The Early Spring Regenerative Gardening Guide

For many gardeners, early spring still means snow-covered ground and frozen soil, especially in Vermont’s Zone 5a and 5b. But whether you're waiting for the thaw in a colder region, already seeing signs of spring in a milder climate, or planting your first crops in a warm zone, now is the perfect time to lay the foundation for a regenerative, thriving garden.

Regenerative gardening goes beyond growing food—it’s about restoring soil, strengthening ecosystems, and working in harmony with nature. Even if your garden beds are still buried under two feet of snow, there are plenty of ways to prepare, plan, and nurture your garden from the ground up.

Why Plan Now? A Thoughtful Start to the Growing Season

Many gardeners wait until the last frost to begin, but regenerative gardening starts long before the first planting. The choices we make now—which seeds to grow, how to nourish the soil, and how to design a pollinator-friendly garden—lay the foundation for a healthy, resilient ecosystem.

By planning ahead, you ensure a strong, sustainable garden while minimizing stress when planting time arrives.

What You Can Do Now (No Matter Your Growing Zone)

1. Start Seeds Indoors & Prepare for Transplanting

While outdoor planting is still weeks away in colder zones, March is the perfect time to start cool-season crops indoors or begin planting directly outside in warmer climates.

What to Start Now (By Zone):

• For colder climates (Zones 3-6, including Vermont’s Zone 5a & 5b): Start onions, leeks, brassicas (kale, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts), and herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano) indoors.
• For moderate climates (Zones 7-8): Begin hardening off seedlings, direct-sow cold-hardy greens like spinach and peas, and prep garden beds for early planting.
• For warm climates (Zones 9+): The growing season is already in full swing! Focus on succession planting and soil restoration techniques to maintain long-term fertility.

Regenerative Seed-Starting Tips:

• Choose organic, heirloom, and regionally adapted seeds to support biodiversity.
• Use peat-free seed-starting mix to avoid contributing to peatland destruction.
• Start seeds in biodegradable trays (coir pots, compostable materials) instead of plastic.
• Repurpose containers like egg cartons, yogurt cups, or DIY soil blocks to reduce waste.

2. Plan a No-Till, Pollinator-Friendly Garden

Traditional tilling disrupts soil microbes, depletes nutrients, and increases erosion. Instead, plan now for a no-till, low-maintenance garden that works with natural systems.

For Colder Climates (Zones 3-6, still under snow):

• Sketch your garden layout now so you’re ready when the ground thaws.
• Gather organic materials like compost, aged manure, and mulch to enrich the soil before planting.
• Plan companion plantings to improve soil health and naturally deter pests (e.g., basil with tomatoes, marigolds with beans).
• Research native flowers that attract pollinators and order seeds now.
  

For Milder Climates (Zones 7-9, where the ground is workable):

• Layer compost and mulch over garden beds to prepare the soil naturally.
  
• Direct-sow early crops like peas, radishes, and lettuce for a strong start.
• Incorporate perennial plants like asparagus and berries for long-term resilience.
  

Regardless of climate, designing a pollinator-friendly garden ensures that bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects have habitat waiting for them when spring arrives.

3. Start Composting (Even Indoors!)

Since the ground is frozen in many regions, you may think composting has to wait—but there are ways to build soil nutrients indoors while waiting for spring.

Composting Tips for Different Climates:

• For cold regions (Zones 3-6, where compost piles are frozen): Start an indoor worm bin (vermicomposting) to create nutrient-rich worm castings.
  
• For moderate climates (Zones 7-8, where composting is possible but slow):
• Layer food scraps with leaves and mulch to keep decomposition active.
  
• For warm regions (Zones 9+): Composting is in full swing! Consider adding biochar or wood chips to retain moisture and balance nutrients.
  

Saving compostable materials now ensures rich organic matter will be ready for your garden when the snow melts.

4. Connect with Local Growers & Regenerative Gardening Resources

This is the perfect time to connect with your local farming and gardening community to source seeds, compost, and knowledge.

• Find a local seed swap or order seeds from regional growers who specialize in climate-adapted varieties.
  
• Locate an organic compost supplier before the spring rush.
  
• Join a regenerative gardening workshop or online forum to learn new techniques.
  

Building community connections now ensures a smoother transition once spring arrives.

5. Plan for Water Conservation & Soil Enrichment

Regenerative gardening is about working with natural cycles. Now is the time to think about how to use water wisely and enrich the soil before planting.

Water-Wise Strategies for Different Climates:

• For areas with heavy spring rains (Zones 3-6): Set up rain barrels to capture and store water for drier months.
  
• For regions with mild rainfall (Zones 7-8): Plan for drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize water waste.
  
• For drought-prone areas (Zones 9+): Use deep mulch and plant drought-tolerant perennials to conserve moisture.
  

By planning for water efficiency now, you ensure a resilient, self-sustaining garden later.

A Slow Start to a Thriving Season

Wherever you are in the country—whether you're waiting for snow to melt or already planting your first crops—this is a time of transition. The choices we make now, from seed selection to soil-building, set the foundation for a thriving, regenerative garden in the seasons ahead.

🌱 What’s one thing you can do today to prepare for a regenerative growing season? Let’s grow with intention, together.

Bonus: March Gardening To-Do List (By Climate Zone)

• For Cold Regions (Zones 3-6): Start cool-weather seeds indoors, freeze compost scraps, and plan a no-till garden.
  
• For Moderate Regions (Zones 7-8): Begin hardening off seedlings, direct-sow peas and greens, and prep soil with mulch and compost.
  
• For Warm Regions (Zones 9+): Focus on succession planting, water conservation, and soil-building techniques.