Late spring is one of my favorite times to get planting—the soil’s warmed up, the sun’s out longer, and the garden just feels full of promise.
If you’re itching to grow something tasty, now’s the perfect moment to fill your beds with veggies that thrive in this in-between season. I’ve rounded up 15 of the best ones that do great right now and give you something delicious to look forward to.
Some are speedy growers, others stick around a bit longer, but all of them are worth the space. Let’s get those hands dirty and make the most of this gorgeous growing window!
1. Tomatoes
Who doesn’t love the juicy, tangy bite of a fresh tomato? Tomatoes, often the darling of the garden, are perfect for late spring planting! The warmth of the soil will coax them into growing strong and plentiful. Make sure they bask in the sun for at least 6-8 hours a day, and they’ll reward you with a vibrant red harvest.
For growing tips, don’t forget to stake those plants early to prevent them from sprawling out. Pinch off the “suckers” – those small shoots between leaves – to encourage more fruitful growth. Your garden will soon be a tomato paradise!
2. Zucchini
Want a veggie that grows faster than a speeding train? Zucchini is your answer! Known for its prolific production, a single plant can yield an abundance of squash. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil to keep them happy and healthy.
Keep an eye on their growth; zucchinis can turn from baby-sized to baseball bat overnight! Harvest them when they’re tender and about 6 inches long for the best flavor. Your garden will be the talk of the neighborhood with these green wonders!
3. Bell Peppers
Craving a splash of color in your garden? Bell peppers are the answer, with hues as vivid as a rainbow. They’re the sweet treat of the veggie world, perfect for salads, stir-fries, and snacking. Plant them in a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil and watch them thrive.
Keep them well-watered and supported with stakes to prevent toppling. Picking them at the right time ensures the sweetest flavor, so patience is key. Bell peppers will surely brighten up your garden and your meals!
4. Cucumbers
Is there anything more refreshing than a crisp cucumber on a warm day? Cucumbers are the ultimate cool veggie, perfect for salads and pickling. They love to climb, so provide them with a trellis to stretch out upon.
Ensure they have ample sunshine and consistent moisture to prevent bitterness. Harvest when they’re firm and green, not yellowing. These cool cucumbers will make your garden the freshest spot in town!
5. Carrots
Rooting for a sweet addition to your garden? Carrots, with their vibrant orange glow, are a must-plant in late spring. They thrive in loose, sandy soil that allows them to grow long and straight.
Keep their soil consistently moist for the best results, and thin seedlings to prevent overcrowding. The sweet crunch of home-grown carrots will be a reward worth the effort!
6. Lettuce
Craving a garden-fresh salad? Lettuce is your leafy go-to for late spring planting, offering an array of textures and flavors. With plenty of sunlight and consistent watering, lettuce leaves will sprout rapidly.
To keep the harvest going, practice cut-and-come-again harvesting. This way, you’ll enjoy fresh salads all season long. Lettuce make your garden the greenest in the block!
7. Spinach
Looking to bulk up your greens? Spinach, the iron-rich powerhouse, is perfect for your late spring garden. Its tender leaves are deliciously nutritious, making it a favorite in smoothies and salads.
Keep spinach cool with partial shade and regular watering to prevent bolting. Harvest the outer leaves as needed, and it will keep providing fresh greens. Spinach will surely be your garden’s green giant!
8. Radishes
Need a quick-growing veggie for instant gratification? Radishes are your speedy solution, ready to harvest in just a few weeks! These root veggies love the cooler late spring temperatures, thriving in almost any soil.
Keep them well-watered and spaced to avoid splitting. Pull them when they’re young and crisp for the best flavor. Radishes will add a spicy crunch to your gardening adventure!
9. Beets
Got a beet for bold colors and flavors? Beets, with their deep red hue and earthy taste, are a garden must-have. They thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Water consistently, and you’ll see those leafy tops and vibrant roots flourish. Harvest them when they’re about the size of a golf ball for the best texture and taste. Beets will bring a touch of the extraordinary to your garden!
10. Green Beans
On the hunt for a veggie that’s both vertical and versatile? Green beans are your climbing champs, perfect for adding height and flavor to your garden. They thrive in sunny spots with well-drained soil and need regular watering.
Support their climb with a sturdy trellis and watch them reach for the sky. Harvest when the pods are firm, before seeds swell, for the perfect crunch. Green beans will bring a vertical vibe to your garden space!
11. Eggplants
In the mood for something exotic? Eggplants, with their glossy purple sheen, are the garden’s exotic jewels. They love the warm soil of late spring and will thrive with plenty of sunlight.
Provide them with consistent watering and rich soil to keep them flourishing. Harvest when they’re shiny and firm for the best flavor. Eggplants will add a touch of the exotic to your garden menu!
12. Peas
Peas for the sweet, crunchy taste of spring! They’re perfect for snacking right off the vine or adding sweetness to your dishes. These climbers love the cooler temperatures of late spring, thriving with a little support to grow upwards.
Keep the soil well-drained and water regularly to keep them happy. Harvest peas when the pods look full for a sweet crunch. Peas will make your garden a sweet spot this season!
13. Kale
Craving a superfood that packs a punch? Kale, with its robust and crinkly leaves, is your garden’s answer to nutrition. It thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys a sunny spot, but can tolerate some shade.
Pick the outer leaves as they mature to keep the plant producing. Kale will add a hearty, healthy vibe to your garden and your plate!
14. Cabbage
Looking to add some layers to your garden? Cabbage, with its compact and leafy structure, is a versatile choice for late spring planting. It thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and enjoys plenty of sunlight.
Keep it well-watered and protect from pests to ensure robust growth. Harvest when the heads are firm for the best taste. Cabbage will add a touch of crunch to your gardening success!
15. Swiss Chard
Fancy a veggie with a pop of color? Swiss chard, with its vibrant stems and lush leaves, is the garden’s rainbow. It thrives in sunny spots with rich soil and regular watering.
Harvest the outer leaves as needed to keep the plant producing. Swiss chard will bring brightness and nutrition to your garden palette!