Peas

• Peas are a cool-weather crop, which means they are planted in early spring so the bulk of the growth cycle occurs before the hottest part of the summer. Plant peas once the soil warms to a minimum of 45 degrees. Soil temperature is measured about 1 inch below the surface. The ground should be dry enough to be worked with garden tools without the soil sticking to the tools.
  
  

Frost-Tolerant Vegetables

• Plant crops like lettuce, cabbage and onions -- all crops that can withstand a light spring -- about the same time as the peas. Onions are often planted as sets, while lettuce is seeded directly into the ground and cabbage often transplanted as young plants started in the greenhouse.
  
  

Other Vegetables

• Many vegetables are planted after the last possible frost date has passed. The average date of the last possible frost is available from local garden clubs or county extension offices. Monitor the local weather forecasts at that time to determine any weather trends that may make the frost this year earlier or later than average. Even armed with this information, it is still a bit of a guess; you may have to cover plants with tarps or plastic if an unforeseen late frost occurs.
  
  

Transplants

• Gardeners with a greenhouse, cold frame or indoor space near a window can plant seeds to transplant as plants into the garden later in the spring. Plant cabbage, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower and broccoli about six weeks prior to the last frost date. This allows the plant to reach a healthy stage of growth at about the proper time to transplant to the garden. Avoid starting indoor seeds too early, as the plants become "leggy" with stems that are too long with too few leaves.