ALL The Seeds I’m Starting NOW For My Summer Garden

Starting seeds now for your summer garden is one of the most rewarding gardening activities you can do. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a beginner eager to grow your own food and flowers, May is the perfect month to get those seeds in the soil or pots.

In this post, I’ll share all the seeds I’m starting right now for a bountiful and colorful summer garden, plus practical tips to help you succeed. Let’s dive in!

Why Start Seeds in May?

You might think seed starting is just a springtime task, but the truth is, the seed starting season is never really over. May offers warm soil, longer daylight hours, and the right conditions to start a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers that will thrive through the summer months. Starting seeds now means your plants will be strong and productive when the heat kicks in.

It’s also a great time to evaluate what’s already growing in your garden and fill in the gaps with new seedlings to keep the harvest going strong. Succession planting becomes your best friend this time of year.

Vegetables I’m Starting Now for Summer Harvest

Indoors First: Tomatoes, Peppers, and Eggplants

These heat-loving veggies need a long growing season, so if you haven’t started them indoors yet, now’s the time. Use a well-drained seed starting mix and keep them in a warm, sunny spot or under grow lights. Once night temperatures stay above 10°C (50°F), you can harden off and transplant them outdoors.

Pro tip: Toughen your seedlings by gradually reducing water and fertilizer a week before transplanting to help them adjust better.

Direct Sow: Beans, Carrots, and Parsnips

Beans (French, runner, and soybeans) are fast growers and perfect for direct sowing in May. Space them well and provide supports for climbing varieties. Root crops like carrots and parsnips also do best when sown directly outdoors because they don’t transplant well.

Parsley is another herb that thrives when direct sown in May. I like to sprinkle it around my veggie beds to add greenery and attract beneficial insects.

Starting Sweetcorn and Squash

Sweetcorn seeds can be started indoors now and transplanted later for a classic summer crop. Squash seeds, including zucchini and spaghetti squash, also benefit from an indoor start or direct sowing once the soil warms up. Planting squash near sweetcorn is a traditional pairing that maximizes garden space and encourages better pollination.

This time of year, I’m also experimenting with companion planting — for example, pairing corn, beans, and squash in the “Three Sisters” method to boost yield and soil health.

Herbs and Quick-Growing Greens

Basil is a must-have for summer gardens and can be started indoors or directly sown in warm soil. It grows quickly and pairs well with tomatoes. Other fast-growing greens like arugula and Swiss chard can be sown now for a quick harvest, sometimes in as little as 30 days.

I’ve also added cilantro and dill to the mix this year — both are quick to germinate and great for summer cooking.

Flowers for Summer Color

To brighten your garden, I’m starting seeds of zinnias, marigolds, nasturtiums, and celosia now. These annuals love the heat and bloom all summer long. Hardy perennials like lupins and delphiniums can also be started indoors or in seedbeds for transplanting later, giving your garden long-lasting beauty.

Nasturtiums also serve as a natural pest deterrent and are edible, adding color and spice to summer salads.

Practical Tips for Starting Seeds Now

• Use the Right Soil: A lightweight, well-draining seed starting mix is essential. Avoid garden soil which can be too dense and may contain pests.
• Pre-soak Seeds: Soaking seeds in room temperature water for 12 hours before planting can speed up germination.
• Keep Soil Moist: Use a spray bottle to keep seed soil moist but not soggy.
• Provide Warmth: Many seeds germinate faster with bottom heat from a heating mat, especially if starting indoors.
• Label Your Seeds: Keep track of what you planted and when by labeling pots or rows.
• Harden Off Seedlings: Before moving seedlings outdoors permanently, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days to avoid shock.

Also, don’t forget to monitor your seed trays daily—catching any drying out or fungal issues early will save you from losing your starts.

Why It’s Not Too Late to Start Your Summer Garden

Even if you’re just getting started in May, there’s still plenty of time to enjoy fresh veggies and vibrant flowers all summer long. Fast-growing crops like beans, basil, and arugula can be harvested quickly, and starting tender plants indoors gives you a head start on the season.

Plus, some of the best garden results come from learning as you go, so don’t worry if your timing isn’t perfect—plants are more forgiving than you think!

Ready to Get Growing?

Starting seeds now means you’re setting yourself up for a flourishing summer garden filled with fresh produce and beautiful blooms. What seeds are you planting this May? Have you tried any unique varieties or companion planting tricks? Share your favorite summer garden seeds or tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear what’s growing in your garden!