UK growing guide · Spring
What can I plant in May?
May is when the vegetable garden moves outdoors in a big way. Days are longer and the soil is warming, but late frosts and cool nights can still stall tender crops. With careful hardening off and a watchful eye on forecasts, you can start planting out summer vegetables and sowing warm-season favourites.
Back to planting calendarWhat can you sow in May?
May is all about timing. Many seeds can be sown directly outdoors, and tender plants raised under cover can be planted out once conditions are suitable.
As a rule of thumb, wait until nights are reliably mild before planting out heat lovers like tomatoes, peppers and courgettes. If a cold snap is forecast, cover plants with fleece overnight.
Keep sowing little and often (especially salads) to avoid gluts and keep harvests going.
Vegetables to sow indoors or under cover
- Ridge cucumbers (for planting out in June)
- Basil (warm, bright windowsill)
- Late sowings of courgettes (if you are behind)
Vegetables to sow or plant outdoors
- French beans and runner beans (support ready)
- Sweetcorn (sow in blocks)
- Squash, cucumbers, pumpkins (warm soil)
- Cauliflowers and sprouting broccoli (for later harvests)
- Plant out tender crops (after hardening off)
Tip: Harden off for 10–14 days before planting out. Gradually introduce plants to sun, wind and cooler nights.
Tips & common mistakes
May gardening tips and common mistakes
May can be deceptively warm. The biggest issues usually come from planting out too soon, or letting young plants dry out in wind and sun.
Skipping hardening off
Plants raised under cover can scorch or stall if moved outdoors suddenly. Increase time outside gradually before planting out.
Planting out before mild nights
Tomatoes, peppers, basil and courgettes grow best when nights are warm. If in doubt, wait or use cloches and fleece.
Inconsistent watering
Windy May days dry out beds and containers quickly. Water deeply, then mulch to hold moisture.
Not preparing supports early
Runner beans and peas need sturdy supports before they climb. Setting frames up late can damage roots.
Forgetting late frost protection
Keep fleece nearby and check a 5–10 day forecast. A single cold night can set tender plants back weeks.
Garden planning and task management features
Sproutly Gardening helps you organise your plants, plan tasks and set reminders so nothing is forgotten.
Record your sowings
Track what you sowed outside and what you raised under cover.
Plan upcoming jobs
Schedule planting out, staking, mulching and feeding.
Set reminders
Never miss a cold night forecast or watering day.
Review your progress
Keep notes on what worked and improve next year’s plan.
Ready to plan your May garden?
Make the most of May. Log your sowings and planting-out dates in Sproutly Gardening and stay organised.
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Gardening advice is provided as a general guide based on typical UK conditions. Weather soil and local climate can vary so always use your judgement and adjust timing as needed for your own garden.