Late April & Early May in Minnesota
There’s nothing quite like getting your hands in the soil on a crisp spring morning. As the ground warms and frost fades away, late April into early May is the perfect window to sow cold-tolerant seeds directly into your garden beds.
These hardy crops thrive in cooler temps and will reward your early start with fresh spring harvests. Here’s what to plant now:
- Carrots: Thinly sow seeds in loose, well-drained soil. Keep soil consistently moist for best germination.
- Spinach: One of the earliest greens to go in the ground. Spinach loves chilly weather—plant in full sun to partial shade.
- Lettuce: Opt for a mix of varieties for color and texture. Lettuce seeds need light to germinate, so barely cover with soil.
- Beets: These sweet root veggies also provide beautiful edible greens. Soak seeds overnight before sowing to improve germination.
- Broccoli & Cabbage: Both do well started from seed outdoors this time of year. Make sure they have full sun and consistent moisture.
- Turnips: Fast-growing and easy to care for. You can harvest baby turnips in as little as 5 weeks.
- Swiss Chard: Bright, colorful stems make this a beauty in your beds and a star in the kitchen.
- Radish: The ultimate quick-win crop. Perfect for kids or first-time gardeners—most are ready in just 30 days!
- Snap Peas: Give them a trellis or fence to climb and you’ll be rewarded with crisp, sweet pods.
Gardener’s Tip: Most of these crops prefer soil temperatures between 45–65°F and will germinate even with the occasional spring chill. Be sure to keep the soil moist (but not soggy) while seeds sprout!
Ready to grow something delicious? Stop by Sunnyside Gardens for seeds, tools, and advice from our expert team—we’ll help you get growing!
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