Gardening expert shares ‘easy-to-grow’ vegetables to plant in May

Gardening expert shares tips for growing windowsill crops

May is the perfect month to spend time in the garden and start planting a plethora of crops, plants and flowers. The longer days, higher temperatures and warmer soil mean more seeds can be sown straight into the ground. The upcoming bank holiday is a great opportunity for Britons to get out into the garden and plant their favourite vegetables ready to be harvested later in the year.

For gardeners who are planning to plant some vegetables in the garden but are unsure of what to sow, Sean Lade a gardening expert and director of Easy Garden Irrigation has shared which vegetables to plant now.

What vegetables to plant in May:

Garden Peas

Peas can be sown in gardens in early March but only if the soil is warm enough. For gardeners in cooler regions, this may not have been possible.

If the ground still isn’t warm enough, use cloches. To “maximise your crop”, Sean recommended planting every two weeks so gardeners have fresh peas from June to October.

He added: “Don’t forget, peas need plenty of water, a good soaking twice a week, especially in dry periods, and mulch, mulch, mulch.

“Once the plants have been established, assist the plants by installing canes or a trellis.”

Carrots

Carrots can be sown in different climates as they’re cool-season vegetables. They also don’t need to be moved around once planted so can stay in their original location.

These crops need watering regularly but can cope if there are long stretches of time without rain.

Do not overwater them. If they need water, the leaves will start to wilt.

Carrots will take around 12 weeks to mature and will be ready to harvest in the summer months.

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Broccoli

Sean said spring is the “best time” to start sowing broccoli unless gardeners want to grow later varieties.

If this is the case, plant it in June. Like garden peas, sowing them from April onwards will give gardeners crops throughout summer and autumn.

Sean continued: “Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that is easy to grow in different climates. Choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil to get started.

“Plant the seeds about an inch deep and 18 inches apart, and water them regularly.

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“Once the plants are about six inches tall, add a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and control weeds.

“Harvest the broccoli when the heads are firm and tight, and enjoy the fresh, healthy vegetable.”

Pumpkin

While pumpkins are associated with autumn and Halloween, they actually need to be sown now for ready for harvest later in the year.

These crops are demanding, requiring lots of food and water and care to produce crops.

Pumpkins do not like cold weather so need to be sown indoors before being put outside later in the month.

Plant pumpkins in a 10” x 10” hole filled with manure-rich soil and leave around a generous gap (at least a metre) between the plants; this will depend on what type of pumpkin that’s being grown.

Remember to water them lots and add fertiliser to the soil.

Pak Choi

Also known as bok choy, pak choi is a Chinese celery cabbage that tastes absolutely delicious when packed into a stir fry.

These need to be sown in late spring to early summer for the best harvest. For a “plentiful harvest”, ensure the crops get lots of sun and are planted in fertile soil.

Thin out the seeds so the crop thrives and add any crops that are removed to salads. They need watering regularly to ensure they have a “full flavour” and to avoid “bolting”.

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