Veg Seeds to Sow In May

Best veg seeds to plant in May

There are some great veg seeds to sow this month, especially if you like unusual crops. Beetroot ‘Chioggia’ has beautifully striped pink and white flesh, Squash ‘Vegetable Spaghetti’ has flesh like ribbons of pasta, Basil ‘Lime Mrs Burns’ has lime-scented leaves, and Cauliflower ‘Di Sicilia Violetto’ produces purple curds. For tips, see our guide to growing vegetables from seed along with the Frequently Asked Questions below.

Which veg seeds grow best together?

Try starting some squash or pumpkin seeds underneath sweetcorn this month, for a classic pairing. You can also sow rows of small, quick-growing radishes between larger heads of lettuce.

Which May veg seeds take up the least space?

For compact veg plants that can be used to fill small gaps, or work well in containers, try dwarf French beans, basil, garlic chives, lettuce, Tomato ‘Tumbling Tom’ and Beetroot ‘Action’. These crops all work well in square metre gardening beds too.

Which veg seeds are the easiest to grow?

Lettuce, spinach, French beans, courgettes and mustard leaves are among the easiest vegetables to grow from seed in May.