Jobs for the Irish Veg Garden in May: What to Sow, Plant & Prep Right Now

May in Ireland is make-or-break time for the veg garden.The days are longer, the soil’s warming, and your crops are ready to spring into action—if you give them the right start.

At Little Green Growers, we love this month. It’s when the promise of homegrown tomatoes, sweet peas, and crispy lettuce finally feels real. But a little planning goes a long way.

What to Sow in May (Outdoors, Direct):

• Carrots

• Beetroot

• Lettuce, spinach, rocket

• Radish

• Peas and mangetout

• Turnip and swede (for later harvests)

Pro tip: Sow successionally every 2–3 weeks to keep a steady harvest going.

What to Plant Out (After Last Frost):

• Courgettes and pumpkins

• Tomatoes (in a tunnel or sheltered south-facing wall)

• French beans

• Brassicas (cabbage, kale, broccoli)

• Leeks (into final position)

Watch for late frosts—especially in the west and midlands. Keep some fleece handy just in case!

Essential May Tasks in the Irish Garden:

• Earth up early potatoes to protect new tubers from light and cold

• Feed crops with organic seaweed tonic or well-rotted compost

• Weed & mulch—your garden will thank you in July!

• Slug patrol is crucial—use beer traps, copper tape, or organic pellets

• Support tall growers like peas and beans with bamboo canes or string

Don’t Forget Your Pollinators:

Companion planting is a gardener’s best friend. In May, sow:

• Marigolds (deter aphids and attract hoverflies)

• Nasturtiums (trap crop for blackfly)

• Calendula (edible petals and bee magnet!)

These will help keep pests at bay without chemicals, and make your patch even more beautiful.

From Seed to Sustainability:

May is when your veg garden goes from planning to producing. Whether you’re growing in containers on a balcony or digging deep in raised beds, every seed you sow is a step toward a more self-reliant, sustainable lifestyle.

So get your hands dirty, trust the process, and tag us @LittleGreenGrowers so we can celebrate your May garden with you.

Let’s grow good things together.