What to Plant in May
- HANDRAS
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
May is the "bridge" month in the UK garden—the risk of frost is finally fading (usually by the end of the month), and the soil is warming up. It’s the busiest time for both sowing seeds and "planting out" (moving indoor-raised plants to their final outdoor spots).
Here is a breakdown of what to plant right now:
1. Vegetables & Fruits
May is the time to transition from hardy winter crops to the "tender" summ
er varieties.
Sow Directly Outside:
Root Veg: Carrots, beetroot, parsnips (last chance!), and radishes.
Legumes: Runner beans, French beans, and peas.
Others: Sweetcorn (plant in blocks for pollination), Swiss chard, and spinach.
Plant Out (Late May):
Tender Crops: Once the risk of frost has passed, move your tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes, pumpkins, and squashes outside.
Brassicas: Brussels sprouts, kale, and purple sprouting broccoli (for winter harvest).
Fruits: Plant out strawberry runners and pot-grown fruit bushes like blueberries, raspberries, and gooseberries.
2. Flowers
If you want a riot of colour in July and August, May is the critical window.
Summer Bedding: Plant out geraniums, petunias, begonias, and busy lizzies.
Hardy & Half-Hardy Annuals: Sow sunflowers, nasturtiums, cornflowers, poppies, and zinnias directly into the soil.
Perennials: It’s a great time to plant "low-maintenance" perennials like Peonies, Delphiniums, Lupins, and Lavender.
Bulbs: Plant summer-flowering bulbs like Dahlias (protect from slugs!) and Cannas.
3. Herbs
Most herbs thrive when planted in May as the light levels increase.
Hardy Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint (keep mint in a pot to stop it from taking over).
Tender Herbs: Sow or plant out basil, coriander, and dill. These love the warmth but keep them sheltered from harsh winds.
💡 Pro Tips for May
The "Harden Off" Rule: Don't move plants straight from a warm windowsill to the garden. Move them outside during the day and back in at night for 7–10 days to acclimatise them.
No Mow May: Consider leaving your lawn uncut this month. This allows wildflowers like daisies, clover, and dandelions to bloom, providing a vital feast for bees and butterflies.
The Chelsea Chop: At the end of May, prune back certain perennials (like Sedums or Penstemons) by a third. This keeps them from getting "leggy" and encourages more flowers later in the summer.
