If you haven't started sowing yet, don't worry — you haven't missed your window. Even in late May, there are plenty of plants that will reward your effort quickly, with some ready to harvest just a few weeks after sowing. Here are five of the best choices to get into the ground right now.
Radishes: the fastest grower in the garden
Radishes are one of the few vegetables that genuinely thrive when sown in late spring. They go from seed to harvest in as little as three to four weeks — which means fresh, crunchy radishes on your table before summer even hits its stride.
They're also packed with vitamin C and make a brilliant addition to salads, grain bowls, or simply eaten with a pinch of salt. Plant them in a sunny spot with light, well-draining soil, and water regularly without letting the ground become waterlogged.
Parsley: slow to start, endlessly useful
Parsley takes a little longer to germinate than some of the others on this list, but the patience pays off. Once established, it's one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen — equally at home in soups, meat dishes, sauces, and salads, and it keeps producing for months.
You can grow both flat-leaf and root parsley, so consider planting both varieties side by side. Keep the soil consistently moist and choose a spot where it won't be scorched by intense afternoon sun.
Dill: the herb that smells like summer
Dill is one of the most aromatic herbs you can grow, and it's perfectly happy being sown in late spring. It pairs beautifully with fish, potato dishes, and fresh salads, and it's also an essential herb for homemade pickles and fermented vegetables.
Dill is surprisingly drought-tolerant, but it grows best with regular watering. It does well in full sun or partial shade, making it adaptable to most garden spots.
Rocket: peppery, fast, and endlessly snackable
Rocket (arugula) has earned its place in modern kitchens for good reason. It grows quickly, needs minimal fuss, and delivers a bold, peppery flavour that lifts salads, sandwiches, and even pizzas to another level.
It's one of the easiest crops to grow in late spring — just give it a sunny to semi-shaded spot, water it consistently, and it will reward you with a generous harvest. Once you start growing your own, you'll wonder why you ever bought it in a bag.
Spring onions: the kitchen staple you always need
Spring onions are one of those ingredients that quietly make everything taste better. Their short growing cycle makes them ideal for a late sowing, and they'll be ready well before the summer is over.
Sow them directly into the ground in a sunny spot with regular watering, and they'll establish quickly. Use them in stir-fries, salads, dips, or as a fresh garnish — they're endlessly adaptable.
Beyond the harvest itself, there's something genuinely rewarding about growing your own food. Even a small patch of herbs and vegetables brings you closer to the rhythm of the seasons — and that's worth something too.
