden.
- Snowdrops will come back year after year, multiplying over time.
2. Crocus (Crocus spp.)
Crocuses are a favorite spring bloom, known for their bright and cheerful colors. These flowers can appear as early as February, bringing color to your garden even in the coldest months. Crocuses come in a variety of hues, including purple, yellow, and white.
How to Plant:
- Plant crocus corms about 4 inches deep.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and slightly acidic.
- Cluster crocuses together for maximum impact in your garden.
3. Primroses (Primula spp.)
Primroses are perennial flowers that bloom early in the spring, often as soon as March. They come in a wide range of colors, from pink to yellow to purple, and are perfect for adding a burst of color to your garden.
How to Plant:
- Plant primroses in a spot that gets partial sun or light shade.
- Keep the soil moist and well-drained.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
4. Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis)
Winter aconites are early bloomers that thrive in the cold. Their bright yellow flowers are a beautiful contrast against the winter soil and provide one of the earliest signs of spring.
How to Plant:
- Plant winter aconite bulbs about 3 inches deep.
- Choose a spot with rich, well-drained soil and some shade.
- Once planted, these flowers will naturalize and come back every year.
5. Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)
Hellebores, also known as Lenten roses, bloom in late winter or early spring, sometimes continuing their show well into the season. They come in various shades, including white, pink, purple, and even green.
How to Plant:
- Hellebores thrive in partial to full shade.
- Plant them in slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
- Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
6. Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
Pansies are a fantastic choice for winter planting. They are frost-tolerant and bloom in a variety of bright, vibrant colors. Whether you want purple, yellow, or multicolored blooms, pansies can be relied on for early color in the garden.
How to Plant:
- Pansies need well-drained, fertile soil.
- They do best in full sun to partial shade.
- Water regularly, but avoid overwatering.
Vegetables You Can Grow in Winter for Early Spring Harvest
While most people associate winter with hibernation, there are plenty of vegetables that thrive in cooler temperatures. These hardy vegetables can be planted now and harvested early in the spring.
1. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a perfect vegetable for winter gardening. It grows well in cooler temperatures and can be harvested as early as late winter or early spring. Plus, spinach tastes better after a light frost, so it’s a great vegetable to plant now for a sweet, early harvest.
How to Plant:
- Sow spinach seeds directly into the soil in late fall or early winter.
- Make sure the soil is rich and well-drained.
- Spinach prefers full sun or partial shade.
2. Kale (Brassica oleracea)
Kale is another frost-tolerant vegetable that can be planted in winter for an early spring harvest. In fact, frost can improve the flavor of kale, making it sweeter. This nutritious leafy green will thrive even in colder weather.
How to Plant:
- Plant kale seeds directly in the soil in late fall.
- Ensure the soil is nutrient-rich and well-drained.
- Kale needs full sun to partial shade to grow its best.
3. Garlic (Allium sativum)
Garlic is typically planted in the fall, but it can also be planted in the winter for an early spring harvest. Garlic cloves will begin to grow once the soil warms up in spring, giving you a head start on your garlic harvest for the summer.
How to Plant:
- Plant garlic cloves 2 inches deep in well-drained, rich soil.
- Choose a sunny spot for optimal growth.
- Mulch around the plants to help protect them from the cold.
4. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables you can plant, often ready to harvest in just a few weeks. They’re ideal for winter planting because they mature quickly and provide an early spring harvest.
How to Plant:
- Plant radish seeds about half an inch deep in well-drained soil.
- Radishes prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Keep the soil moist for the best results.
5. Carrots (Daucus carota)
Carrots are another vegetable that can be grown throughout the winter, especially in milder climates. The cold temperatures can actually improve the flavor of carrots, making them sweeter and more flavorful when harvested in spring.
How to Plant:
- Sow carrot seeds directly in the soil in late fall or early winter.
- Make sure the soil is loose, well-drained, and deep enough to accommodate the growing roots.
- Thin out seedlings to allow for healthy root growth.
Winter Herbs for Early Spring Flavor
Herbs are not just for summer—many hardy herbs can be planted in the winter, providing fresh flavors for your cooking when spring arrives.
1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme is a hardy herb that grows well in cooler temperatures. It’s a versatile herb in the kitchen, perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and roasted vegetables. Thyme can be planted now and will thrive throughout the winter months.
How to Plant:
- Plant thyme in well-drained, sandy soil.
- It does well in full sun and requires minimal watering once established.
- Thyme is drought-tolerant and can handle frost.
2. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is another herb that can be planted in winter for a spring harvest. This herb is high in vitamins and adds freshness to many dishes. It’s also a biennial plant, meaning it will last for two years, providing a steady supply of fresh parsley.
How to Plant:
- Plant parsley seeds directly in the soil in late fall or early winter.
- Keep the soil moist and rich in nutrients.
- Parsley needs 6 hours of sunlight each day to grow well.
3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives are a cold-hardy herb that grows well in winter and early spring. This mild onion-flavored herb is perfect for garnishing soups, salads, and baked dishes.
How to Plant:
- Plant chives in well-drained, fertile soil.
- Chives prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Keep the soil moist for the best growth.
