What Can We Plant In The Vegetable Garden In May?

Vegetables to Start Growing in the UK in May

Beans (French and Runner):

• Beans can be sown directly outdoors in May. French beans like ‘Blue Lake’ and runner beans like ‘Scarlet Emperor’ thrive in warmer temperatures. Plant them in well-drained soil with plenty of support as they grow.

Sweet Corn:

• Sweet corn can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in May. Varieties like ‘Golden Bantam’ and ‘Swift’ need a sunny location and well-drained soil. Sow in blocks to ensure good pollination and a sweet harvest.

Courgettes (Zucchini):

• Courgettes can be sown directly outdoors in May. Varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ and ‘Gold Rush’ need plenty of space and sunlight. Plant them in fertile, well-drained soil and water regularly.

Cucumbers:

• Cucumbers can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in May. Varieties like ‘Marketmore’ and ‘Burpless Tasty Green’ require warm soil and plenty of sunlight. Provide support for climbing varieties.

Pumpkins and Squash:

• Pumpkins and squash can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in May. Varieties like ‘Jack O’Lantern’ and ‘Butternut’ need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Plant them with plenty of space to spread out.

Tomatoes:

• Tomatoes can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in May. Varieties like ‘Moneymaker’ and ‘Gardener’s Delight’ need a sunny location and well-drained soil. Support the plants as they grow and pinch out side shoots.

Peppers (Sweet and Hot):

• Peppers can be sown directly outdoors or started indoors in May. Varieties like ‘Bell Boy’ (sweet) and ‘Cayenne’ (hot) need a warm, sunny spot. Plant them in well-drained soil and water regularly.

Aubergines (Eggplants):

• Aubergines can be started indoors in May. Varieties like ‘Black Beauty’ require a warm, sunny location and well-drained soil. Transplant them outdoors after the last frost and provide support as they grow.

Beetroot:

• Beetroot can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘Boltardy’ and ‘Chioggia’ are well-suited for this time. Beetroot prefers well-drained soil and can be harvested young or left to mature.

Carrots:

• Carrots can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘Nantes’ and ‘Chantenay’ thrive in sandy, well-drained soil. Sow thinly and thin out seedlings to give them space to grow.

Lettuce:

• Lettuce can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘Little Gem’ and ‘Lollo Rossa’ are ideal for continuous harvesting throughout the summer. Plant them in well-drained soil and water regularly.

Radishes:

• Radishes can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘French Breakfast’ and ‘Cherry Belle’ grow quickly and can be harvested within a few weeks. Radishes prefer well-drained soil and regular watering.

Spinach:

• Spinach can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘Perpetual Spinach’ and ‘Bloomsdale’ thrive in cooler temperatures and provide fresh leaves throughout the growing season.

Spring Onions:

• Spring onions can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘White Lisbon’ and ‘Apache’ are perfect for salads and garnishes. Plant them in well-drained soil and water regularly.

Turnips:

• Turnips can be sown directly into the ground in May. Varieties like ‘Purple Top Milan’ and ‘Tokyo Cross’ mature quickly and are great for salads and cooked dishes. Turnips prefer well-drained soil and regular watering.

Herbs (Basil, Parsley, Coriander):

• Herbs can be sown directly outdoors in May. Basil, parsley, and coriander need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. These herbs will add fresh flavors to your summer dishes.

Conclusion

Starting these vegetable seeds in May will help ensure a productive and healthy garden throughout the summer and into the autumn. By sowing these warm-season crops directly outdoors, you can take advantage of the warmer temperatures and longer days. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of seed and monitor their growth to achieve the best results. Enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce from your garden.

What Can We Plant In The Fruit Garden In May?

January is a pivotal month for setting up your fruit garden for success. While the weather outside may be cold and uninviting, this is the perfect time to plant a variety of hardy fruit plants and trees that can establish themselves before the growing season kicks into full gear. From berry bushes to fruit trees, these early plantings will give your garden a head start, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the months to come. This guide will walk you through the best fruit varieties to plant in January, providing tips and insights to help your fruit garden thrive.

Fruits to Start Growing in the UK in May

Strawberries:

• Strawberries can be planted in May using bare-root runners or young plants. Plant them in pots, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground, ensuring they are in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cambridge Favourite’ and ‘Honeoye’ are excellent choices for planting in May.

Raspberries:

• Raspberries can be planted as bare-root canes in May. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Autumn Bliss’ and ‘Glen Ample’ will establish well and provide delicious fruit later in the year. Plant the canes about 45cm apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Blueberries:

• Blueberries can be planted in May if the ground is not frozen. These acid-loving plants thrive in ericaceous (acidic) soil. Varieties like ‘Patriot’ and ‘Bluecrop’ are well-suited for planting in May. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot and mulch with pine needles or bark to maintain soil acidity.

Blackberries:

• Blackberries can be planted as bare-root plants in May. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Loch Ness’ and ‘Triple Crown’ are good choices. Plant the canes about 1.5m apart and support them with a trellis or wires.

Gooseberries:

• Gooseberries can be planted as bare-root bushes in May. These hardy bushes thrive in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Varieties like ‘Invicta’ and ‘Hinnonmaki Red’ will establish well. Space the plants about 1.2m apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Currants (Red, White, Black):

• Currants can be planted as bare-root bushes in May. Choose a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Ben Sarek’ (black), ‘Red Lake’ (red), and ‘Blanka’ (white) are excellent choices. Space the plants about 1.5m apart and mulch around the base.

Apples:

• Apple trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Bramley’ and ‘Discovery’ are great choices for planting in May. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and backfill with soil. Stake the tree to provide support and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Pears:

• Pear trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Conference’ and ‘Doyenne du Comice’ are excellent for planting in May. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.

Plums:

• Plum trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Victoria’ and ‘Opal’ are ideal for planting in May. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree for support, and water well. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Cherries:

• Cherry trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. These trees prefer a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Stella’ and ‘Morello’ are good choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Peaches:

• Peaches can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. Select a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Peregrine’ and ‘Redhaven’ are suitable for planting in May. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water well. Mulch around the base to keep the soil moist and reduce weed growth.

Apricots:

• Apricot trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Moorpark’ and ‘Goldcot’ are great choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Grapes:

• Grapevines can be planted as bare-root or container-grown plants in May. Choose a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Chardonnay’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ are excellent choices. Dig a hole large enough for the roots and provide a trellis or support system for the vines. Water well and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Figs:

• Fig trees can be planted as bare-root or container-grown trees in May. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Brown Turkey’ and ‘Brunswick’ are ideal for planting in May. Dig a hole large enough for the roots, stake the tree, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and control weeds.

Conclusion

Starting your fruit plants in May can set the stage for a productive growing season. By planting hardy varieties in sunny, well-drained locations, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of delicious fruits. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of fruit and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a healthy and productive fruit garden.

What Can We Plant In The Flower Garden In May?

January is an exciting time for flower enthusiasts eager to get a jumpstart on the growing season. Despite the cold weather, there are several hardy flower varieties that can be sown now to ensure a vibrant and colorful garden in the coming months. Starting your flowers early indoors or in a greenhouse gives them the time they need to develop strong roots and prepare for blooming as soon as the warmer weather arrives. This guide will explore the best flowers to plant in January, offering tips and insights to help you cultivate a flourishing and beautiful flower garden.

Flowers to Start Growing in the UK in May

Sunflowers:

• Sunflowers can be sown directly outdoors in May. These tall, cheerful flowers need a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Giant Single’ and ‘Autumn Beauty’ will add a bright splash of color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Marigolds:

• Marigolds can be sown directly outdoors in May. These easy-to-grow flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘French Marigold’ and ‘African Marigold’ are perfect for adding vibrant color to borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Zinnias:

• Zinnias can be sown directly outdoors in May. These colorful, long-lasting flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Cactus Flowered Mix’ and ‘Lilliput’ are excellent choices. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Cosmos:

• Cosmos can be sown directly outdoors in May. These graceful, daisy-like flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Sensation Mix’ and ‘Cosmic Orange’ will bloom all summer long. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Lavender:

• Lavender can be sown directly outdoors or in pots in May. These fragrant, hardy plants need full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Munstead’ are ideal for borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden or start them in pots indoors.

Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist):

• Nigella can be sown directly outdoors in May. These delicate flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Miss Jekyll’ and ‘Persian Jewels’ are ideal for early sowing. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Larkspur:

• Larkspur can be sown directly outdoors in May. These tall, spiky flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Imperial Mix’ and ‘Sublime Dark Blue’ will add height and color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Sweet Alyssum:

• Sweet Alyssum can be sown directly outdoors in May. These low-growing, fragrant flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Snow Crystals’ and ‘Carpet of Snow’ are perfect for borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Calendula (Pot Marigold):

• Calendula can be sown directly outdoors in May. These cheerful flowers are easy to grow and prefer full sun. Varieties like ‘Orange King’ and ‘Pacific Beauty’ are good choices. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Snapdragons:

• Snapdragons can be sown directly outdoors in May. These versatile flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Rocket Mix’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’ are suitable for early sowing. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Cornflowers:

• Cornflowers can be sown directly outdoors in May. These classic cottage garden flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Blue Boy’ and ‘Mauve Ball’ will provide beautiful blue blooms. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Clarkia:

• Clarkia can be sown directly outdoors in May. These elegant, double flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Double Mix’ and ‘Salmon Queen’ are excellent for borders. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Morning Glories:

• Morning Glories can be sown directly outdoors in May. These fast-growing climbers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Heavenly Blue’ and ‘Grandpa Ott’s’ will quickly cover trellises and fences. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Sweet Peas:

• Sweet Peas can be sown directly outdoors in May. These fragrant flowers need a sunny spot and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Old Spice Mixed’ and ‘Cupani’ will thrive. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost.

Poppies:

• Poppies can be sown directly outdoors in May. These easy-to-grow flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Shirley Mixed’ and ‘Iceland Poppy’ will add a splash of color to your garden. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Nasturtiums:

• Nasturtiums can be sown directly outdoors in May. These fast-growing, easy-care flowers prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Jewel Mix’ and ‘Empress of India’ are perfect for borders and containers. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil has warmed.

Petunias:

• Petunias can be sown directly outdoors in May. These colorful flowers thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Varieties like ‘Grandiflora’ and ‘Multiflora’ will provide vibrant blooms all summer. Sow seeds directly in the garden once the soil is workable.

Conclusion

Starting your flower seeds in May can set the stage for a vibrant and colorful garden. By planting hardy and early-blooming varieties directly outdoors, you can ensure a head start on the growing season. Make sure to provide the right conditions for each type of flower and monitor their growth throughout the season. Enjoy a beautiful and productive flower garden with a variety of blooms that will brighten up your outdoor space.