A Practical Guide for UK Gardeners
May is one of the busiest and most rewarding months on the vegetable plot. The soil is warming up, days are longer, and the threat of frost is (mostly) behind us. For UK gardeners, this means it’s time to get sowing and planting outdoors. Whether you’re starting a new veg patch or filling gaps in existing beds, there’s a wide range of crops you can safely grow in May.
Here’s what you can plant directly outdoors this month:
1. Root Vegetables
These are ideal for direct sowing now that the soil is warm and workable.
- Carrots – Sow thinly in rows. Choose early varieties for quicker crops.
- Beetroot – Easy to grow; sow every few weeks for a staggered harvest.
- Parsnips – Sow now for a late autumn/winter harvest.
- Turnips – Great for fast-growing early crops or overwintering varieties.
- Radishes – Quick to germinate; perfect for gaps between slower-growing crops.
2. Leafy Greens & Salads
These leafy crops thrive in the moist, fertile soil of May.
- Lettuce – Choose loose-leaf or cos varieties; sow little and often.
- Spinach – Best sown now before the heat causes it to bolt.
- Swiss chard – Colourful and productive, great for summer and beyond.
- Rocket & Mustard Greens – Quick, peppery additions to salads.
3. Peas and Beans
These crops benefit from direct sowing outdoors in May.
- Runner beans – Sow once frost risk has passed (late May in many regions).
- French beans – As with runners, sow when soil is warm.
- Mangetout & garden peas – May is ideal for sowing succession crops.
Tip: Protect young seedlings from slugs and birds with mesh or netting.
4. Brassicas (for Later Crops)
Brassicas started indoors earlier can be planted out now, or sown directly into seed beds for transplanting later.
- Cabbage (autumn/winter varieties)
- Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli (calabrese and purple sprouting)
Give them firm soil and good spacing. Netting is essential to protect from cabbage white butterflies and pigeons.
5. Courgettes, Squash, and Pumpkins
These can be planted out in late May, once the risk of frost has completely passed.
- Harden them off first – gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions.
- Plant in rich, composted soil and give plenty of space and water.
6. Potatoes
- Second earlies and maincrop potatoes can still be planted now if you haven’t done so yet.
- Earth up as shoots appear to protect from frost and encourage strong growth.
7. Herbs
Many hardy and semi-hardy herbs can go outside now:
- Coriander, parsley, chives, dill, and fennel can be sown directly.
- Basil should be started indoors or planted out after mid- to late May.
Tips for Success in May:
- Water well after sowing, especially in dry spells.
- Use fleece or cloches to protect tender young seedlings in cooler areas.
- Label rows clearly and stagger sowings every few weeks for a continuous harvest.
- Keep on top of weeding, as warm weather boosts weed growth too.
🌱 May in the Vegetable Garden Is All About Momentum
It’s a time of optimism and rapid growth—every seed sown in May sets you up for months of delicious home-grown produce. Take advantage of the warmer soil and longer days to get as much into the ground as you can. By June, your plot will be bursting with promise.
