Missed the early spring planting window? Don't worry — your garden still has plenty of potential. There are vegetables you can sow right now and have on your plate within weeks. Here are 9 reliable picks that work even for first-time gardeners.
1. Beetroot
Beetroot is one of those vegetables that earns its place in any garden. It's vibrant, delicious, and packed with vitamins while being surprisingly low in calories. You can sow it from late March all the way through June, as it handles cooler temperatures well. In about 8 to 10 weeks, you'll have fresh beetroot ready to enjoy — right in the heart of summer.
2. Carrots
Carrots are a garden classic for good reason. Crunchy, sweet, and incredibly versatile in the kitchen, they can be sown confidently from April through late May. Give them a sunny spot and loose, well-draining soil, and by late summer you'll be pulling up a satisfying harvest. Few things beat the taste of a carrot you've grown yourself.
3. Spinach
If you're new to gardening, spinach might be your best friend. It's one of the easiest vegetables to grow, germinates quickly, and can be ready to pick in as little as 5 to 8 weeks after sowing. Start it from late March, and place it somewhere with a little shade — spinach appreciates protection from the intense summer heat.
Looking for more beginner-friendly ideas? Check out our guide to easy vegetables for first-time gardeners.
4. Courgette (zucchini)
Courgette is a wonderfully productive plant that rewards even minimal effort. All it needs is a sunny position and regular watering. Sow from April through late June, and within 6 to 8 weeks you'll be picking your first tender courgettes. It's also one of the most versatile vegetables in the kitchen — grilled, roasted, stuffed, or spiralized.
5. Green beans
Green beans love warm soil, so wait until late May to sow them when the ground has properly warmed up. They're nutritious, low in calories, and incredibly satisfying to grow. Around 8 to 10 weeks after planting, you'll have a generous crop of homegrown beans to enjoy fresh or cook with.
6. Onions
Onions are a kitchen staple, and growing your own is easier than most people think. Plant them from April through late May in a sunny spot, and by late summer you'll have a ready supply for all your cooking. They're low-maintenance and store well, making them one of the most practical things you can grow.
7. Lettuce
Fresh lettuce is always welcome at the table, and it's one of the fastest-rewarding crops you can grow. Sow from late March, keep the soil consistently moist, and you'll be harvesting crisp leaves within just a few weeks. Lettuce prefers mild temperatures, so give it a spot with some afternoon shade as the season heats up.
8. Radishes
Radishes are the ultimate crop for impatient gardeners. Sow the seeds from late March and you can harvest them in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. The trick to keeping a steady supply? Sow a small batch every week or two — that way you'll have fresh radishes on the table for months rather than all at once.
9. Cabbage
Cabbage takes a little longer to mature, but planting in May still gives you plenty of time for a late-summer harvest. It's hearty, rich in vitamins, and extremely filling. Cabbage thrives in full sun and needs only moderate watering — a solid, low-fuss addition to any vegetable patch.
Whether you're starting your first garden bed or simply expanding what you already have, these nine vegetables give you a real chance at a satisfying summer harvest. The best time to plant was months ago — but the second best time is right now.
