Early spring in the Midwest always brings a mix of excitement and impatience. After a long winter, gardeners are eager to dig into the soil and start planting. The challenge? Midwest spring weather can be unpredictable. Warm days can quickly turn into chilly nights, and a surprise frost is always possible.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait for perfect weather to get started. Many plants actually thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring. Knowing what can handle the cold—and what should wait—will help you get a head start while protecting your garden from setbacks.
What You Can Plant Now
Cold-Hardy Annuals
If you’re looking to add instant color to containers or garden beds, several annuals are tough enough to handle cool temperatures and light frosts.
Popular early-season options include:
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Pansies and violas
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Snapdragons
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Sweet alyssum
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Dianthus
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Dusty miller
These plants actually prefer cooler temperatures and will often perform better when planted early rather than waiting for the heat of late spring.
Tip: Plant them in containers near your entryway or patio for an early splash of color.
Perennials That Love Cool Weather
Spring is also a great time to plant many perennials. The cool soil and moderate temperatures help roots establish before summer heat arrives.
Early-season favorites include:
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Creeping phlox
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Hellebores
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Bleeding heart
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Coral bells
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Lungwort
Planting perennials early allows them to focus on building strong root systems, which helps them thrive later in the season.
Cool-Season Vegetables
Vegetable gardeners can also get a head start with crops that prefer cool weather.
Some of the easiest early vegetables to plant outdoors include:
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Lettuce
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Spinach
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Kale
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Radishes
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Peas
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Carrots
These crops germinate well in cool soil and often taste better when grown in spring temperatures.
What Should Wait Until Later
While it’s tempting to plant everything at once, some plants simply won’t tolerate cold nights. Hold off on planting these until the danger of frost has passed:
Warm-season annuals
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Petunias
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Impatiens
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Begonias
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Geraniums
Warm-season vegetables
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Tomatoes
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Peppers
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Cucumbers
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Squash
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Basil
These plants prefer warm soil and nighttime temperatures consistently above about 50°F. Planting too early can stunt their growth or cause damage from late frosts.
Keep an Eye on Overnight Temperatures
In the Midwest, spring planting success often comes down to watching the forecast. Even cold-tolerant plants may benefit from a little protection if temperatures dip unexpectedly.
A few simple precautions can help:
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Cover plants with frost cloth or an old sheet if temperatures drop below freezing
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Move containers closer to the house or garage on cold nights
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Wait to plant tender plants until nighttime temperatures stay consistently mild
Getting an early start in the garden is one of the best ways to shake off winter and enjoy the changing season. By choosing plants that thrive in cool weather and waiting just a bit longer for heat-loving varieties, you can build a garden that grows stronger as spring unfolds.
Stop in to explore our latest arrivals of cold-hardy annuals, early perennials, and cool-season vegetables. New plants are arriving every week, and our team is always happy to help you decide what’s ready to plant right now.