Starting your garden indoors before spring is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, and it can be a lot of fun too!
Here are seven plants I have compiled that are perfect for starting indoors, along with some handy tips for each to help ensure a successful harvest when moving them outside.
1). Tropical Foliage for Exotic Vibes

Bringing a touch of the tropics into your home can transform your space into a vibrant sanctuary. The image showcases a variety of tropical plants that add lush greenery and exotic vibes to any indoor environment. From tall, dramatic leaves to smaller, delicate varieties, these plants can create a dynamic display.
When selecting plants to start indoors before spring, consider species like the Bird of Paradise, Monstera, or Calathea. These plants not only look stunning, but they can also improve air quality in your home. Setting them up on shelves or in corners can create a natural focal point.
To ensure your tropical plants thrive, make sure to provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Regular misting can help maintain humidity, which is especially beneficial for these jungle favorites. Don’t forget to rotate the pots occasionally for even growth!
2). Fragrant Indoor Citrus Trees

Fragrant indoor citrus trees bring a burst of color and scent to your home. The image shows a small citrus tree with vibrant oranges hanging from its branches. These cheerful fruits not only look good but also add a fresh aroma to any space.
Starting citrus trees indoors is a fun way to get a head start on spring gardening. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight, making them perfect for sunny windowsills. Plus, they are relatively easy to care for, which is a bonus for beginner gardeners.
To get started with your own indoor citrus tree, choose a pot with good drainage. Citrus trees need well-draining soil; a mix designed for cacti or succulents works well. Water your tree when the top inch of soil feels dry. This will encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
Another tip is to fertilize your citrus tree every few months with a balanced fertilizer. This gives it the nutrients it needs to flourish. Regular pruning will also help maintain a healthy shape and encourage more fruit.
3). Indoor Vegetable Starts for Spring

The image shows two small pots with young plants on a clean countertop. On the left, a sprouting plant is reaching upwards, its delicate leaves unfurling. To the right, a more established plant is bearing green peppers, showcasing the fruits of early effort. This scene perfectly illustrates one of the 7 Plants to Start Indoors Before Spring.
Starting vegetables indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season. By planting seeds for peppers and tomatoes indoors, you can enjoy homegrown produce much earlier than if you waited to plant outside. Plus, it’s a fun and rewarding activity!
To get started, choose a sunny window or invest in grow lights to provide the necessary light. Use high-quality seed-starting mix and small containers with drainage holes. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Once the seedlings get a couple of sets of true leaves, it’s time to think about transplanting them into larger pots or outdoors when the weather warms up.
Remember, patience is key! Your efforts will pay off when you see those vibrant plants growing strong. With these tips, you can easily get your indoor vegetable starts ready for a bountiful spring harvest.
4). Herbs for Culinary Delights

When it comes to growing herbs indoors, you’re in for a treat! Having fresh herbs at your fingertips can elevate your cooking and make every meal more enjoyable.
The image here showcases a vibrant collection of herbs on a windowsill, soaking in that glorious sunlight.
This setup not only looks beautiful but also serves a practical purpose in your kitchen.
Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, parsley, and rosemary. Basil thrives in warm conditions and enjoys plenty of sunlight, so place it near a window.
Parsley is a great choice for beginners and can grow in various light conditions. Rosemary, with its robust flavor, prefers slightly drier soil.
As you nurture these plants, remember to keep a close eye on their watering needs. Herbs like to be moist but not soggy. A simple tip is to touch the soil; if it feels dry an inch down, it’s time to water. These small steps will ensure your indoor garden flourishes.
Incorporating these plants into your cooking is a breeze. For instance, use fresh basil in your pasta sauce or sprinkle parsley over your favorite dish for that extra pop of flavor. Starting your indoor herb garden is one of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of gardening while waiting for spring. So why not give it a shot?
5). Nutrient-Rich Leafy Greens

Nutrient-rich leafy greens are a fantastic choice to start indoors as spring approaches. The image showcases a vibrant display of various greens, including kale, spinach, and microgreens. These plants not only look great but also pack a ton of vitamins and minerals.
Growing them indoors is easy and rewarding. They thrive in small spaces and only need a bit of light. Using a simple container, like the one in the image, can help keep your greens organized. Make sure your chosen pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Consider using a quality potting mix to give your greens a head start.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Placing your plants near a sunny window will help them grow strong and healthy. If sunlight is limited, using a grow light can be beneficial.
Harvesting leafy greens is simple. You can start snipping the outer leaves once they reach a good size.
This encourages more growth, so you can enjoy fresh greens for weeks.
Starting these nutrient-rich plants indoors is a fun way to prepare for the warmer months ahead!
6). Vibrant Flowering Houseplants

When thinking of plants to start indoors before spring, vibrant flowering houseplants really shine. They not only brighten up your space but also bring life and color during those gray winter months. In the image, you can spot a collection of beautiful plants that are perfect for bringing warmth into your home.
Look closely at the stunning pink flowers nestled among lush green leaves. These plants can be great conversation starters, making them ideal for any living space. Choosing vibrant varieties can really uplift your mood and make your indoor environment more inviting.
To get the most out of your flowering houseplants, consider their light and watering needs carefully. Most vibrant varieties prefer bright, indirect light, so setting them near a window can work wonders. Water them regularly, but ensure they have proper drainage to avoid root rot.
Grouping plants together, like in the image, can create a lovely display and increase humidity, which many flowering plants appreciate. Experiment with different colors and textures to find the perfect combination that suits your style. Starting with these plants is a fantastic way to ease into the gardening experience.
7). Succulents for Easy Care

Succulents are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to start planting indoors before spring. This image beautifully showcases a variety of succulents, each in its own unique pot. The different shapes and colors add a fun touch to any space, making them perfect for beginners.
These plants thrive on minimal water and can adapt well to various lighting conditions. If you’re new to gardening, succulents will help you ease into the process without overwhelming you.
For best results, choose pots with drainage holes. This helps prevent overwatering, which is a common mistake with succulents. Use a cactus mix potting soil for optimal growth; it allows proper drainage while providing essential nutrients.
Place your succulents in a spot where they can soak up plenty of sunlight, ideally near a window. Rotate the pots every few weeks to ensure even growth. Checking the soil moisture is easy; just poke your finger into the soil. If it feels dry, it’s time to water!