What to plant in May

By May, all risk of frost has passed in most regions of the UK. Many vegetable, herb and flower seeds can be directly sown outdoors, while earlier sowings can now be planted out after a period of acclimatisation (hardening off) to outside conditions. Plenty of seeds can be sown indoors too, including more tender crops like cucumber and melon.

Sowing indoors will protect young plants from slugs and snails, and by planting them outside when they’re large enough to handle you’ll give them a head start on predators.Half-hardy annual flower seeds such as zinnia and nasturtium, and summer-flowering bulbs like Eucomis and Nerine, can be planted outside this month, once the risk of frost has passed. Pot-grown fruit trees and shrubs, including fig trees, citrus trees and gooseberries can be planted all year round, while May is your last opportunity to plant strawberry runners for a chance of a crop this year.



Find more vegetables, fruit, flowers, trees and shrubs to plant in May, below.You will needMany seeds can be sown outside at this time of year, and after the last frosts, tender plants can be planted outside. You might find that it’s worth investing in additional kit, which we’ve suggested below.

Cold frame: if you’re prepared to add a bit of extra insulation, a cold frame offers some protection against frost early in the month and can help hardy seeds get off to a flying start too – check out our pick of the best garden cold frames.Greenhouse: for those of you who have been toying with the idea of a greenhouse, we’ve got handy guides packed with information about how to choose the best greenhouse, as well as 12 of the most useful greenhouse accessories. No outside space? No problem – our round-up of the best indoor greenhouses is just for you.

Vegetables to plant in MayBeetroot[image id="26092" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Harvesting beetroot. Jason IngramWhen to harvest: June to October.How to grow: if you’re new to growing vegetables, beetroot is a good, easy-to-grow option.

The seeds don’t need much encouragement to germinate and they require little maintenance once established. Beetroot ‘Boltardy’ is one of the most popular cultivars to grow, but you could also try a more unusually coloured cultivar, such as ‘Touchstone Gold’. Sow seeds direct in shallow drills or pots.

Now’s also the time to plant out pre-sown beetroot plugs outside – make sure you plant them before the roots develop or they will grow into unusual shapes.How to grow beetrootBuy beetroot seeds from Suttons, Gardening Direct and Thompson & MorganSweetcorn[image id="26093" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Sowing sweetcorn. Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: August to October.

How to grow: May is the last time to sow sweetcorn, to give the plants plenty of time to grow and ripen. For best results, sow in a multi-celled tray indoors and plant out when the seedlings are large enough to handle. Any sweetcorn plants sown in April can be planted out now, after a period of hardening off.

How to grow sweetcornBuy sweetcorn from Dobies, Tamar Organics and Thompson & MorganCucumber[image id="26094" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Cucumber seedlings. Paul DeboisWhen to harvest: July to September.How to grow: cucumbers grow best in a greenhouse but some newer varieties have been bred to tolerate outside conditions.

Sow into multi-celled seed trays or individual pots, and pot on when seedlings are large enough to handle.How to grow cucumbersBuy cucumber seeds from Dobies, Suttons and Thompson & MorganSprouting broccoli[image id="26095" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Purple sprouting broccoli ready to harvest. Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: November to May.

How to grow: an extremely robust crop, sprouting broccoli produces nutrient-packed succulent spears, which are perfect for steaming, boiling and grilling. It’s easy to grow and, if you grow different varieties, you can harvest broccoli spears throughout winter and into spring. Sow into seed trays or small pots, and pot on until they’re ready to plant out.

How to grow sprouting broccoliBuy purple sprouting broccoli from Sarah Raven, Suttons and Thompson & MorganCarrots[image id="26096" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Freshly harvested carrots. Paul DeboisWhen to harvest: May to October.How to grow: carrots are a fantastic, easy-to-grow crop to raise from seed.

As well as the classic orange cultivars, you could also try growing colourful cultivars such as ‘Yellowstone’. Sow into shallow drills of well-prepared, stone-free soil, or in pots.How to grow carrotsBuy carrot seeds from Dobies, Van Meuwen and SuttonsCourgettes[image id="32617" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Harvesting a courgette with a knife" alt="Harvesting a courgette with a knife" classes=""] Harvesting a courgette with a knife.

Paul DeboisWhen to harvest: July to October.How to grow: courgettes can be direct-sown in well-prepared soil outside or in pots or multi-celled trays for transplanting later on. They also work well in containers.

Plants sown last month can be planted out now, once acclimatised. Protect young plants from slugs and snails, and water regularly. Courgettes are hungry crops – feed them weekly once they’ve started flowering.

How to grow courgettesBuy courgettes from Dobies, The Organic Gardening Catalogue and Thompson & MorganRocket[image id="26655" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Rocket leaves ready to pick. Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: April to November.How to grow: rocket is a quick-growing crop that takes up little space.

Perfect for pots, direct-sow seeds on the surface of moist, peat-free, multi-purpose compost and protect emerging seedlings from slugs and snails. Make regular sowings every few weeks for a continuous crop throughout summer, and harvest as and when you need to.How to grow rocket leaves from seedBuy rocket from Sarah Raven, Suttons and Thompson & MorganFrench and runner beans[image id="22268" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Planting out French beans" alt="Planting out French beans" classes=""] Planting out French beans.

Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: July to October.How to grow: French beans and runner beans (as well as soybeans) can be sown direct outside now – dwarf French cultivars are suitable for growing in pots. Support climbing beans with a teepee of canes.

Any beans sown in pots or multi-celled trays last month can be planted out now after a period of hardening off – do protect young plants from slugs and snails.How to grow French beans and runner beansBuy runner beans from Dobies, Suttons and Thompson & MorganBuy French beans from Chiltern Seeds, Sarah Raven and SuttonsBasil[image id="26662" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Purple and green basil growing in a pot along with other herbs. Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: June to September.

How to grow: basil will grow outside but does best in heat and sunshine, making it perfect for sowing in May and keeping indoors, either on a windowsill or in a greenhouse. Sow direct in pots or in seed trays to transplant later.How to grow basilBuy basil from Jekka’s, Sarah Raven and Thompson & MorganKohlrabi[image id="26663" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Kohlrabi ready to harvest.

Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: May to November.How to grow: kohlrabi is an unusual-looking, but delicious vegetable that’s not widely grown. It’s quick-growing and reaches maturity in just a couple of months.

Sow like other brassicas and harvest when no bigger than a tennis ball.How to grow kohlrabiBuy kohlrabi from Kings Seeds, Suttons and Thompson & MorganFruit to plant in MayStrawberries[image id="38592" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="2048x1365-Best-strawberries-to-grow-LI1555526" alt="Early fruiting strawberry 'Korona'" classes=""] Early fruiting strawberry ‘Korona’. Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: June to September.

How to grow: strawberry runners can be planted outside now, and if you keep them well watered in the coming weeks you should get a small harvest, especially from ever-bearing varieties, which fruit over a longer season.How to grow strawberriesBuy strawberries from Dobies, Sarah Raven and Thompson & MorganGooseberries[image id="33063" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Ripe gooseberries" alt="Ripe gooseberries" classes=""] Ripe gooseberries. Sarah CuttleWhen to harvest: June to August.

How to grow: pot-grown gooseberries can be planted in May, but bear in mind that the plant may be flowering at this time, so you’ll need to water it regularly to ensure the crop doesn’t fail. In dry conditions, it may be best to remove any flowers and let the plant focus on becoming established instead. After planting, mulch around the base with home-made compost to conserve moisture in the soil.

How to grow gooseberriesBuy blackberries from Crocus, Thompson & Morgan and SuttonsFig tree[image id="203786" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Adjoa has a fig tree in her city garden" alt="Adjoa has a fig tree in her city garden" classes=""] Fig tree. Paul DeboisWhen to harvest: August to September.How to grow: figs grow best in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun.

If you plant in the ground, use rubble or submerged paving slabs to restrict root growth, which helps promote fruit production. Pot-grown plants should be well-watered and fed every couple of weeks with tomato food once the fruits start to appear.How to grow figsBuy fig trees from Dobies, Sarah Raven and Thompson & MorganCitrus trees[image id="59907" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Growing lemon and orange plants in the UK - Calamondin orange" alt="Growing lemon and orange plants in the UK - Calamondin orange" classes=""] Calamondin orange tree.

Paul DeboisWhen to harvest: November to April.How to grow: compact citrus trees can be grown successfully in a sheltered, sunny spot in a terracotta container, provided you have somewhere bright and frost-free to keep the plants during the winter months. Citrus trees need watering weekly with rainwater in summer and watering sparingly in winter, only when the surface of the compost begins to dry out.

Plants also need regular feeding with a specialist citrus feed.How to grow orange and lemon treesBuy citrus trees from Crocus, Plants4Presents and SuttonsFlowers to plant in MayDill[image id="23542" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Yellow flowers of dill (Anethum graveolens)" alt="Yellow flowers of dill (Anethum graveolens)" classes=""] Delicate umbels of bright yellow dill flowers. Sarah CuttleFlowers: July to October.

How to grow: this airy annual not only looks good, but you can also use the anise-flavoured leaves for cooking. A brilliant plant for wildlife, it’s particularly popular with hoverflies. Direct sow dill now for summer blooms.

How to grow dillBuy dill from J.Parker’s, Sarah Raven and Thompson & MorganCornflowers[image id="23543" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)" alt="Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)" classes=""] A striking blue cornflower. Paul DeboisFlowers: June to August.

How to grow: May is the final month to sow cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus), to ensure you get blooms the same year. They look particularly impressive when planted with other meadow plants, such as corn poppies.How to grow cornflowersBuy cornflower seeds from Sarah Raven, Thompson & Morgan, CrocusSunflowers[image id="23544" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Sunflower (Helianthus) 'Shock-o-Lat'" alt="Sunflower (Helianthus) 'Shock-o-Lat'" classes=""] Sunflower ‘Shock-o-Lat’.

Jason IngramFlowers: July to September.How to grow: sunflower seeds can be sown direct outside now, or into pots or multi-celled trays for planting out later. Try growing monster cultivars like ‘American Giant’ or shorter varieties such as ‘Moulin Rouge’ for cut flower arrangements.

Protect young plants from slugs and snails. You may need to stake particularly tall varieties.How to grow sunflowersBuy sunflowers from Dobies, Sarah Raven and SuttonsScabious[image id="23545" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist' in flower" alt="Scabiosa columbaria 'Pink Mist' in flower" classes=""] Scabious ‘Pink Mist’ in flower.

Sarah CuttleFlowers: June to August.How to grow: in shades of purple, pink and blue, scabious flowers are a real magnet for butterflies. Some are hardy perennials, such as Scabiosa columbaria ‘Butterfly Blue’, while tender species like Scabiosa atropurpurea are usually grown as annuals.

Sow in small pots or seed trays to pot on and eventually transplant outside as young plants.How to grow scabiousBuy scabious from Mr Fothergill’s, Sarah Raven and SuttonsZinnias[image id="23546" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Red zinnia 'Scarlet Flame'" alt="Red zinnia 'Scarlet Flame'" classes=""] Bright red Zinnia ‘Scarlet Flame’. Jason IngramFlowers: July to October.

How to grow: native to Mexico, zinnias can be sown outdoors in May. Simply scatter seed over moist, well-prepared soil and cover with a thin layer of compost. Zinnias also work well in pots.

How to grow zinniasBuy zinnias from Thompson & Morgan, Crocus and Sarah RavenBishop’s flower[image id="23547" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Ammi majus" alt="Ammi majus" classes=""] Pretty white umbels of Bishop’s flower, amongst grasses. Jason IngramFlowers: June to August.How to grow: Bishop’s flower, Ammi majus, is pretty annual, growing to around 1m in height.

More delicate than cow parsley, its blooms are popular with pollinators such as hoverflies. Try growing with other summer flowers like salvia, cornflower and echinacea.Buy Ammi majus from Crocus, Sarah Raven and SuttonsVerbena bonariensis[image id="49389" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Verbena bonariensis" alt="Verbena bonariensis" classes=""] Verbena bonariensis.

Jason IngramFlowers: June to October.How to grow: Verbena bonariensis seeds can be sown directly in well-prepared, moist soil from May, in full sun to partial shade.How to grow VerbenaBuy Verbena bonariensis from Chiltern Seeds, Sarah Raven and SuttonsNasturtiums[image id="26658" size="landscape_thumbnail" classes=""] Bright orange nasturtium flowers and leaves.

Sarah CuttleFlowers: June to October.How to grow: nasturtiums are versatile plants for filling gaps in the border or growing in pots. Trailing varieties can be trained up a trellis or allowed to trail over the sides of containers.

The leaves and flowers can be eaten, imparting a peppery kick, and you can pickle the fresh seeds for a homegrown version of capers. Or just leave them for their ornamental value. Sow direct outside or in seed trays to transplant later.

How to grow and care for nasturtiumsBuy nasturtiums from Crocus, Suttons and Thompson & MorganShrubs to plant in MayLavender[image id="76096" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Hedge of lavender 'Hidcote'. Jason Ingram" alt="Hedge of lavender 'Hidcote'. Jason Ingram" classes=""] Hedge of lavender ‘Hidcote’.

Jason IngramFlowers: June to August.How to grow: this sweet-scented evergreen shrub is best suited to a sunny spot in free-draining neutral to alkaline soil. Plant in spring, once the soil has warmed up.

Many lavenders are hardy, but some types, such as French lavender (Lavandula stoechas), should ideally be brought under cover in the winter and kept in a frost-free place.How to grow lavenderBuy lavender from Crocus, Norfolk Lavender and Thompson & MorganRosemary[image id="56812" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Softwood cuttings – Rosemary" alt="Rosemary" classes=""] Rosemary. Jason IngramFlowers: April to June.

How to grow: like lavender, rosemary thrives in well-drained soil in full sun, and struggles in wet conditions in the winter. You can grow rosemary in pots, but many varieties can grow large and will need potting on in fresh compost every couple of years. Rosemary is a low-maintenance shrub, needing only to be cut back after flowering to prevent plants becoming straggly and woody.

How to grow rosemaryBuy rosemary from Crocus, Kitchen Garden Plant Centre and Thompson & MorganFalse dittany[image id="197163" size="landscape_thumbnail" title="Ballota foliage and flowers. Torie Chugg" alt="Ballota foliage and flowers. Torie Chugg" classes=""] Ballota foliage and flowers.

Torie ChuggFlowers: May to June.How to grow: false dittany (Ballota pseudodictamnus) is a bushy shrub that copes well in dry, sunny conditions. After planting in spring in poor, well-drained soil, it requires little maintenance.

Prune into shape in early spring.Buy false dittany from Beth Chatto’s Plants & Gardens, Claire Austin and Crocus.