17-05-2025
The 7 plants to get in the ground this month, and you'll have a veg patch bursting with life in just eight weeks
IT might seem like too much hard work to some, but there are others desperate to grow their own vegetables and herbs.
And with the average time waiting for an allotment in the UK reaching a staggering 37 months, more and more people are choosing to start their own vegetable patches at home.
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Not only does growing produce in the back garden help save money on groceries during the cost of living crisis, it also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
While you might not realise it, now is the perfect time of year to get your patches planted - and there are seven plants you need to get in the ground this month.
Beetroot
"Beetroots don't need much encouragement to grow, making them a low maintenance veg to grow," the sustainability team at 100Green said.
To get started, sow your seeds 2.5cm deep with 10cm spaces between them.
Remember to water them regularly - usually every 10 to 14 days - but they may require more in dry spells.
If you stick to this regime, your beetroot will be ready to harvest after just eight to 10 weeks.
Sweetcorn
It's worth adding some sweetcorn to the patch too.
Just start by sowing it in a small pot and keep it inside as they need warmth to germinate.
You can then move them outside - to a sunny, sheltered area - once they reach 8cm in height and we're past any risk of evening frost.
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Again, remember to water them regularly, as they need around one inch of water a week.
They'll be ready to harvest when the silky tassel on them has turned brown.
Carrots
Carrots are another easy veg to start with, as you can sow them directly into the ground.
Water them every fortnight, and prepare to harvest them 12 to 16 weeks after planting.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes make the perfect addition to the vegetable patch for late May, as they do best in warmer soil temperatures of around 13 to 16C.
Pop them in a sheltered, sunny spot, and when the first tomato appears, be sure to remove the leaves around them.
May gardening jobs
The Sun's Gardening Editor, Veronica Lorraine, has shared the tasks you need to crack on with in May.
GARDEN growth can go from nought to ninety in May, depending on the weather. The last UK frosts are generally seen at the beginning of the month, so all of a sudden there's so much more to do and grow.
Plant out dahlia tubers
It's a joy to finally plant out your dahlia tubers. Remember how big they can get - and space accordingly - anything up to half a metre apart.
It's a good idea to put your support stakes in now instead of trying to work around them.
And make sure you include lots of well rotted manure or decent compost to feed it and then mulch to keep it moist and suppress weeds. They generally start blooming in July.
Final feed to Spring flowers
You can give a cheeky feed to all your remaining tulips and daffodils.
Although the majority of bulbs aren't guaranteed to come back year after year any more, as long as you've left them to die back naturally there's a good chance they'll have stored enough energy to come back again. Tomato feed is fine.
Tie up climbers
Your clematis, honeysuckle and rambling roses should be well on their way by now - try to use plastic free string to tie them back into their support, or tuck them round each other to make sure they don't sprout off in crazy directions.
Feed the lawn
It's not too late to give your lawn a good feed.
Whether you use granular or liquid, it can give it a good boost to see it through the harsher summer months.
While mowing, don't go too low with your cut length yet and never take more than a third off the grass height.
Get creative
It's also time to get creative with hanging baskets and pots.
Trailing pelargoniums, which a lot of people call geraniums, and Begonias are a good, low cost way of getting lovely returning blooms throughout the summer in your baskets.
And pots can be planted with spring bulbs.
Don't forget the greenhouse!
Give your greenhouse a good tidy and clean the glass inside and out.
The improved light will help plants grow quicker inside and tidying is good for the soul.
You can just use a household white wine vinegar and water solution - or even neat if you're feeling spendy - which gives a really good shine.
This means they will continue to get as much sun as possible until they ripen and are ready to harvest.
Herbs
Herbs are another plant that you can grow at home - with basil top of the list.
"Basil is perfect for growing herbs in pots, you can sow them from May and pot them in a pot after they've grown slightly," the sustainability pros advised.
"They do well with plenty of light and warmth so you can even keep them on your windowsill while they grow."
Don't water them too much as basil doesn't like sitting in wet soil.
"Use scissors to cut a lead stem just above a pair of leaves to help encourage your basil to grow and become bushier," they added.
Another herb that makes a delicious addition to your cooking is parsley, which can be sown directly into soil.
Remember to keep it well watered - at least two to three times a week - and pick it as you need it throughout the summer and autumn.
And dill completes the herby triad.
"Sow dill seeds into soil around 1cm deep and keep them well watered (1-2 times per week)," the experts said.
"It's usually best to use the leaves fresh, so don't harvest until you're ready to use them!"
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