Don't Wait for May: 3 Crops You Can Plant Before the Last Frost

December 15, 2025

The hardest part of gardening is the waiting.

You have your seed packets ready. You have your garden map drawn. But the calendar says you have to wait until May to plant your tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. If you plant them now, the frost will kill them instantly.

But did you know there is a whole category of vegetables that actually hate the summer heat?

These are the "Frost Defiers." They don't just survive the cold; they thrive in it. In fact, many of them taste sweeter when the temperatures drop.

If you are itching to get your hands in the dirt, here are 3 crops you can plant weeks (or even months) before your neighbors even think about gardening.

1. Peas: The First Sign of Life

When to Plant: As soon as the soil thaws enough to dig a hole (usually 4-6 weeks before the last frost).
Why They Love Cold: Peas planted in the cool spring air are crisp and sweet. If you wait until summer, the heat turns them starchy and bitter.
The "Snow" Trick: Old-timers say you can plant peas even if there is still a little snow in the corners of the garden. As long as the ground isn't a frozen brick, get them in!
Top Pick: Sugar Snap Peas for snacking right off the vine.

2. Radishes: The Speed Demons

When to Plant: 3-4 weeks before the last frost.
Why They Love Cold: Radishes grow incredibly fast—some are ready to eat in just 25 days. They crave cool soil. Heat makes them turn woody and overly spicy.
The Strategy: Because they grow so fast, plant a short row every week. This way, you have a continuous harvest all spring long.
Top Pick: Cherry Belle or the stunning French Breakfast.

3. Spinach: The Survivor

When to Plant: 6 weeks before the last frost (or even in late winter under a cover).
Why They Love Cold: Spinach is built for freezing temperatures. When the frost hits a spinach leaf, the plant produces natural sugars to protect itself from freezing. This acts like natural antifreeze—and makes the leaves taste incredibly sweet.
The Warning: As soon as the days get long and hot in June, spinach will "bolt" (go to seed) and turn bitter. You must grow this early!
Top Pick: Bloomsdale Long Standing (the classic crinkly leaf variety).

The Verdict?

Stop staring at the calendar waiting for Tomato Season. The garden is open for business much earlier than you think.

If you stock up on these cool-weather seeds now, you’ll be harvesting fresh salads while everyone else is still buying their potting soil.

Get the early start: Shop our Cool Season Collection and be the first gardener on the block with a harvest.