12 fast growing spring veggies you can start in cardboard egg cartons to guarantee an early spring harvest.

Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that loves the cool temperatures of spring. Sow a couple of seeds in each egg carton cell and keep the soil consistently moist.

Spinach seedlings will be ready to transplant outdoors in about four to six weeks. Because spinach can withstand light frosts, you can plant them outside earlier in the season, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh greens for your salads and smoothies.

6. Arugula: Peppery Baby Greens That Thrive In Cool Weather

Arugula is a flavorful green that adds a peppery kick to salads and dishes. It’s well-suited for early spring planting in egg cartons, as it germinates quickly and grows well in cooler temperatures.

Plant a few seeds in each compartment, and you’ll see sprouts in just a few days. Once the seedlings have a couple of true leaves, they can be transplanted into the garden. Arugula can be harvested as baby greens or allowed to mature for a more robust flavor.

7. Green Onions And Chives: Slim Space-Savers For Big Flavor

Green onions and chives are space-efficient crops that pack a lot of flavor into small spaces. These alliums can be started in egg cartons, with one or two seeds per compartment.

They germinate quickly and can be transplanted as soon as the weather permits. Green onions and chives can be continuously harvested by snipping off the tops, allowing them to regrow for multiple harvests throughout the season.

8. Peas: Sweet Spring Climbers You Can Transplant With Ease

Peas are a delightful addition to any spring garden, and starting them in egg cartons can give them a head start. Plant one seed per compartment, as peas have deep roots and need space to grow.

Once the seedlings are a few inches tall and the risk of frost has passed, you can transplant them outdoors. Provide a trellis or support for the peas to climb, and you’ll soon enjoy sweet, crunchy pods.

9. Kale: Tough Baby Leaves That Laugh At Late Frosts

Kale is a resilient leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal candidate for early spring planting. Plant two to three seeds per egg carton cell, as kale can be thinned later.

These seedlings can withstand light frosts, allowing you to transplant them outdoors earlier in the season. Kale leaves can be harvested as tender baby greens or allowed to mature for a more robust flavor.

10. Bok Choy And Asian Greens: Tender, Fast-Growing Stir-Fry Stars

Bok choy and other Asian greens are fast-growing vegetables that are perfect for stir-fries and salads. Sow a few seeds per egg carton compartment, keeping the soil moist and warm.

These greens prefer cooler temperatures and can be transplanted outdoors once they have a few true leaves. With regular watering and care, you’ll enjoy a continuous supply of tender, flavorful leaves.

11. Beets: Dual-Purpose Roots And Greens From Tiny Cells

Beets are versatile vegetables that provide both nutritious greens and sweet roots. Plant one or two seeds per egg carton cell, as beet seedlings can be easily thinned.

Beets prefer cool weather, so starting them in egg cartons early in the season can give you a head start. Once the seedlings have established, transplant them into the garden, and you’ll soon enjoy both the greens and roots in your dishes.

12. Swiss Chard: Colorful, Continuous Harvest From Egg Carton Starts

Swiss chard is a vibrant, colorful green that offers a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. Plant a couple of seeds per egg compartment, ensuring the soil remains moist.

These hardy seedlings can be transplanted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. Swiss chard leaves can be harvested as needed, allowing the plant to continue producing new growth for a steady supply of nutritious greens.