Planting for the harvest is upon us. May marks the transition into warmer weather and the perfect time to get your hands dirty in the garden. As temperatures rise and the soil warms up, it’s an ideal opportunity to direct sow a variety of vegetables that thrive in the spring and summer months. From crunchy carrots to vibrant zucchinis, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of direct sowing delicious and nutritious vegetables that will have your garden bursting with flavor and abundance.

18 Vegetables to Direct Sow:

1. Bok Choy:

Bok Choy, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a fast-growing vegetable that thrives in cool weather.
Direct sow seeds in well-drained soil and keep the area consistently moist for best results.
Growing difficulty: Easy

2. Broccoli:

Broccoli is a cool-season crop that can be directly sown for a late summer or early fall harvest.
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil and sow seeds directly into the ground.
Growing difficulty: Moderate

3. Cabbage:

This is a versatile vegetable that can be direct sown for a delicious fall harvest.
Choose a sunny spot with fertile soil and sow seeds thinly making sure to space them accordingly.
Growing difficulty: Easy

4. Brussels Sprouts:

Brussels sprouts are a nutritious and flavorful addition to any garden.
Direct sow seeds in May, spacing them several inches apart in rows, and provide consistent moisture for optimal growth.
Growing difficulty: Moderate

5. Carrots:

The carrot is a classic root vegetable that can be direct sown for a bountiful harvest later in the season.
Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil and sow seeds directly into the ground.
Growing difficulty: Easy

6. Celery:

Crunchy and refreshing! A vegetable that can be direct sown for a flavorful and unique addition to your garden.
Choose a sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil and sow seeds thinly, covering them lightly with soil.
Growing difficulty: Moderate

7. Collards:

Collard greens are a nutritious leafy green that can be direct sown for a hearty harvest later in the season.
Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them according to the variety’s instructions.
Growing difficulty: Easy

8. Cucumbers:

Cucumbers are a prolific vine crop that thrives in warm weather.
Direct sow seeds after the danger of frost has passed, choosing a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil and providing support for the vines to climb.
Growing difficulty: Easy

9. Lima Beans:

This vegetable is a delicious and nutritious legume that can be direct sown for a summer harvest.
Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil and sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them according to the variety’s instructions.
Growing difficulty: Easy

10. Green Beans:

A versatile and easy-to-grow vegetable that can be directly sown in May for summer harvest.
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil and sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them accordingly.
Growing difficulty: Easy

11. Okra:

Okra is a heat-loving vegetable that can be direct sown in May for a summer harvest.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil and sow seeds directly into the ground, spacing them according to the variety’s instructions.
Growing difficulty: Moderate

12. Parsnips:

Parsnips are a sweet and flavorful root vegetable that can be direct sown in May for a fall harvest.
Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-drained soil and sow seeds directly into the ground, covering them lightly with soil.
Growing difficulty: Moderate

13. Potatoes:

Potatoes are a staple crop that can be direct sown for a delicious harvest later in the season.
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil and plant potato seed pieces directly into the ground, spacing them according to the variety’s instructions. Alternatively consider using grow bags to make the entire process much easier from start to finish.
Growing difficulty: Easy

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14. Pumpkins:

Pumpkins are a classic fall vegetable that can be direct sown in May for a festive harvest.
Choose a sunny spot with fertile soil and sow pumpkin seeds directly into the ground, spacing them several feet apart to allow for ample vine growth.
Be sure to save the seeds for some home roasted pumpkin seeds!
Growing difficulty: Easy

15. Radishes:

A quick-growing root vegetable that can be direct sown in May for a crunchy and peppery addition to your garden.
Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil and sow radish seeds directly into the ground, spacing them according to the variety’s instructions.
Growing difficulty: Easy

16. Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious root vegetable that can be direct sown in May for a fall harvest.
Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil and plant sweet potato slips directly into the ground, spacing them according to the variety’s instructions.
Growing difficulty: Moderate

17. Winter Squash:

Winter squash varieties such as butternut and acorn squash can be directly sown for a hearty harvest later in the season.
Choose a sunny spot with fertile soil and sow winter squash seeds directly into the ground, spacing them several feet apart to allow for ample vine growth.
Growing difficulty: Easy

18. Zucchini:

Zucchini is a prolific summer squash that can be direct sown in May for a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Choose a sunny location with fertile soil and sow zucchini seeds directly into the ground, spacing them several feet apart to allow for ample vine growth.
Growing difficulty: Easy

By direct sowing vegetables, you’re not just planting seeds in the ground, you’re planting nourishing meals, and peace of mind. Remember not to overwhelm yourself! Select just a few vegetables to start with, based on your time, space, and preferences as you want to ensure a successful and enjoyable gardening experience. Consider choosing vegetables that you and your family enjoy eating on a regular basis, as you’ll be more motivated to tend to and harvest them. And don’t forget the joy of sharing your bountiful harvest with friends, family, and neighbors! There’s something incredibly rewarding about gifting fresh, homegrown produce to loved ones. Finally, eliminate further questions about whether your produce is truly organic or not by purchasing non GMO, organic seeds from reputable sources .

So roll up your sleeves and embrace the joy of growing your own food.

Happy May gardening, showers and all! x

*For a bonus blog on gardening and the link to living a long, healthy life: Could Gardening Be The Real Secret to Longevity?