Step Into Spring With Martha's Best Garden-to-Table Recipes

When the weather warms up, trees start blossoming, and green shoots sprout from the ground, we all know spring is right around the corner. For many of us, spring means a chance to get back outside and in the garden to plant crops our families will enjoy all summer. Even without a garden, farmers markets return and offer a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, and more, just waiting to get tossed in a salad or served on a platter al fresco.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener known for putting your produce to good use in the kitchen or you're just getting started, we've collected all of the container gardening inspiration, delicious recipes featuring the freshest produce of the season, and Martha's best tips to guide you through the season. For even more ideas, check out decorvow Fresh, a special print issue celebrating spring and summer produce and recipes—on newsstands now.

Garden Fresh

You don't need to wait for perfect weather to get your garden growing! There are plenty of cold-hardy vegetables to plant early in the season to get a head start on the growing season.

Lettuce is a popular, fast-growing spring crop that's easy to grow indoors or outside that's so much better than store-bought varieties. (Just make sure to harvest it the right way so it keeps producing all season.)

The humble carrot is an incredible vegetable to add to your garden. It's easy to grow, quick to mature, and can withstand the cooler weather of early spring. They're versatile in all kinds of recipes. Toss them in a salad, bake them into muffins, spiralize for pasta, pickle them for a crunchy sandwich topping, or roast for a simple side.

Less heat-tolerant herbs like cilantro, dill, and chives can be grown in spring and will liven up any dish. Strawberries will also start to come in season—plant them in the fall for a spring harvest every year, then toss them in all your favorite strawberry recipes.

Market Fresh

After a winter filled with root vegetables, it's so exciting to see spring produce start to pop up at the local markets. First comes the initial tastes of spring with ramps and fiddlehead ferns. Then, as the weeks go on, markets explode with the pinks and greens of peas, leeks, asparagus, radishes, and rhubarb. There are so many creative ways to enjoy the fruits of the season, from soups to pastas and even desserts. Get some inspiration for your spring market haul below.

Oven Fresh

While we might neglect our ovens more in the summer in favor of the grill or no-cook meals, it can still be the perfect vessel for a classic pizza. If you've never made homemade pizzas before, now is the time to start. It's a great way to get everyone involved in preparing dinner, and it lets fresh ingredients shine. Pick either our classic pizza dough or deep-dish dough, whip up our no-cook pizza sauce, gather your favorite toppings, and get tossing.

Our favorite pizza recipes:

• Classic margherita pizza
• Grilled vegetable pizza
• Sausage, mushroom, and pickled pepper pizza
• Lemon and Italian cheese pizza

Fresh Fêtes

The hosting possibilities are endless in the spring and summer, and it's hard to beat dining al fresco. It's less work for the host (the flowers and trees are the only décor you need), and everyone seems more relaxed than at a formal dinner indoors. Utilize the freshest ingredients, keep the menu simple, and whip up a big-batch cocktail for ease.

Whether you go for a spring brunch or host a backyard bash, these recipes and ideas will make every experience memorable.