Summer Stars for Small Gardens
… The Best Veggies to Plant Now
Every year, when the Ice Saints pass and the chill of early spring slips away, my garden (and my heart) begins to warm up. The sun lingers a little longer each day, the soil no longer feels cold to the touch, and the promise of summer produce becomes irresistible.
This is the moment I love most — because it means it’s time for summer vegetables.
And no, you don’t need a huge garden or perfect conditions. If you’ve got a sunny balcony, a corner of your terrace, or even a few pots by your kitchen window, these summer stars will make you feel like a garden goddess in no time.
Let me introduce you to the five warm-weather vegetables that are perfect for small-space growing — and wildly rewarding.
Courgette in my Tiny Garden
🌿 Courgettes (Zucchini)
Courgettes are like enthusiastic dancers: generous, fast-growing, and always a bit dramatic. Once they get going, it feels like there’s a new flower or fruit every day. They love warm soil, sunshine, and plenty of space for their leaves to spread.
💡 Tiny Garden Tip: Grow just one or two in a large pot or grow bag, and give them a bamboo teepee to lean on if needed. They’re thirsty, so keep an eye on watering in hot weather.
🌶️ Peppers & Chilli's
These two are cousins in the nightshade family, and both thrive in containers. Peppers are slower to mature, but they’re worth the wait — their glossy fruits bring color and crunch to every dish. Chillis, on the other hand, are compact, productive, and pack a punch!
💡 Tiny Garden Tip: These heat-lovers adore a sun trap. The more sun, the spicier your chillis will be. Use pots with good drainage and keep them warm — even at night, if possible.
🥒 Cucumbers
Cool, refreshing, and surprisingly vigorous, cucumbers are the introverts of the garden: quiet and understated, but once they get going, they’re unstoppable. I adore watching their tendrils curl up supports like little green ballerinas.
💡 Tiny Garden Tip: Grow vertically! A trellis or string system will keep the vines off the ground and save precious space. Bush varieties are perfect for containers.
🎭 Squash (Summer, Butternut & Patty Pan)
Squash are the drama queens of the group — sprawling vines, huge leaves, and bold personalities. But don’t let that scare you. With the right container and a bit of guidance, even a small garden can host these divas.
💡 Tiny Garden Tip: Try growing them up a strong trellis or fence. They’ll need a little training, but the payoff is worth it. Plus, the shade from their big leaves can help smaller herbs stay cool underneath.
Why NOW Is the Best Time to Plant Them
You might be thinking, “Wait — isn’t it a bit late to start planting?”
Actually, now is ideal.
By mid-May or early June, the soil is warm, the days are longer, and the nights are gentle. This means:
✅ Seeds germinate faster
✅ Plants grow stronger
✅ You skip the babying phase of protecting seedlings from frost
Whether you’re growing from seed or starting with young plants from your local nursery, these summer veggies are ready to perform — and you’ll be harvesting before you know it.
A Final Word from My Garden to Yours
There’s something magical about tending to a plant and then picking something delicious from it weeks later. It’s grounding. It’s joyful. And in small spaces, it’s a miracle that unfolds right outside your back door (or kitchen window).
If you’re not sure where to start or feel overwhelmed by all the options, take a breath. Just start with one plant you love. A chilli in a pot. A cucumber climbing your balcony rail. A courgette in a grow bag. Let the garden grow with you.
And if you need a little help deciding what fits your space and lifestyle best, I’ve got something for you…
👉 Click here to get my free Tomato Masterclass & Slides
(Because let’s be honest — tomatoes are the true divas of summer!)
Happy growing,
Émely 🌸
Founder of That Tiny Garden