May is the perfect time to start filling your garden with all sorts of delicious veggies, and I couldn’t be more excited! There’s something so satisfying about watching your garden grow from seed to plate, and with the warmer weather settling in, it’s the ideal time to get planting.
I’ve rounded up 20 vegetables that thrive when planted this month, so you can enjoy homegrown goodness all season long. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these picks will set you up for success.
Let’s make this garden your best one yet!
1. Carrots
If you’re after a veggie that’s fun to grow and even more fun to harvest, this one is for you. Carrots are perfect for anyone looking for an easy win in the garden.
Their crunchy, sweet flavor makes them a garden favorite. Just make sure the soil is loose and well-drained for those deep, vibrant roots to grow.
2. Lettuce
Nothing beats the joy of having a fresh salad from your own garden, especially when it’s so easy to grow. Lettuce is a fast-growing plant that thrives in cool weather.
It’s perfect for containers or raised beds, and you can enjoy tender, crispy leaves in no time. Keep it moist and well-spaced, and you’ll have an endless supply of greens.
3. Sweet Peas
If you’re looking to add a little color and fragrance to your garden, you’ll want to include this delightful vine. Sweet peas love to climb and will fill your garden with beautiful blooms and a lovely fragrance.
They’re easy to grow and perfect for adding a pop of color to your garden spaces. Just make sure to provide some support, and they’ll reward you with an abundant display.
4. Radishes
Looking for a quick-growing crop that’s fun to harvest? Radishes are the veggie you didn’t know you needed! These little root vegetables grow in no time and add a nice spicy kick to salads or sandwiches.
Keep the soil moist, and you’ll be pulling out fresh radishes in just a few weeks.
5. Cucumbers
Nothing screams summer like the refreshing crunch of a cucumber, and growing them yourself just takes the flavor to the next level. Cucumbers love warmth and plenty of space to spread out, so give them a sunny spot in your garden.
With regular watering and a little care, you’ll be slicing into fresh cucumbers all season. Whether for salads, pickles, or snacks, they’re a garden essential.
6. Tomatoes
For anyone who loves a sweet, juicy bite, this garden staple is a must. Tomatoes are super rewarding to grow, and there’s nothing like the taste of a freshly picked one.
These plants need full sunlight and some space to spread out, so make sure they have plenty of room. Keep them well-watered and supported, and you’ll be enjoying them all season.
7. Spinach
If you’re after something nutritious and quick to grow, this leafy green is perfect. Spinach thrives in cool weather, making it an ideal early-season crop.
With just a little attention to moisture and spacing, you’ll soon have a bounty of vibrant leaves ready for your next salad or smoothie. It’s perfect for adding some fresh greens to your meals.
8. Peppers
Want to spice things up in your garden? Peppers come in all shapes, sizes, and heat levels, making them a fun and versatile choice.
They love the warmth of the sun, and with a little care, you’ll be harvesting colorful fruits in no time. Keep them hydrated and well-fed, and you’ll have peppers to eat and share.
9. Zucchini
If you’re looking for a garden overachiever, look no further than zucchini. These plants thrive in sunny spots and can produce a surprising number of squash in a short amount of time.
Keep them watered, and they’ll keep producing, giving you plenty of zucchini to slice, grill, bake, or stir-fry. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
10. Kale
For those looking to pack some serious nutrients into their garden, this leafy green is a winner. Kale is hardy and thrives in cooler weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting.
With regular watering and a little room to grow, you’ll have an abundance of leaves that are perfect for salads, soups, and smoothies. It’s a garden powerhouse!
11. Beets
For a veggie that’s both colorful and full of flavor, beets are an excellent choice. These roots grow quickly in well-drained soil and can be harvested in just a few weeks.
Beets add a sweet, earthy flavor to your dishes, and the greens are just as tasty. Keep them spaced out and watered, and you’ll have a beautiful harvest in no time.
12. Green Beans
Looking for a vegetable that will keep producing all season long? Green beans are an easy and rewarding choice for any garden.
They thrive in full sun and need something to climb on, like a trellis or pole. Keep them watered, and you’ll be picking fresh beans for weeks, perfect for snacking or cooking.
13. Chard
If you want to brighten up your garden with colorful leaves, this vegetable is the way to go. Chard loves cool weather and grows quickly with minimal care.
It adds a pop of red, yellow, or orange to your garden, and the leaves are delicious, whether eaten raw or cooked. Keep it well-watered, and you’ll have vibrant, healthy greens all season.
14. Onions
Want to add a bit of flavor to every dish? Growing onions in your garden is easier than you might think. These bulbs thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and you can grow them from sets or seeds.
With a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with onions that add a savory touch to any meal.
15. Squash
Looking for a veggie that can feed the whole family? Squash is a great choice, and it grows quickly with little effort.
These plants love the sun and will reward you with an abundance of summer squash or pumpkins. Give them room to spread out, and soon you’ll be enjoying homegrown squash in your dishes.
16. Garlic
Garlic is one of those magical ingredients that makes everything taste better, and it’s surprisingly easy to grow. Plant it in well-drained soil and let it work its magic underground.
As the season progresses, your garden will reward you with flavorful garlic bulbs ready to be harvested. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh, homegrown garlic in your cooking.
17. Asparagus
If you’re willing to wait a little longer for a delicious reward, asparagus is worth the effort. Once established, this perennial plant will provide fresh spears year after year.
It loves a sunny spot and well-drained soil, so make sure it has plenty of room to grow. Be patient, and you’ll be harvesting tender asparagus in just a couple of years.
18. Sweet Potatoes
For a hearty, sweet treat from your garden, sweet potatoes are a great choice. These plants thrive in warm soil and require a lot of space to spread.
With proper care and plenty of sun, you’ll have a bountiful harvest of sweet potatoes ready to be enjoyed in all your favorite dishes. It’s the perfect crop for anyone who loves comfort food!
19. Broccoli
For anyone who loves a nutritious addition to their garden, broccoli is the way to go. These cool-weather veggies are rich in vitamins and easy to grow.
With consistent watering and plenty of space, your broccoli will reward you with large, tender heads perfect for cooking. Keep an eye out for pests, and you’ll have fresh, homegrown broccoli in no time.
20. Cauliflower
If you want a veggie that’s as versatile as it is tasty, cauliflower should be on your list. This plant thrives in cooler weather and requires a little extra care for the best results.
With the right space and nutrients, you’ll be rewarded with creamy, white heads perfect for roasting, steaming, or making cauliflower rice. It’s a garden favorite for good reason!