Seeds You Can Plant in Early Spring, Even Before the Last Frost
Have you heard that one of the most common mistakes gardeners make is starting seeds too early? It makes sense because spring's arrival often tempts gardeners to sow seeds, but lingering frosts can pose challenges. Fortunately, many seeds thrive in cool conditions and can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. These resilient varieties withstand late spring frosts and often flourish because of them. In Zones 5 and cooler, early season planting extends into May.
What Makes Cold-Hardy Seeds Different?
Cold-hardy seeds possess unique adaptations that enable them to germinate and grow in cooler temperatures:
Sugar Accumulation: Higher sugar concentrations in plant tissues lower the freezing point of cell sap, acting as a natural antifreeze.
Cold Stratification: Some seeds require exposure to cold temperatures to break dormancy, ensuring they germinate at the appropriate time.
Frost Tolerance: Certain plants can survive light to moderate frosts, making them ideal for early spring planting.
17 Frost-Tolerant Vegetable Seeds to Sow in Early Spring
Spinach
Thrives in cool weather and can survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). Sow seeds directly into the garden as soon as the soil is workable.
Kale
Extremely cold-hardy, kale can withstand frosts and even snow. Early planting leads to tender leaves and a prolonged harvest.
Peas
Peas prefer cooler temperatures and can be sown 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost. They germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40°F (4°C).
Carrots
Carrot seeds can be planted 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Cooler temperatures enhance their sweetness.
Radishes
Fast-growing and frost-tolerant, radishes can be sown as soon as the ground is workable, maturing in as little as 20 days.
Beets
Beets tolerate light frosts and can be planted early. Both roots and greens are edible, offering dual harvests.
Lettuce
Prefers cool conditions and can be sown 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Use row covers to protect young plants from unexpected cold snaps.
Arugula
This peppery green thrives in cool weather and can be sown early for a quick harvest. It tolerates light frosts well.
Mustard Greens
Cold-tolerant and fast-growing, mustard greens can be planted early and harvested young for milder flavor.
Swiss Chard
While not as frost-hardy as others, chard can handle light frosts and offers a colorful addition to early gardens.
Broccoli
Best started indoors and transplanted 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Mature plants can withstand light frosts.
Cabbage
Hardy and frost-tolerant, cabbage can be transplanted early and benefits from cooler temperatures during head formation.
Onions
Onion sets or seeds can be planted as soon as the soil is workable. They require a long growing season and tolerate cold well.
Garlic
Typically planted in the fall, garlic can also be sown in early spring in colder regions, though bulbs may be smaller.
Parsnips
Require a long growing season and benefit from early planting. Frost enhances their sweetness.
Turnips
Both roots and greens are edible. Turnips grow quickly in cool weather and can be sown early.
Brussels Sprouts
Slow to mature but extremely cold hardy. Early planting ensures a fall harvest after several frosts, which improves flavor.
10 Cold-Hardy Flowers to Sow in Early Spring
Sweet Alyssum
This low-growing annual is incredibly cold-tolerant, often blooming in late fall and early spring.
Violas and Pansies
Known for their vibrant colors, these flowers can withstand light frosts and are perfect for early spring gardens.
Snapdragons
Snapdragons are hardy annuals that can be started indoors and transplanted early. They thrive in cool conditions and can tolerate light frosts.
Calendula
Also known as pot marigold, calendula blooms in early spring and prefers cooler temperatures, making it ideal for early sowing.
Forget-Me-Nots
These charming blue flowers are cold-tolerant and perfect for naturalized gardens.
Larkspur (Delphinium)
Larkspur seeds require a period of cold stratification and can be sown directly in the garden in early spring for beautiful spikes of color.
Sweet Peas
Sweet peas prefer cool weather and can be sown early for fragrant blooms.
Columbine (Aquilegia)
A hardy perennial that can tolerate late frosts, columbine adds delicate beauty to early spring gardens.
Primrose
Primroses are symbols of spring and can withstand light frosts, blooming early in the season.
Virginia Bluebells
These native wildflowers bloom with clusters of blue, bell-shaped flowers in early spring and are frost-tolerant.
10 Cold-Hardy Herbs to Sow in Early Spring
Parsley seeds
Parsley is a biennial herb that can be sown early and is relatively cold-tolerant, especially in its first year.
Chives
Chives are hardy perennials that can be sown as soon as the soil is workable, offering early-season flavor.
Thyme
This woody perennial awakens early in spring and is exceptionally cold-hardy and drought-tolerant once established.
Sage
Sage is a hardy perennial that can be sown early and withstands cooler temperatures.
Mint
Mint is a vigorous grower that can handle cooler temperatures, making it suitable for early spring planting.
Oregano
Oregano is a hardy perennial that can be sown early and thrives in cooler conditions.
Lemon Balm
This perennial herb is suitable for cooler zones and partial shade, making it ideal for early spring gardens.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a cool-season annual that can be sown early, thriving in cooler temperatures before bolting in the heat.
Dill
Dill is an easy-to-grow herb that can be sown directly in early spring, offering delicate foliage and attracting pollinators.
Lovage
Lovage is a perennial herb that resembles celery in flavor and can be sown early in the season.
Tips for Successful Early Spring Planting
Soil Readiness: Ensure the soil is thawed and not overly saturated before planting.
Row Covers: Use to protect seedlings from unexpected frosts and to retain soil warmth.
Succession Planting: Stagger plantings every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.
Mulching: Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
By selecting frost-tolerant seeds and following these guidelines, you can jumpstart your garden and enjoy an extended growing season. Rely on the hardiness of these plants and make the most of early spring's cool conditions.
Frost Tolerant Does Not Equal Frost Proof
It’s true—many cold-hardy seeds can survive light frosts. But even the toughest plants appreciate a little protection, especially during those unpredictable early spring weeks when temperatures swing wildly and weather conditions are far from gentle. Row covers may seem like overkill, but they offer a surprisingly powerful edge in cool-season gardening.
1. Frost-Tolerant Doesn’t Mean Invincible
While these plants can endure light frosts, a surprise hard freeze or extended cold snap can still damage tender seedlings. Row covers create a microclimate, buffering your crops from temperature extremes and helping avoid stunted growth.
2. Boost Germination and Early Growth
Even cold-tolerant seeds sprout more reliably and grow faster in slightly warmer conditions. Row covers raise the ambient temperature by a few degrees—just enough to encourage stronger, healthier starts.
3. Protect from Wind and Heavy Rain
Spring winds and sudden downpours can be brutal on young plants. Lightweight covers reduce soil erosion, shield sprouts from windburn, and mitigate damage from cold rain or hail.
4. Block Pests Early
Don't let cool weather fool you—early-season pests like flea beetles and aphids are often already active. Row covers serve as a gentle barrier, preventing damage without needing chemicals.
In short, frost-tolerant seeds give you a head start on the season, but row covers make sure that head start pays off. Think of them not as a crutch, but as a smart gardener’s insurance policy—especially when you’ve invested in top-quality seeds from Park Seed.
What is Frost Seeding—And How Is It Different from Early Sowing?
Frost seeding is a clever, low-intervention planting technique that leverages the natural rhythm of the season. Instead of waiting for soil to be fully workable, gardeners broadcast seeds during freezing temperatures—typically in late winter or very early spring, when the ground still experiences daily freeze-thaw cycles. As the surface freezes overnight and thaws during the day, the expanding and contracting soil effectively “pulls” the seeds into tiny crevices. Over time, this natural action helps secure the seeds in place without disturbing the soil or needing machinery.
It’s especially popular among food plotters, pasture managers, and anyone working with ground that’s too wet, uneven, or remote for traditional tools. It’s also ideal for rejuvenating perennial plots—like clover or grass pastures—where minimal disturbance is key to protecting root systems while introducing new growth.
So how does frost seeding differ from early spring sowing?
While both methods target cool-season crops, early sowing generally happens after the soil is thawed and deemed "workable." That means you can till, dig rows, and manage the soil bed for precise planting. Frost seeding, on the other hand, happens before the thaw—when the surface may still be crusty or snow-dusted. It’s more passive, relying on nature’s rhythms rather than garden tools to tuck seeds into place.
The key differences lie in:
Timing: Frost seeding is done during freezing temps; early sowing waits for thawed, workable soil.
Technique: Frost seeding uses surface broadcasting and freeze-thaw cycles; early sowing involves physical planting into prepared beds.
Ideal Use Cases: Frost seeding is best for wild plots, meadows, or no-till areas. Early sowing is suited for raised beds, gardens, and row crops.
In short, frost seeding is nature-assisted planting. It's convenient and highly effective for certain seeds and conditions, making it a smart tool in the early spring gardener’s toolbox.
Park Seed Products Ideal for Frost Seeding
1. Clover Trio Cover Crop Seeds
This premium blend combines Crimson Clover, White Dutch Clover, and Medium Red Clover—each known for their cold tolerance and nitrogen-fixing abilities. The mix is designed to establish quickly and can withstand mowing, making it perfect for frost seeding in pastures or as a cover crop.
2. All Purpose Cover Crop Mix Seeds
A versatile mix that includes Crimson Clover, Frosty Berseem Clover, Yellow Mustard, and other hardy species. This blend is formulated to improve soil health, suppress weeds, and can be sown during late winter for effective frost seeding.
3. Alternative Lawn Seed Mix
For those looking to establish a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn, this mix includes Creeping Clover, Sweet Alyssum, and other ground covers. Suitable for frost seeding, it provides a colorful and pollinator-friendly alternative to traditional grass lawns.
4. Cool Season Flowers
Park Seed offers a variety of cool-season flower seeds such as Pansies, Snapdragons, and Sweet Alyssum that can be sown early in the season. While not traditional candidates for frost seeding, these flowers are frost-tolerant and can be direct-sown in early spring for vibrant blooms.
While starting seeds too early is often considered a gardening mistake, when you choose your seeds and plan your timing carefully, you can start seeds in early. Reward yourself and your gardening enthusiasm by sowing early spring vegetables, flowers, herbs, and groundcovers. Find our expertly chosen selection of cold-hardy seeds at Park Seed to get started on your early spring garden.
