What to Plant This Spring: A Guide for the Pacific Northwest
Spring is an exciting time for gardeners in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to the region's mild temperatures and abundant rainfall. This is an ideal time to plant a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs that will thrive in the cooler, wetter conditions. Here's a comprehensive guide on what to plant this spring to make your garden vibrant and productive:
Vegetables
Peas - Start peas as soon as the soil can be worked for a sweet, early harvest.
Lettuce - Plant lettuce early in the spring. It thrives in cooler weather and can be harvested within weeks.
Spinach - Another cool-weather favorite, spinach can be started early and will quickly yield leaves for fresh salads.
Radishes - Fast-growing radishes are ideal for spring planting, offering a quick reward for your efforts.
Broccoli - Start broccoli indoors or in a greenhouse and transplant when the seedlings are robust enough to handle cooler outdoor temperatures.
Carrots - Sow carrots directly into the soil in early spring. They take a while to germinate but are worth the wait.
Potatoes - Plant seed potatoes once the danger of frost has passed, typically in mid-spring.
Herbs
Parsley - As a slow starter, parsley planted in spring will continue to produce throughout the growing season.
Cilantro - Ideal for cooler spring weather, cilantro sown directly into the garden will produce until it bolts in the heat of summer.
Chives - Hardy chives can be started early in the spring and will keep producing well into fall.
Dill - Plant dill directly into the garden in early spring. It pairs well with spring vegetable harvests.
Flowers
Pansies and Violas - These hardy flowers can withstand chilly spring nights and will add color to your garden early in the season.
Primroses - Known for their ability to thrive in cool, damp environments, making them perfect for spring in the Pacific Northwest.
Tulips and Daffodils - If you planted bulbs in the fall, you'll see these flowers emerge in early spring. If not, consider purchasing potted bulbs to transplant for instant color.
Sweet Peas - Plant sweet peas early for fragrant blooms that climb and beautify fences and trellises.
Trees and Shrubs
Fruit Trees such as apple, cherry, and pear - Early spring is the best time to plant bare-root trees, just before they break dormancy.
Berry Bushes like blueberries and raspberries - Plant early in the spring to establish them before the heat of summer arrives.
Planting Tips
Prepare the Soil: Spring is a wet season in the Pacific Northwest, so ensure your garden has good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Amend the soil with compost to improve its structure and fertility.
Protect from Frost: While spring temperatures are mild, late frosts can occur. Be prepared to cover tender plants with frost cloth.
Succession Planting: To extend your harvest, use succession planting for crops like lettuce and radishes by planting seeds at intervals throughout early spring.
Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around new plantings to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Spring gardening in the Pacific Northwest can be particularly rewarding. With the right plant choices and a bit of preparation, you can enjoy a lush, productive garden that lasts well into the summer and beyond.
