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May is a time of change. In the Northern Hemisphere, the weather is currently getting warmer, prompting a change in your surroundings. The leaves are probably nearing full bloom and the trees are almost breathing life.
Where we are, it’s an exciting time! The weather changing means a stretch of consistently warm weather to enjoy. Warm nights by the fire are gone and warm days in the sun await.
May is a fantastic time to take stock of your garden/indoor plant collection and get your Trowel, Hand Rake Fork and Gloves to start your urban gardening journey!
We will go over what to plant in May. By getting ahead of the summer you can give your plants the best chance of surviving and thriving in the coming seasons.
1. Carrots
This vegetable is a cornerstone of so many culinary occasions. Of course, there is the autumnal/winter classics of a Christmas roast, Thanksgiving, and Halloween to name a few, though they are so much more versatile than that. Smoked carrots topped with light, summery, early-autumn toppings such as pomegranate have become a favourite.
Carrots take around 14-16 weeks to grow, so May is the perfect time. Take this opportunity to grow an incredibly easy, satisfying vegetable. Simply sow the seeds before planting in holes, covering them with a moderate amount of soil. Water with care and await your orange army! When thinking of what to plant in May you can never go wrong with carrots.
2. Basil
Basil is quick to grow and loves the warmer climate. A traditionally warmer-weather herb, this plant can be a little bit tricky at times but is oh-so-worth it.
Basil loves to be grown in well-draining soil in a warm, low-sun area. Once the seedlings start to grow, transfer them to a bigger pot and keep them in a warm place with a moderate amount of sun. Ideally out of midday-ish sun is your golden point.
Harvesting basil is where so many people fall down. You should remove individual leaves rather than the stems so that new leaves can grow back. This allows for the constant replenishing of leaves to make your dishes delicious!
3. Sunflowers
Nothing says spring like sunflowers! These are definitely what flowers to plant in May as they have an incredibly joyous golden colour that brightens up your day! What’s better is that they are so easy to grow! Simply sow the seeds outdoors at the start of May, water gently and regularly, avoiding overly moist soil. Then all you need to do is watch these guys grow!
When wondering what can you plant in May, think of sunflowers. They do take up a fair amount of space but will bring so much joy to your garden! They are one of those fantastic indicators of the passing of time, only being around for a few months a year before hibernating until the next.
4. Strawberries
A British spring classic! Strawberries are some of the most delicious fruits around when picked in season. Don’t base your love of these fantastic berries on what you can buy in the supermarket in February. Springtime strawberries are absolutely amazing and are easier to grow than you might think.
Strawberries can grow in a variety of locations. From indoor, to herb box, to outdoor so there is no excuse! They love fertile soil and a whole bunch of water. You should expect these guys to be on their way in a month or so, and ready to eat in around 60 days. The plants normally grow well for around 4 years before they need re-propagating.
5. Peas
These are prime examples of what to plant in May. You can sow the seeds directly into the ground. They are quite low-maintenance, with some gentle and frequent watering required. They will grow in their shell and produce the most marvellous, fresh, sweet-flavoured vegetables you’ve ever tasted. They are a fantastic source of protein too!
6. Beans
In the same vein as peas, these are fantastically versatile vegetables that are really easy to grow! When thinking about what you can plant in May, these don’t often come up, though May is the perfect time! They all have different needs so let's choose a classic early-spring bean, the runner bean.
Runner beans, as with many other beans, are climbing plants. They might need some support from garden canes if they do not have another option. You can plant them straight into the soil and keep a moderate amount of water flowing for these green beauties!
7. Squash
Another quintessential Autumnal vegetable family that loves starting their journey in May. Squash requires quite a lot of space as they like to create plenty of room beneath the surface. However, a single plant will produce an ample amount of squash.
Simply plant in fertile soil and water moderately for bountiful produce come end-of-summer. The squash will need to be pulled out of the ground but will produce amazing, rich, sweet flavour and colour that you can use for so many amazing dishes!
8. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are the answer to what flowers to plant in May. They are the perfect, flexible flower that loves to grow within your other produce. Fill your garden out for summer with these flowers known for their vibrant, warming colour range.
These flowers can also be eaten! They have a delicious, peppery kick that can add so much flair and flavour to your dishes. Impress your friends at a garden dinner with a delicious summer salad garnished with these beauties.
9. Bieannals (next year)
These flowers are a fantastic way to prepare for next year. These flowers will form small leaves and stalks in the first year, but produce fantastic flowers the next! Prepare for a heavenly spring this May with Bieannals.
We hope you’ve gained some inspiration and information from this list! There’s not really a whole lot you can do wrong in May as most plants are ready to grow while the weather is warmer and the sun is shining (hopefully!).
