{"id":711,"date":"2025-04-27T16:46:02","date_gmt":"2025-04-27T15:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/?p=711"},"modified":"2025-04-29T09:00:57","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T08:00:57","slug":"may-vegetable-and-herb-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/may-vegetable-and-herb-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"May Vegetable And Herb Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"434\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/04\/salad-crops2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-713\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/04\/salad-crops2.jpg 650w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/04\/salad-crops2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/04\/salad-crops2-520x347.jpg 520w, https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/31\/2025\/04\/salad-crops2-320x214.jpg 320w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Vegetable plants Tom Howard can purchase as young plants (May):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Available as young plants \u2013 Garden Centres or <a href=\"http:\/\/gardenerskitchen.co.uk\">gardenerskitchen.co.uk<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Courgette<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Plant in rich, well-draining soil in a sunny spot. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Mulch around plants to conserve moisture.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Watch for slugs, snails, and powdery mildew. Use organic slug pellets or barriers and water at the base to avoid mildew.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cucumber<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Needs warmth \u2013 best grown in a greenhouse or sunny, sheltered spot. Train up a trellis for better airflow and easier picking.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Beware of cucumber beetles (rare in the UK) and aphids. Good ventilation and companion planting with nasturtiums can help.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lettuce<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Prefers cooler weather; plant in partial shade if summers are hot. Keep soil consistently moist.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Slugs are the main issue \u2013 use beer traps, copper tape, or hand-picking at dusk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pepper<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Needs lots of warmth and sun. Grow under cover (greenhouse or polytunnel) for best results. Stake plants as they grow.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Watch for aphids and spider mites. Use a gentle soap spray or natural predators like ladybirds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spinach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Likes cool weather \u2013 sow in partial shade to avoid bolting. Keep soil moist. Choose bolt-resistant varieties in warmer spells.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Flea beetles can nibble the leaves \u2013 use fine netting or fleece early in the season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Aubergine<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Needs plenty of warmth and light \u2013 greenhouse or sunny conservatory is ideal. Feed with a tomato fertilizer when fruits start setting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Keep an eye out for spider mites and aphids. Ensure good ventilation and avoid letting plants dry out completely.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Vegetables Tom Howard can start now in May from seed or young plants:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(Not easily available as young plants \u2013 usually from seed or specialist suppliers such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wholesale.molesseeds.co.uk\/\">Moles Seeds<\/a> )<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Strawberries<\/strong> (note: usually planted as young plants, seeds are tricky but possible)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Prefer to plant runners or young plants. Full sun and rich soil are ideal. Water well during fruiting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Birds love strawberries \u2013 use netting. Slugs can also be a problem \u2013 mulch with straw or use organic slug control.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Raspberries<\/strong> (typically planted from canes or young plants, not seeds)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Plant canes in well-drained soil, ideally against a fence or in rows with support wires. Cut down old canes after fruiting to encourage new growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Watch for raspberry beetles and aphids. Pick off affected fruit and encourage beneficial insects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Herbs Tom Howard can grow from seed now (May):<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Basil<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Loves heat and hates cold \u2013 sow indoors first or wait until the weather is warm. Keep soil moist and pinch out flower heads to keep plants leafy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Watch for aphids and slugs. Grow in pots to make management easier.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coriander<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Likes cooler, not-too-hot weather. Sow in partial shade for best results. Harvest leaves frequently to prevent bolting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Can be prone to aphids. Companion planting with dill or chives can help deter pests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Vegetables continual sowing (succession sowing) in May and beyond:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Lettuce leaves<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Sow small batches every 2\u20133 weeks for a steady supply through summer. Choose cut-and-come-again varieties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Slugs and snails \u2013 use organic methods like beer traps and night-time checks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Spinach<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Sow every few weeks until mid-summer, but be careful: spinach can bolt (flower early) in hot weather. Choose bolt-resistant varieties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Protect young seedlings with fleece to deter flea beetles. Keep soil moist to reduce stress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Basil (Herb)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Succession sowing every few weeks keeps a fresh supply. Keep harvesting leaves to encourage more growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: As above \u2013 aphids and slugs are the main enemies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Coriander (Herb)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Growing Tips<\/em>: Sow every 2\u20133 weeks. Harvest regularly. Sow in part shade if weather is hot to slow bolting.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Pest Control<\/em>: Watch for aphids. Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies in your garden.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Plant<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Growing Tips<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Pest Control<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Courgette<\/strong><\/td><td>Rich, well-draining soil, sunny spot, keep moist, mulch.<\/td><td>Slugs, snails, powdery mildew. Water at base.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cucumber<\/strong><\/td><td>Needs warmth, support\/trellis, sunny spot.<\/td><td>Aphids, cucumber beetles. Good airflow.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lettuce<\/strong><\/td><td>Cooler weather preferred, partial shade if hot, keep moist.<\/td><td>Slugs \u2013 beer traps, copper tape, hand-pick.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Pepper<\/strong><\/td><td>Needs warmth and sun, best under cover, stake plants.<\/td><td>Aphids, spider mites \u2013 soap spray, natural predators.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spinach<\/strong><\/td><td>Cool weather, partial shade, moist soil, bolt-resistant varieties.<\/td><td>Flea beetles \u2013 netting or fleece early on.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Aubergine<\/strong><\/td><td>Warmth and light needed, greenhouse ideal, feed with tomato fertilizer.<\/td><td>Spider mites, aphids \u2013 ensure good ventilation.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Strawberries<\/strong><\/td><td>Plant runners\/young plants, full sun, rich soil, water during fruiting.<\/td><td>Birds \u2013 netting; Slugs \u2013 straw mulch.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Raspberries<\/strong><\/td><td>Plant canes, well-drained soil, use support wires, cut old canes after fruiting.<\/td><td>Raspberry beetles, aphids \u2013 encourage beneficials.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Basil<\/strong><\/td><td>Loves heat, sow indoors or warm weather, moist soil, pinch out flowers.<\/td><td>Aphids and slugs \u2013 grow in pots if possible.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coriander<\/strong><\/td><td>Cooler weather preferred, sow in part shade, harvest often to prevent bolting.<\/td><td>Aphids \u2013 plant with dill or chives.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lettuce leaves (succession)<\/strong><\/td><td>Sow small batches every 2\u20133 weeks, cut-and-come-again varieties.<\/td><td>Slugs and snails \u2013 organic traps and barriers.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Spinach (succession)<\/strong><\/td><td>Sow every few weeks, bolt-resistant varieties, moist soil.<\/td><td>Protect seedlings with fleece, moist soil.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Basil (succession)<\/strong><\/td><td>Sow every few weeks, keep harvesting leaves to encourage growth.<\/td><td>Aphids, slugs \u2013 as above for basil.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Coriander (succession)<\/strong><\/td><td>Sow every 2\u20133 weeks, harvest regularly, part shade if hot.<\/td><td>Aphids \u2013 encourage ladybirds and hoverflies.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. Vegetable plants Tom Howard can purchase as young plants (May): (Available as young plants \u2013 Garden Centres or gardenerskitchen.co.uk) Courgette Cucumber Lettuce Pepper Spinach Aubergine 2. Vegetables Tom Howard can start now in&#46;&#46;&#46;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":713,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-gardening-notes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=711"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/713"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/tomsgarden\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}