Hey mama, let’s talk about spring gardening—specifically, trying to grow anything in Canada when the weather can’t make up its mind.
I’ve been running my own garden for about three or four years now, and let me tell you—I’m still learning. We live in a valley by the Bay of Fundy, and the weather here plays games. One year we had a super mild May, so I planted a bunch early… and then bam—June frost. Killed everything. That was a rough one.
So if you’re also trying to figure out what you can actually plant in May, especially with kiddos around and homeschooling thrown in the mix, this one’s for you. Let’s dig in—literally.
Know Your Planting Zone (It’s Not as Complicated as It Sounds)
Canada is split into zones (from 0 to 9), and most of us fall somewhere between Zone 3 and Zone 7. I’m in Zone 5A—not 5B—so yes, even the letter matters.
If you’re not sure, click here to find your planting zone.
You can also find your first and last frost dates here.
Why it matters:
- Your last frost date tells you when it’s safe to plant outside.
- Your first frost date tells you how long your garden has to grow.
Mom Tip: If the whole zone thing makes your head spin, ask a neighbor who gardens or check out local gardening Facebook groups. There are some super helpful people out there who actually get what you’re dealing with in your area.
Also—don’t forget about microclimates. Our property is surrounded by hills, so we get different sun and wind than someone down the road. If you’ve got a spot near a wall or fence that stays warm longer or a shady corner that stays cool—those things matter more than you think.
What Can You Actually Plant Outdoors in your spring garden in May?
Here’s the good news—you can plant outside in May, you just have to know what:
Cool-weather veggies that go straight in the ground:
- Lettuce
- Peas
- Radishes
- Spinach
Hardy herbs:
- Chives
- Mint
- Thyme
Flowers that don’t mind cool nights:
- Pansies
- Marigolds
- Snapdragons
Before planting, get in there and clear out those early weeds, fluff up the soil a bit, and mix in some compost if you can. When those baby greens pop up, mulch around them—it helps hold in warmth and moisture and protects them from those cold nights.
Starting Seeds Indoors (It’s Not Too Late!)
If you haven’t started your tomatoes, peppers, or squash yet—don’t panic. You’ve still got time.
Pop them in some pots, set them by a sunny window, or grab a grow light if you need to. We’ve got our seedlings under a grow light and next to a big window. I like to think we’re giving them a sneak preview of summer.
We usually do our transplanting around late May or early June once it’s (mostly) safe from frost. You’ll feel like a proud plant mama when you move them outside.
Let the Kids Help (Yes, Really)
This is one of my favorite parts.
Whether you homeschool or not, gardening is an amazing way to get the kids involved. Big seeds like peas or beans are great for little hands. Teeny tiny seeds? They can poke the holes for you or help water.
Even better—use it as a teaching moment. Talk about how we care for God’s creation. Stewardship, growth, patience—it’s all in the garden.
My four-year-old can tell you all about “true leaves” and thinks he’s basically a botanist now. It’s not about getting it perfect—it’s about letting them be part of something real and alive.
Mini Devotional: A Garden and a Heart
Spring is such a good reminder that we’re not in control of everything—but God is. We can prep the soil, plant the seeds, and still… we wait. Gardening teaches us about hope, faith, and letting go of perfection.
And that’s not just about the garden—it’s about us, too.
Task:
Plant something this week—a seed, a pot, even just an idea. Let it symbolize your trust in God to bring growth in His time.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for new seasons and second chances. Soften the soil of my heart. Help me plant with faith, wait with trust, and reap with gratitude. Amen.
Final Thoughts, from One Mama to Another
With grocery prices climbing and food quality dropping, growing even a little food is a big deal. It reminds me of those Victory Gardens our great-grandmothers used to grow—except now we’re doing it with toddlers pulling weeds (or eating dirt) beside us.
And you know what? It doesn’t have to be perfect. What grows, grows. What doesn’t, God provides in other ways.
So here’s my advice: plant what you can, enjoy the process, and invite your little people into it. You don’t need a perfect garden—just a willing heart and a few good seeds.
Want to share your spring garden plans? Leave a comment or tag us on Instagram @HesitantRoot—we’d love to cheer you on.
