{"id":903,"date":"2025-04-28T07:47:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T06:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/?p=903"},"modified":"2025-04-28T07:48:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T06:48:15","slug":"what-to-sow-and-grow-in-may-a-complete-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/what-to-sow-and-grow-in-may-a-complete-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Sow and Grow in May: A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

May is a fantastic month for gardeners, with warmer soil and longer days providing perfect conditions to sow seeds and plant young plants. Below, we\u2019ve put together a detailed guide on what you can sow and grow right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeds are available from <\/a>molesseeds.co.uk<\/a>, and young plants can be purchased from gardenerskitchen.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each entry includes handy gardening tips and notes on pests and diseases to watch out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Vegetables to Sow from Seed in May<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Carrots<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Tip:<\/strong> Sow carrots directly into well-prepared soil that\u2019s free from stones. Thin seedlings to avoid overcrowding.
    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Carrot fly is a serious pest. Use fine netting or companion plant with onions to deter them.
    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Courgettes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Tip:<\/strong> Sow seeds indoors in pots and transplant after the risk of frost. Alternatively, sow directly outside in late May.
      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Slugs and snails can decimate young plants\u2014use organic slug pellets or crushed eggshells around plants.
      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      Garlic<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Tip:<\/strong> May is late for garlic, but spring-planting varieties can still succeed if planted in light, well-draining soil.
        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Watch for rust (orange spots on leaves); improve air circulation by spacing plants well.
        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Leeks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Tip:<\/strong> Sow in modules or a nursery bed and transplant when pencil-thick into dibber-made holes.
          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Leek moth and onion fly are common pests. Cover with fine mesh and practice crop rotation.
          <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Melons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Tip:<\/strong> Sow seeds indoors in individual pots. Keep very warm (ideal temperature 20-25\u00b0C).
            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Aphids can be an issue; wash off with a blast of water or use insecticidal soap.
            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Onions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Tip:<\/strong> Sow thinly in rows; thin seedlings as they grow.
              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Onion white rot and onion fly can cause problems\u2014rotate crops annually to avoid build-up.
              <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              Pak Choi<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Tip:<\/strong> Sow in partial shade for tender leaves. Water regularly to prevent bolting.
                <\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Flea beetles love young pak choi\u2014protect with fine mesh.
                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Parsnips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                • Tip:<\/strong> Sow directly into soil as they dislike transplanting. Be patient; germination can take several weeks.
                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Canker affects parsnips. Avoid sowing into wet, poorly drained soil.
                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                  Peas<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                    \n
                  • Tip:<\/strong> Sow every two weeks for a continuous crop. Provide support early on.
                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Pigeons and mice love peas. Netting young seedlings is essential.
                    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                    Peppers<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      \n
                    • Tip:<\/strong> Sow indoors and keep very warm for germination. Transplant into large pots or greenhouse beds.
                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Aphids and spider mites can infest plants; mist regularly and monitor for pests.
                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                      Potatoes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        \n
                      • Tip:<\/strong> Plant second earlies and maincrops in trenches, covering emerging shoots (‘earthing up’).
                        <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                      • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Watch for blight; good spacing improves airflow and reduces risk.
                        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                        Pumpkins<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                          \n
                        • Tip:<\/strong> Sow indoors in large pots or directly outside if it’s warm enough.
                          <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                        • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Powdery mildew often affects pumpkins; water at the base rather than overhead.
                          <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                          Spring Onions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                            \n
                          • Tip:<\/strong> Sow little and often for fresh onions throughout summer.
                            <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                          • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Root fly can be an issue\u2014use horticultural fleece to protect crops.
                            <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                            Sweet Potatoes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                              \n
                            • Tip:<\/strong> Plant slips (young plants) in sunny, sheltered spots in ridges for best growth.
                              <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                            • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Whiteflies can infest plants; encourage natural predators like ladybirds.
                              <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                              Tomatoes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                \n
                              • Tip:<\/strong> Sow indoors for later planting in greenhouses or sunny outdoor spots.
                                <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                              • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Blight and aphids are the biggest threats. Avoid overhead watering and use blight-resistant varieties if possible.
                                <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                Broccoli<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                  \n
                                • Tip:<\/strong> Sow seeds indoors or directly outside, and plant out when they have 4-6 leaves.
                                  <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                • Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Cabbage white butterfly larvae can decimate plants\u2014net crops or hand-pick caterpillars.
                                  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
                                  \n\n\n\n

                                  Vegetables to Grow from Young Plants in May<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                  If you want a head start, buy and plant these young vegetable plants:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n
                                  • Cauliflower
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Celery
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Lettuce
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Spinach
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Swede
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Asparagus
                                    <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                  • Sweetcorn
                                    <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                    Tip:<\/strong> Harden off young plants by leaving them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for 7-10 days before planting permanently outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Young plants are especially vulnerable to slugs and snails. Protect them with copper tape, organic pellets, or beer traps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                    \n\n\n\n

                                    Herbs to Sow from Seed in May<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                                    Fresh herbs are easy to grow from seed this month:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                                      \n
                                    • Basil
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Dill
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • French Tarragon
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Lemon Balm
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Lemon Verbena
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Marjoram
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Mint (Moroccan)
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Oregano
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Parsley
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Rosemary
                                      <\/li>\n\n\n\n
                                    • Sage
                                      <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                                      Tip:<\/strong> Sow in pots using seed compost. Basil prefers warmth; others like mint and oregano thrive even in slightly cooler weather.Pests\/Diseases:<\/strong> Aphids and powdery mildew are the main threats. Keep plants well-spaced to allow air movement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                                      May is a fantastic month for gardeners, with warmer soil and longer days providing perfect conditions to sow seeds and plant young plants. Below, we\u2019ve put together a detailed guide on what you can...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":904,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-903","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardening-notes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/903","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=903"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/903\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/904"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=903"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=903"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/horace\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=903"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}