May in the vegetable garden: a key month for growth

May is a turning point for gardeners. With warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s the ideal time to sow, plant, and prepare your vegetable patch for a productive summer.

Sowing under cover
For cold-sensitive crops, sow under cover (protected from frost):
cucumber, squash, zucchini, melon, pumpkin, wild chicory, sugarloaf, radicchio.
Keep the temperature at 20-22°C until germination.
For a steady zucchini harvest until October, continue sowing into June.

Direct sowing outdoors
As the soil warms up, many vegetables can now be sown directly into the ground:
orach, beetroot, carrot, wild chicory, sugarloaf, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kohlrabi, kale, cucumber, squash, endive (or Belgian endive), fennel, bean, lettuce, sweetcorn, turnip, parsnip, parsley, leek, Swiss chard, pea, pumpkin, purslane, radish, rocket, New Zealand spinach.

Sow flowers too
Don’t forget to sow flowers that attract pollinators and beautify your garden: marigolds, nasturtiums, cosmos, love-in-a-mist, sunflowers.
These blooms boost biodiversity and support a healthy ecosystem.

Planting and transplanting
May is also the time for transplanting:

• Early May: leeks, spring lettuce, cabbages (broccoli, cauliflower, white cabbage, kohlrabi), shallots, potatoes.

• Late May: eggplants, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, celery.

Before planting out, harden off young plants to help them adjust to outdoor conditions. If temperatures drop, protect them with horticultural fleece.

Tips for successful transplanting
Prepare the soil by weeding, loosening it, and enriching it with well-rotted compost.
For hungry crops like tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and squashes, a generous layer of compost will support strong, healthy growth.

In summary
May is a busy but rewarding month in the garden. By following these tips, you’ll give your crops the best start for a bountiful harvest. Keep an eye on the weather and adjust your gardening tasks accordingly.

Happy gardening!