What to Plant in May Canada: 7 Essential Plants to Grow for a Thriving Garden
Wondering what to plant this May? Discover 7 must-grow plants perfect for Canadian gardens and learn how to help them thrive. Expertly curated by DH Garden Centre in Vancouver.
Discover 7 must-grow plants perfect for Canadian gardens and learn how to help them thrive.
May in Canada: When Gardens Awaken
As winter fades and the last frost retreats, May brings Canadian gardeners their long-awaited green light. It’s the season of new beginnings — the soil softens, the sun lingers longer, and possibilities bloom with every passing day. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy apartment balcony, May is your moment to start something real, rooted, and rewarding.
At DH Garden Centre in Vancouver, we see it every year: the joy of someone planting their very first basil, the wonder of a cherry tomato ripening on a third-floor patio, the calm of a gardener finding five peaceful minutes between the noise of modern life. Gardening in May isn’t just about growing food or flowers — it’s about growing clarity, confidence, and connection.
So if you’re wondering what to plant this month, here’s your essential guide. These seven plants aren’t just well-suited to Canadian spring weather — they’re beginner-friendly, satisfying, and surprisingly versatile. Most importantly, they can thrive with just a bit of sunlight, soil, and care.
Lettuce: The Fastest Path to Harvest
If you’ve never grown anything before, start with lettuce. It’s forgiving, fast-growing, and doesn’t demand full sun all day — ideal for shaded patios or cooler coastal climates like Vancouver’s. Within just 30 to 45 days, you’ll have crisp, fresh leaves ready to harvest. You don’t need a raised bed. Even a repurposed planter box or a wide pot with drainage will do the job beautifully.
The secret? Keep the soil moist, not soaked. Avoid planting everything at once. Instead, sow a few seeds every couple of weeks to enjoy a continuous crop from now into early summer.
If you’ve never grown anything before, start with lettuce
Cherry Tomatoes: Your Summer MVP
There’s a reason tomatoes are a Canadian favourite. In May, it’s time to start your cherry tomatoes from transplants or well-started seedlings. They’re perfect for containers and patios, producing dozens of sweet bites from mid-summer through fall.
Choose compact, patio-ready varieties if space is tight. Use a large, deep container (at least 30cm), add a trellis or cage early, and water consistently — especially at the base of the plant to prevent splitting and disease. With a bit of attention, you’ll be snacking straight from the vine all season long.
In May, it’s time to start your cherry tomatoes from transplants or well-started seedlings.
Basil: The Herb That Keeps on Giving
Every Canadian kitchen deserves a pot of basil by the window or door. Whether it’s for caprese salads, homemade pesto, or simply that burst of fragrance when you brush against it, basil is as rewarding to grow as it is to use.
Plant basil after nighttime temperatures stay above 10°C — which usually happens by mid-May in most parts of Canada. Basil loves the heat and craves sunlight. It also rewards regular harvesting. Pinch back the top leaves to encourage it to grow fuller rather than taller. And remember: the more you use it, the more it grows.
Every Canadian kitchen deserves a pot of basil by the window or door.
Calendula: Colour with Purpose
Calendula offers something special: it’s both beautiful and beneficial. With bright yellow-orange blooms, this edible flower adds cheer to any garden and draws pollinators in droves. Plus, it has soothing properties often used in homemade teas or salves.
Plant calendula directly into the soil or containers — it doesn’t mind cool temperatures and can even handle light frost. Deadhead the flowers to extend blooming, and let a few go to seed if you want them to return next year.
With bright yellow-orange blooms, this edible flower adds cheer to any garden and draws pollinators in droves.
Radishes: The Ultimate Quick Win
Looking for fast results? Radishes are your go-to crop. From seed to harvest in under a month, radishes grow reliably in Canadian soil and don’t mind a little chill.
They’re also compact, which means you can grow them in rows, raised beds, or deep pots on a balcony. Keep the soil loose and moist, and harvest promptly when they’re round and firm. Waiting too long will result in a tough texture — but when timed right, you’ll get crisp, peppery perfection.
From seed to harvest in under a month, radishes grow reliably in Canadian soil and don’t mind a little chill.
Green Onions: Minimal Space, Maximum Flavour
Also known as scallions, green onions are a must-have for container gardeners. They grow vertically, require very little space, and can be regrown from kitchen scraps if you’re feeling experimental.
Plant in rows or tight clusters in a pot. They tolerate partial shade and cooler weather, making them ideal for early spring planting. The flavour is fresh, punchy, and versatile — perfect for eggs, soups, stir-fries, or just sliced over toast.
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Also known as scallions, green onions are a must-have for container gardeners.
Nasturtiums: Beauty, Edibility, and Pest Protection
Few plants do as much as nasturtiums. These cheerful trailing flowers are entirely edible (leaves and flowers alike), attract beneficial insects, and act as a natural pest deterrent in companion planting.
Direct sow into garden beds or hanging baskets — they love full sun and slightly poor soil (yes, really). Don’t over-fertilize, or you’ll get more leaves than blooms. And be sure to try the peppery petals in a summer salad — your guests will be delighted.
These cheerful trailing flowers are entirely edible (leaves and flowers alike), attract beneficial insects, and act as a natural pest deterrent in companion planting.
Ready to Grow? Let’s Get You Started
You don’t need a greenhouse or a green thumb to grow something wonderful this May. All you need is a bit of sunlight, a few good seeds, and the right start.
At DH Garden Centre, we’ve helped thousands of Vancouverites turn bare patios into lush oases, balconies into herb gardens, and front yards into edible landscapes. Whether you’re a beginner with questions or a seasoned grower looking to expand your palette, we’re here — with the knowledge, supplies, and support you need.
This May, don’t just watch things bloom. Be part of it.
📍 Visit DH Garden Centre in Vancouver
Location: 3742 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Phone: +1 604-929-7335
Website: www.dhgardencentre.com
Let’s grow something beautiful — together.
