What Vegetables to Sow in May

As spring blooms into full swing and the threat of frost wanes, May marks an exciting time for gardeners in the UK to sow a bountiful array of vegetable seeds. With longer days and warmer temperatures ahead, May presents an optimal window for planting crops that thrive in the British climate. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best vegetable seeds to sow in May, offering insights into what varieties are well-suited for the UK’s unique growing conditions.

Tomatoes

May is the perfect time to sow tomato seeds indoors or in a greenhouse to give them a head start before transplanting them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed. These super fast growing plants will really take off at this time of year which is great news for those without and inside space necessary to start these tender plants earlier in the season. Why not try some new and exciting tomatoes this season with different flavour profiles and colours. Take a look at our tasting videos if you need some inspiration on flavour or browse our range to see which varieties you like the look of.

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Courgettes

Sow courgette seeds directly into warm, fertile soil in May for abundant harvests later in the season. These prolific plants thrive in the UK’s mild summers and produce an abundance of tender fruits perfect for grilling, roasting, or adding to summer salads.

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Beans

Whether you prefer dwarf beans or climbing varieties, May is an excellent time to sow seeds directly into well-drained soil in a sunny spot. Dwarf beans, runner beans, and French beans are all well-suited for UK gardens and offer a reliable harvest throughout the summer months.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are a staple of the British flower garden, but they are also a fabulously productive edible as well providing a multitude of seeds that can be sprouted as micro greens through winer. Giant sunflowers a such as Titan are always a crowd pleaser, especially with kids. Alternatively if you don’t have much space choose a dwarf variety such as Sunspot which will still produce large seed filled heads but on a diminutive 1m tall plant that will flourish in pots.

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Beetroot

Beetroot is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that thrives in the UK’s temperate climate. Sow beetroot seeds directly into moist soil in May, spacing them evenly to allow room for root development. Enjoy the earthy sweetness of homegrown beetroot in salads, soups, or roasted dishes.

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Carrots

Sow carrot seeds directly into well-prepared soil in May for a summer and autumn harvest of crisp, sweet roots. Choose from a variety of carrot colours and shapes, from traditional orange to purple, yellow, and white. Ensure the soil is free from stones and debris and of poor quality, also dig in plenty of sand to help those roots stay straight!

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Corn

Whether you are growing sweetcorn or coloured corn for drying and popping, May is the perfect time to get started. These are fast growing plants that do not enjoy becoming root bound so starting later in the season works well. Sow Corn seeds into module trays in May for a summer and autumn harvest. The flavour of sweet corn will be affected if different varieties cross pollinate, especially with a drying corn, so sow different varieties 2 or more weeks apart to encourage staggered flowering times.

Summer cabbage

May is the perfect moment to sow your summer cabbages—pop them into seed trays now and you’ll be harvesting crisp, leafy heads just when your salad cravings hit their peak. Keep them cosy and well-watered, and they’ll reward you with lush, crunchy goodness before you know it.

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Cauliflower

Get your cauliflowers on the go this May—sow them now and you’ll be on track for those gorgeous, dense heads just in time for late summer feasts. Just don’t forget, they’re fussy little things, so steady moisture and a bit of shade in the heat will keep them happy!

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Chicory

May is a cracking time to sow chicory—think of it as your ticket to crunchy, slightly bitter leaves that add serious flair to summer salads. Go for a sunny spot and don’t be shy about spacing.

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Cucumbers

Cucumbers love the warmth, so May is prime time to get them going—sow them in pots under cover and they’ll romp away once the weather settles. Give them support and a sunny spot, and you’ll be picking juicy, crunchy cucs before you know it!

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Gourds

If you fancy growing something a bit wild and wonderful, May is your moment to sow gourds. These climbing show-offs need warmth, space, and a little patience—but come autumn, you’ll be swimming in sculptural stunners perfect for decoration or display.

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Herbs

May is a glorious month for sowing herbs—basil, coriander, dill, you name it! Whether you’re tucking them into pots or dotting them through your borders, they’ll thrive in the sunshine and keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, fragrant flavour all summer long.

Kale

May is a brilliant time to sow kale—this hardy powerhouse doesn’t mind a bit of chill and will keep you in lush, leafy greens well into autumn. Pop the seeds in now and you’ll have a steady supply of vitamin-packed goodness that just gets sweeter with time.

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi might look a bit alien, but it’s a total gem—and May is the perfect time to sow it. Fast-growing and full of crunch, it’s like the lovechild of a cabbage and a turnip, and once you’ve grown it, you’ll wonder how you ever gardened without it.

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Leeks

Sow your leeks in May and you’re setting yourself up for a winter harvest of sweet, tender stems that laugh in the face of frost. They’re slow growers, but worth the wait—like little soldiers standing proud through the cold, ready for soups, pies, and everything in between.

Lettuce

May is lettuce heaven—sow little and often and you’ll have a constant crop of fresh, crunchy leaves ready to snip for every salad bowl. They’re quick, easy, and happy in pots or beds, just keep them cool and watered for the sweetest results.

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Mangelwurzels

Mangelwurzels are a fun one to sow in May—plant them now and you’ll be rewarded with giant, juicy roots that’ll make perfect hearty winter dishes. Give them plenty of space to grow and watch these humble giants thrive in the summer sunshine!

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Melons

May is the time to sow melons if you’re dreaming of sweet, sun-ripened fruit. Start them indoors in a warm spot, then when the weather’s right, let them sprawl out in the garden—just be patient, as they’ll need plenty of heat and love to ripen into juicy perfection.

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Parsnips

Sow your parsnips in May for a long, slow-growing crop that’ll reward you with sweet, nutty roots come autumn. They’re not in a rush, so give them space to grow deep and steady, and you’ll be digging up golden treasures when the weather turns chilly.

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Peas

May is the perfect time to sow peas—these little gems love the cool spring weather and will quickly climb their supports, offering you a bumper crop of sweet, crunchy pods. Plant them in well-drained soil, and soon you’ll be enjoying fresh peas straight from the vine!

Pumpkins

Sow your pumpkins in May for a late summer bounty of vibrant, hefty fruits. They love the warmth, so give them a sunny spot and plenty of space to spread out—soon you’ll have pumpkins galore, perfect for pies, soups, or simply decorating your garden!

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Squash

May is the time to sow squash—these sun-loving plants will thrive with a bit of space to sprawl. Whether you’re growing courgettes or butternut, they’ll reward you with a bounty of sweet, tender fruits, perfect for roasting, soups, or adding a bit of summer cheer to your meals.

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Spring radish

Sow spring radishes in May for a quick, crisp harvest that’ll add a zesty kick to your salads. These speedy growers love the cool weather, so keep them well-watered, and in just a few weeks, you’ll be enjoying their peppery bite straight from the garden!

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Swiss chard

May is the perfect time to sow Swiss chard—its vibrant, rainbow stems and hearty leaves will thrive in the warmer soil. It’s a hardy beauty that’ll keep giving all season long, perfect for everything from sautéing to adding a burst of colour to your garden beds!

Viola

Sow violas in May for a burst of colour that’ll brighten up your garden all summer. These cheerful little flowers love the sun and will reward you with vibrant blooms in shades of purple, yellow, and everything in between—perfect for edging beds or adding charm to pots.

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Petunia

May is the time to sow petunias for a summer full of vibrant blooms. These sun-loving beauties will fill your garden with a rainbow of colours, perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, or creating a stunning border. Keep them warm and well-watered, and they’ll reward you with a fragrant, colourful display all season long!

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Calendula

Sow calendula in May for a splash of sunshine in your garden! These cheerful, easy-to-grow flowers will bloom in vibrant orange and yellow hues, adding colour to your beds and attracting pollinators. They’re perfect for picking and brightening up your home or making your own soothing herbal remedies.

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Nasturtiums

May is the perfect time to sow nasturtiums—these vibrant plants will bring a burst of colour with their bright orange, red, or yellow blooms. Not only do they add beauty to your garden, but their peppery leaves and edible flowers are a lovely addition to salads and dishes, too!

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May heralds the arrival of warmer weather and presents an exciting opportunity to sow a diverse array of more tender vegetable seeds in the UK. From vibrant salad leaves to crunchy carrots and sweet cobs of corn, there’s no shortage of options to choose from.

By following simple planting guidelines and providing the necessary care, you can look forward to a rewarding harvest of homegrown produce in the months to come. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty, and let the gardening adventures begin!

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Meet the author

Nelly

Nelly works in the She Grows Veg marketing department and is an incredible cook! She's learning how to grow veg fast in her very own container garden. Her favourites so far are the Dwarf Sunflower called 'Sunspot' and our Dwarf Pea called 'Tom Thumb'.

What Vegetable Seeds To Sow In May

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