In May, we sow a cucumber seedling, reaping a bountiful yield of fresh, crunchy produce come harvest time.
Looking to grow more than just cucumbers in your garden this May? Why not try some speedy crops that can withstand cooler temperatures and be ready for harvest before the cucumbers take over?
Here's a list of quick-growing, frost-tolerant plants you can sow in early May:
- Peas: These little powerhouses can be directly sown in early May and are resilient to some frost. They're known for their speedy growth.
- Spinach: Another cool-weather champion, spinach can be planted outdoors in May and will grow swiftly.
- Spring Radishes: They're one of the fastest maturing crops, often ready within mere 20-30 days. ideal for jumping the cucumber game.
- Kale: Sown early and withstanding light frosts, kale can be harvested even before the cucumbers make their appearance.
- Lettuce: A variety of lettuce types such as romaine, leaf, and iceberg can be planted directly in May. They'll grow relatively fast and can tolerate some frost.
- Beets: Sow in May, and they'll be ready for harvest in just about 50 days or less, potentially beating the cucumbers to the harvest.
For those with limited space, container gardening is a fantastic option. Crops like peas, lettuce, kale, and radishes fare well in containers and can be planted early in May, with a bit of frost protection if needed. Consider opting for dwarf or smaller varieties to make the most of your container space.
Dwarf sunflowers (Chianti Hybrid) can also be planted in containers in May, though they're more flower than food.
When sowing in May, make sure to protect your crops from potential late frosts and improve your chance of an earlier harvest. Consider direct sowing radishes, peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, and beets earlier in the month, and if frost is forecasted, plant them in protected spots. These crops boast faster maturation cycles and better cold tolerance than cucumbers planted directly in May.
So swap your cucumber focus for some speedy cool-season crops, and enjoy an earlier harvest this season!
- Peas, spinach, spring radishes, kale, lettuce, and beets can all be grown in home-and-garden or apartments with a windowsill, as they fare well in container gardening.
- Dwarf sunflowers are another option for container gardening in May, although they are more for their flowers than their edibility.
- To ensure an early harvest, consider direct sowing radishes, peas, spinach, kale, lettuce, and beets earlier in May, especially when the weather is cooler, and protect them from potential late frosts.
- By growing these quick-growing, cool-weather champions in your home-and-garden or apartment, you can adjust your lifestyle and enjoy a fruitful harvest of speedy crops before the cucumbers take over.
