First Plantings of Spring: What to Sow and Nurture Now

There’s a quiet joy in placing the first seedlings of the season into soil that’s been resting all winter. As the days begin to stretch and the light softens, something stirs, both in the garden and in us. A slow, steady awakening. The kind that doesn’t need hurrying. 

The early weeks of Spring bring cool mornings, with warmth building just beneath the surface. For home gardeners, this is a beautiful time to start preparing the garden for its more rewarding time of year, and to plant with intention as we ease into the change of season. 

Why Early Spring Planting Matters 

Planting now gives your garden the benefit of time. The mild days of early spring offer ideal conditions for seeds to germinate and seedlings to establish before the heat of summer arrives. Roots grow steadily, leaves unfold slowly, and young plants settle in without stress. 

Rather than rushing ahead or holding back, spring invites us to move in rhythm with the season. It’s a time for laying quiet foundations. When we respond to what the soil and weather are offering, we support stronger plants and a more resilient garden. 

What to Plant: Vegetables, Herbs, and Flowers 

Some plants are especially well-suited to early spring’s gentle conditions. They welcome cool mornings and soft sunlight, growing steadily as the days warm. 

Vegetables 

Lettuce, spinach, and rocket thrive in cooler soil. Sow small patches every few weeks to extend your harvest. 

Peas and broad beans grow well now and offer something many soils need after winter. They return nitrogen to the earth as they grow, gently replenishing fertility and setting the stage for what comes next. 

Carrots, beetroot, and radishes also do well now, making the most of moist, workable soil. 

Herbs 

Parsley, coriander, and chives are hardy and quick to grow. 

Basil can be planted too, especially in a sunny, sheltered spot. 

A few herbs by the kitchen door bring daily joy. Fresh flavour, bright leaves, and the small ritual of picking something you’ve grown. 

Flowers 

Marigolds help deter pests naturally while providing seasonal colour. 

Nasturtiums attract pollinators and offer edible blooms. 

Sunflowers provide food for bees now and birds later in the season. 

These flowers do more than decorate. They support balance in your garden, drawing in beneficial insects and adding vitality to every corner. 

💡Tip: Choose hardy varieties that can manage spring’s unpredictable moods, such as late cold snaps or early warm days. 

Preparing the Garden Gently 

After its winter rest, the soil doesn’t need to be turned over. It needs to be nourished. Lightly mix in compost or aged manure to feed the top layer, where most root activity occurs. Avoid digging where possible, which can disturb the structure and microbial life that support healthy plant growth. 

If you’re making your own compost, early spring is a good time to check what’s ready. The Carbon Garden Smart Composter turns food scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost with minimal effort, keeping valuable organic matter out of landfill and returning it to the earth where it belongs. 

Learn more about the Smart Composter. 

A layer of straw, leaf mulch or living groundcovers helps the soil retain warmth and moisture while protecting its surface. These gentle practices encourage a living, breathing garden from the ground up. 

A Slower, More Mindful Gardening Rhythm 

Spring is a beautiful time to reconnect with what’s growing around you. Plant in small batches rather than all at once. You’ll enjoy a longer harvest and have time to observe what’s working and adjust as needed. Spend a few quiet minutes in the garden each day. Notice the shifting light, the dampness of the soil, and the return of bees and birds. Feel the changes, even the small ones. 

You might like to take a weekly photo of the same garden bed or jot down a few notes in a journal. These simple records become maps of your growing season and gentle reminders of nature’s pace. 

Grow with The Carbon Garden 

If you're curious about gardening more regeneratively, The Carbon Garden offers a calm, seasonal routine that supports soil health and plant vitality. It includes a simple spray cycle using natural foliar blends, applied in rhythm with the season. 

The Carbon Garden Kit was created with its unique spray program in mind, a booklet included with the kit and easy to follow whether you're a first-time grower or a long-time gardener. More than a set of tools, it’s a way of tending with awareness, care, and trust in nature’s own systems. 

Beginning Small, Growing Steady 

Every thriving garden begins with a small, intentional step. A few seeds, a patch of soil, and the time to notice what’s quietly unfolding. Spring doesn’t ask us to rush. It asks us to return. To plant what excites us. To care for what’s already here. 

And if you’re seeking support along the way, The Carbon Garden offers natural tools, thoughtful guidance, and a slower rhythm for growing well.  

Let your garden grow as the season does. Quietly, gradually, and in its own time.