The Best Veggies To Grow in Spring/Summer

Photo of Kassandra Smith

Kassandra Smith

Senior Editor • Backyard Chicken Coops

Last Updated: 14 September 2014

Avid gardeners absolutely cannot wait to get their hands dirty as soon as spring rolls around. Why? Because it’s perfect for growing delicious vegetables!

Here are some plants that will thrive in your garden.

Lettuce

lettuce is great to grow in spring and summer

Who doesn’t love some crisp lettuce in their summer salads? Lettuce thrives in spring, when the temperature is not too hot, and not too cold.

Tips for growing:

  • Grows best in well-drained soil that’s moist but not too saturated with water.

  • For leaf lettuce, plant seeds 4 inches apart. For cos and loose headed, plant 8 inches apart.

Spinach

spinach is great to grow in spring and summer

Spinach is another very versatile leafy green - use it in a salad, mix it into your favourite pasta, even blend it up into a green smoothie! You’ll never run out of uses for spinach- which is why it’s such a great addition to any green thumb’s garden.

Tips for growing:

  • Spinach thrives in moist, nitrogen rich soil.

  • Plant the seeds in the shade of other tall crops - so they aren’t in the full view of the suns rays.

  • Sow ½ inch deep, 2 inches apart

Broccoli

broccoli is great to grow in spring and summer

Ah broccoli - what a divisive vegetable. No matter what your taste buds may think of broccoli, one things for sure - it thrives in spring!

Tips for growing:

  • Grow in fertile, well-drained soil - loose and mixed with a bit of compost.

  • Water the soil and plant beds before putting the seedlings in, and spread them apart about 18-20 inches.

Carrots

carrot is great to grow in spring and summer

Carrots are definitely another humble vegetable that can be incredibly versatile - you can use it in cakes, stir fries, soups, or just as is with a few yummy dips!

Tips for growing:

  • Carrots need to be planted in full sun to grow

  • Grow in stone-free soil

  • Plant 3-4 inches apart

Eggplant

eggplant is great to grow in spring and summer

If you’re looking for something a little more exotic to grow in the backyard, why not grow some eggplant! Eggplant is a wonderful vegetable that can be included into your curries and stir fries, or just fried off and eaten by itself! Eggplant chips are actually a thing these days.

Tips for growing:

  • Cover seeds lightly with soil

  • Loosen the soil and mix with some compost and fertilizer.

  • Place the plants 24 inches apart

Gardening doesn’t just have to be for people - why not plant a few goodies for your chickens as well! There are some veggies that chickens absolutely love to peck at - plus, it’s great for their health. What better excuse is there to do a little extra planting!

Sources and further reading