Hello, neighbors! Spring is finally settling in, and it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get planting. This time of year is full of energy, anticipation, and just a little impatience—especially when it comes to summer favorites like tomatoes and peppers. But right now, we’re in the sweet spot for cool-weather crops, early flowers, and prepping for an abundant season ahead.
🧊 Last Frost Date & Spring Conditions
In our area of northern Fairfield County, the average last frost date typically falls between May 1st and May 10th. With a cooler and wetter start to spring than recent years, soil temperatures have taken their time warming up—but that’s okay! Cooler conditions are actually ideal for many spring veggies.
💡 Pro tip: Always check the soil, not just the air. Most crops germinate and grow better when soil temps are aligned with their preferences.
🥕 Direct Seeding: Now’s the Time
Right now is prime time for direct seeding many cool-season vegetables:
Carrots – Thrive in loose, well-drained soil
Lettuce – Loves the chill; ideal for succession planting every 10–14 days
Radishes – Fast-growing and satisfying; harvest in as little as 3 weeks
For more planting tips, visit this great resource from UConn:
🔗 Vegetable Garden Basics & Plant Selections – UConn Extension
🥔 Seed Potatoes: Still Not Too Late!
Potatoes are a forgiving and fun spring crop—and it’s not too late to plant them. Choose certified seed potatoes and plant in loose, well-draining soil with good sun exposure. Mound soil around stems as they grow to encourage tuber production.
🌿 Transplants: Be Patient with Summer Crops
We know it’s tempting to plant tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers early, but the soil still needs more time to warm. These crops thrive in soil temps of 60°F and up, and nights consistently above 50°F.
Until then, consider transplanting:
Kale & collards – Hardy and ideal for early spring
Lettuces, Swiss chard, Asian greens – Great for raised beds and containers
Support your local growers by visiting spring plant sales from some of our favorite farm partners:
🌸 Companion Flowers: Beauty & Benefits
Flowers aren’t just for looks—they help your veggies, too! Here’s a quick guide:
| Flower | Benefits | When to Plant |
| Marigolds | Repel nematodes, attract bees | Direct sow now or transplant |
| Nasturtiums | Trap aphids, edible flowers | Sow after last frost (mid-May) |
| Zinnias | Attract pollinators, great cut flowers | Sow or transplant after mid-May |
| Calendula | Pollinator magnet, medicinal uses | Can be direct sown now in cool soil |
Tuck these flowers between beds or along the edges of your veggie rows—they look great and do a lot of behind-the-scenes work.
🌡️ Soil Temperature Snapshot
Cool-weather crops: 40–75°F (lettuce, peas, carrots, kale)
Warm-weather crops: 60–85°F (tomatoes, peppers, beans, cucumbers)
Tip: A basic soil thermometer is one of the best $10 garden tools you can buy.
🌼 Wrapping Up
We’re in a golden window right now—perfect for cool-season sowing and getting your early greens and roots off to a solid start. It’s a bit too early for most summer crops, but not for planning ahead, prepping beds, and grabbing healthy starts from your local farm friends.
Remember: gardening is a marathon, not a sprint. Start strong, pace yourself, and enjoy every step of the season!
Happy planting! 🌿
—The Team at Real Food CT
