Ontario Zone 5B

🌱 Easy Vegetables to Grow in One Ontario Summer (Zone 5B)

If you’re dreaming of a simple, productive garden this summer, you don’t need acres of land or years of experience. Even with Ontario’s short growing season, there are plenty of easy, fast-growing vegetables that will thrive from May to harvest time.

Whether you’re growing in raised beds, backyard rows, or a small homestead plot, these beginner-friendly crops are perfect for Zone 5B gardeners who want reliable results with minimal fuss.

🥬 1. Lettuce & Salad Greens

Varieties: Buttercrunch, Black-Seeded Simpson, Red Romaine

Planting time: Early May to mid-June

Harvest: 30–45 days

These greens love the cool weather of spring and early summer. Sow seeds every couple of weeks for a steady harvest of crisp leaves. They grow quickly and can even handle partial shade, making them great for smaller gardens.

🥒 2. Zucchini (Summer Squash)

Varieties: Black Beauty, Costata Romanesco

Planting time: Late May to early June (after frost)

Harvest: 45–55 days

Zucchini is a homestead staple. One or two plants can feed an entire family! They thrive in full sun and warm soil—just keep an eye out for blossoms and pick often to keep the plant producing.

🥕 3. Radishes

Varieties: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast

Planting time: Early May; sow every 2–3 weeks until mid-summer

Harvest: 25–30 days

Radishes are the ultimate quick crop—ready in under a month! They’re perfect for filling in gaps between slower-growing vegetables like carrots or cabbage.

🍅 4. Cherry Tomatoes

Varieties: Sweet Million, Sungold, Tiny Tim (great in containers)

Planting time: Transplant after last frost (late May–early June)

Harvest: 60–75 days

Sweet, bite-sized, and perfect for salads or snacking, cherry tomatoes love heat and sunshine. Give them a sturdy cage or stake, and they’ll reward you all summer long.

🫛 5. Green Beans (Bush or Pole)

Varieties: Provider (bush), Kentucky Wonder (pole)

Planting time: Late May to June

Harvest: 50–60 days

Beans are one of the easiest crops for new gardeners. Bush beans grow compactly, while pole beans climb and save space. Harvest often to keep plants producing fresh pods.

🧅 6. Green Onions (Scallions)

Varieties: White Lisbon, Evergreen Hardy White

Planting time: Early May

Harvest: 50–70 days

Green onions don’t take much room and are great for succession planting. They add fresh flavor to just about any summer meal.

🥔 7. Potatoes

Varieties: Yukon Gold, Norland, Kennebec

Planting time: Mid–late May

Harvest: 80–100 days

Plant seed potatoes in rich, loose soil and hill them up as they grow. Once the vines die back, dig up your homegrown spuds for storage or fresh eating.

🌽 8. Sweet Corn

Varieties: Early Sunglow, Peaches and Cream (short-season types)

Planting time: Late May

Harvest: 65–75 days

Few things say “summer” like corn fresh from the garden. Plant in blocks of short rows for better pollination and fuller cobs.

🧄 9. Garlic (for Next Year’s Harvest)

Varieties: Music, Russian Red (hardneck types for Ontario)

Planting time: Late October

Harvest: The following July

Plant cloves before winter and let them rest under the snow. They’ll sprout in spring and be ready to harvest the following summer—an easy crop for long-term planning.

🥦 10. Kale

Varieties: Dwarf Blue Curled, Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale)

Planting time: Early May through July

Harvest: 50–70 days

Kale is hardy, easy, and keeps growing into the fall. Pick the outer leaves first for a steady supply of greens for salads, soups, and smoothies.

🌾 Homesteader’s Tips for Ontario Zone 5B

• Frost Dates: Last frost ~May 15–25 | First frost ~October 5–10
• Soil Prep: Mix in compost or aged manure before planting for strong, healthy growth.
• Succession Planting: Replant quick crops like lettuce, radishes, and beans every few weeks for continuous harvests.
• Companion Planting: Pair crops like tomatoes and basil, or carrots and onions, to naturally deter pests and boost yields.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Growing your own vegetables in Ontario’s short summer doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with easy, reliable crops like lettuce, zucchini, beans, and tomatoes—you’ll gain confidence, fill your pantry, and enjoy a more self-sufficient lifestyle right from your backyard.