What Seeds to Sow in May – A Guide for Irish Gardeners

Sow What? A Month-by-Month Guide for Irish Gardens: May Edition

As May unfolds across Ireland, daylight stretches into the evenings, and the soil finally shakes off its winter chill. This is one of the best times to sow seeds — both directly outdoors and under cover — to enjoy a lush, productive garden all summer long.

Vegetables to Sow in May

• Beetroot – Easy to grow, harvest from summer to autumn.

• Carrots – Sow directly into fine soil, thin for best results.

• Courgettes & Pumpkins – Start indoors; transplant in 3–4 weeks.

• French Beans – Ideal to start in pots in a sunny spot.

• Lettuce & Salad Leaves – Succession sow for continuous harvests.

• Peas – Climbing varieties do well if sown now with support.

• Radishes – Fast-growing, great for beginner gardeners.

• Spinach – Prefers cooler spring temps – sow now before it bolts.

• Swede – Slow to mature but worth the wait come autumn.

Herbs to Sow Now

• Basil – Start indoors; it thrives in warmth and sunshine.

• Coriander – Sow in pots or borders for fresh flavour.

• Dill – Best sown where it will grow, as it dislikes transplanting.

• Parsley – Flat or curly, keep moist for best germination.

Flowers to Sow in May

• Sunflowers – Sow outdoors now for towering summer blooms.

• Nasturtiums – Edible and bee-friendly!

• Cosmos – Beautiful, delicate flowers that attract pollinators.

• Calendula (Marigold) – Hardy and great for borders or containers.

Top Tips for Sowing Success

• Water newly sown seeds regularly but don’t overdo it.

• Use fleece or cloches for warmth and protection if needed.

• Label your plantings – May is busy and it’s easy to forget what went where!

• Companion planting helps deter pests and boosts growth.

Get Digging!

May is a generous month for gardeners. Whether you have a big back garden or a balcony with a few pots, sowing seeds now means you’re growing your own food, supporting pollinators, and connecting with nature right through summer.