What to Plant in May: Complete UK Monthly Planting Guide

Region	Typical Last Frost	When to Plant Out Tender Crops
South England & Coastal Areas	Mid-April	Early to mid-May
Home Counties	Early May	Mid-May
Midlands	Mid-May	Late May
North England	Late May	Early June
Scotland	Early June	Mid-June

Vegetables to Sow Outdoors in May

Carrots

Sow carrot seeds directly into well-prepared soil in May for a mid-summer harvest. Choose a fine, stone-free seedbed to prevent forked roots. Use the RHS Award of Garden Merit (AGM) cultivar ‘Nairobi’, which offers excellent flavour and smooth, tapered roots. Sow in drills 1–2cm deep, spacing rows 25cm apart. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination, which takes 14–21 days. Thin seedlings to 5cm apart once they reach 5cm in height.

Beetroot

Direct sow beetroot seeds in May for a late summer harvest. The AGM (RHS Award of Garden Merit) cultivar ‘Boltardy’ is resistant to bolting and produces deep red, sweet roots. Sow seeds 1cm deep in rows spaced 30cm apart. Thin to 10cm apart once seedlings are established. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Harvest when roots are 4–6cm in diameter, usually 10–12 weeks after sowing.

French Beans (Direct Sow)

Sow French bean seeds directly into warm soil once the risk of frost has passed. Choose the AGM variety ‘Sprite’, known for its high yield and disease resistance. Plant seeds 5cm deep, 10cm apart, in rows 50cm apart. Provide support such as wigwams or netting for climbing types. Germination occurs in 7–14 days at soil temperatures above 10°C. Harvest pods when young and tender, typically 6–8 weeks after sowing.

Peas

Sow early varieties of peas directly in May for a late-season crop. The AGM cultivar ‘Meteor’ is ideal for UK conditions, offering good yield and resistance to powdery mildew. Sow seeds 5cm deep in well-drained soil, spacing them 10cm apart in rows 45cm apart. Use supports such as pea sticks or netting. Peas prefer cool conditions, so avoid planting in excessively warm soil. Harvest when pods are plump but still green, usually 8–10 weeks after sowing.

Salad Leaves

Sow successive crops of salad leaves in May for continuous harvesting. Use the AGM variety ‘Little Gem’ for looseleaf lettuce, which matures quickly and resists bolting. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 15cm apart, in drills or containers. Keep soil moist and thin seedlings to 10cm apart. Succession sow every 2–3 weeks for a steady supply. Harvest outer leaves first to encourage regrowth.

Spring Onions

Direct sow spring onion seeds in May for a mid-summer harvest. The AGM cultivar ‘Red Baron’ produces robust, purple-tipped bulbs with a mild flavour. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 5cm apart in rows 30cm apart. Thin seedlings to 8cm apart once they are 10cm tall. Keep soil consistently moist. Harvest when bulbs are 2–3cm in diameter, typically 8–10 weeks after sowing.

Radish

Sow radish seeds directly in May for a quick harvest. The AGM cultivar ‘Scarlet Globe’ is prized for its crisp texture and sweet taste. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 2cm apart, in rows 25cm apart. Harvest when roots are 2–3cm in diameter, usually 4–6 weeks after sowing. Succession sow every 10 days to ensure continuous availability.

Turnips

Sow turnip seeds directly in May for a late summer crop. The AGM cultivar ‘Tokyo Cross’ produces firm, white roots with a mild, sweet flavour. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 10cm apart, in rows 30cm apart. Thin to 15cm apart once seedlings are 5cm tall. Keep soil moist during germination. Harvest when roots are 5–7cm in diameter, usually 8–10 weeks after sowing.

Sweetcorn (Direct Sow Late May in South)

In the south of England, direct sow sweetcorn seeds in late May when soil temperatures exceed 15°C. Use the AGM variety ‘Swift’, which produces sweet, tender cobs. Plant seeds 5cm deep, 30cm apart in blocks of at least 4 plants to ensure good pollination. Water well after sowing. Harvest cobs when kernels are plump and milky, usually 10–12 weeks after sowing.

Tender Crops to Plant Out in May

Tomatoes (Hardened Off, After Last Frost)

Plant out hardened-off tomato seedlings in May once the last frost has passed and soil temperatures are above 10°C. Use the RHS AGM cultivar ‘Sungold’ for cherry tomatoes or ‘Alicante’ for larger, meaty fruits. Space plants 45cm apart in a sunny, sheltered spot. Insert support stakes or cages at planting time. Water well after planting and feed with a tomato-specific fertiliser every two weeks. Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal risk.

Courgettes and Squash

Plant out courgette and squash seedlings in May after the last frost. Choose the AGM variety ‘Defender’ for compact growth or ‘Sunburst’ for large, yellow fruits. Space plants 75cm apart in a sunny, well-drained location. Provide support with a wigwam or trellis if growing upright. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvest courgettes when they are 15–20cm long for the best flavour.

Runner Beans

Plant out runner bean seedlings in May once they are hardened off and soil temperatures exceed 10°C. Use the AGM cultivar ‘Enorma’, which produces vibrant red flowers and long, tender pods. Install sturdy canes or netting before planting. Plant seedlings 45cm apart in a sunny, sheltered spot. Water well after planting and feed with a high-potash fertiliser every two weeks. Harvest pods when they are 15–20cm long, before the seeds harden.

Cucumbers

Plant out cucumber seedlings in May after the last frost. The AGM variety ‘Marketmore’ is a compact, disease-resistant cultivar ideal for small gardens. Plant seedlings 60cm apart in a sunny, sheltered position. Use a vertical support such as a trellis or netting to save space and improve air circulation. Water consistently and feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 10 days. Harvest cucumbers when they are 15–20cm long and firm.

Pumpkins

Plant out pumpkins in May once soil temperatures exceed 15°C. Use the AGM cultivar ‘Crown Prince’, a blue-skinned winter squash with outstanding sweet flavour. Space plants 1.5m apart in a sunny, well-drained spot. Provide ample space for sprawling vines. Mulch around the base to retain moisture. Harvest when the skin is hard and the colour is deep orange, usually 10–12 weeks after planting.

Peppers and Chillies

Plant out pepper and chilli seedlings in May once they are hardened off and soil temperatures are above 10°C. Use the AGM cultivar ‘Mohawk’ for sweet peppers or ‘Apache’ for hot chillies. Plant seedlings 45cm apart in a sunny, sheltered spot. Use grow bags or large pots to control soil temperature and drainage. Water consistently and feed with a high-potash fertiliser every two weeks. Harvest peppers when they are firm and fully coloured.

Crop	AGM Cultivar	Spacing	Support Needed	Planting Time
Tomatoes	Sungold	45cm	Yes (cages or stakes)	After last frost
Courgettes	Defender	75cm	Yes (trellis)	After last frost
Runner Beans	Scarlet Runner	45cm	Yes (canes or netting)	After last frost
Cucumbers	Diva	60cm	Yes (trellis)	After last frost
Pumpkins	Jack Be Little	1.5m	No	After last frost
Peppers	Gypsy F1	45cm	Yes (cages)	After last frost

Herbs to Grow in May

Basil (AFTER Frost Only)

Sow basil seeds in May only after the last frost, when soil temperatures exceed 15°C. The AGM cultivar ‘Aroma 2’ offers superior flavour and is ideal for pesto. Sow seeds 1cm deep in a warm, sunny spot. Thin to 30cm apart. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth. For container growing, use large pots with drainage and a premium compost blend.

Coriander

Direct sow coriander seeds in May for a late summer crop. The AGM cultivar ‘Calypso’ resists bolting and produces strong, aromatic leaves. Sow seeds 1cm deep in a sunny, sheltered spot. Thin to 20cm apart. Water consistently. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers. Succession sow every 3 weeks for continuous supply.

Dill

Sow dill seeds directly in May in a sunny spot. The AGM cultivar ‘Domino’ produces feathery foliage and strong flavour. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 25cm apart. Thin to 30cm apart. Dill self-seeds easily; allow some plants to flower to attract pollinators. Harvest leaves before flowering for best taste.

Parsley

Sow parsley seeds in May for a late summer harvest. The AGM cultivar ‘Bravour’ produces abundant flat-leaf foliage with strong flavour. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 20cm apart. Keep soil moist. Germination can take up to 3 weeks. Harvest outer leaves first to encourage regrowth.

Chives

Sow chive seeds in May in a sunny spot. The AGM cultivar ‘Forescate’ offers vibrant purple flowers and mild onion flavour. Sow seeds 1cm deep, 20cm apart. Thin to 25cm apart. Harvest leaves as needed. Divide established clumps in early summer to encourage new growth.

Fruit to Plant and Maintain in May

May is an excellent month for establishing soft fruit. The RHS strawberry growing guide covers variety selection and planting techniques in detail.

Strawberry Runners

Plant strawberry runners in May to establish new plants. Use the AGM cultivar ‘Cambridge Favourite’, known for large, sweet berries. Select healthy runners from established plants and plant them 30cm apart in a sunny, well-drained spot. Water well after planting. Keep soil moist and mulch with straw to suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Blueberries

Plant containerised blueberry bushes in May. The AGM cultivar ‘Duke’ produces large, sweet berries and is cold-hardy. Choose a large pot with acidic compost and place in full sun. Water regularly and feed with ericaceous fertiliser every 4 weeks. Mulch with pine bark to maintain acidity.

Raspberry Maintenance

In May, tie in new canes of summer-fruiting raspberries and remove old fruiting canes. For autumn-fruiting varieties, prune back canes that have fruited. Use appropriate tools to avoid damaging the plant. Apply a balanced fertiliser and mulch with well-rotted manure to encourage strong growth.

Flowers to Sow and Plant in May

Hardy Annuals (Direct Sow)

Sow hardy annuals directly in May for summer colour. The cultivar calendula ‘Fiesta Gitana’ produces bright orange and yellow blooms. Sow seeds 1cm deep in a sunny spot. Thin to 25cm apart. Centaurea cyanus ‘Sweetheart’ (cornflower) is another AGM choice with long-lasting flowers. Sow in drills and thin to 30cm apart. Nigella ‘Miss Jekyll’ and nasturtium ‘Empress of India’ are also excellent choices for naturalising.

Half-Hardy Flowers (After Frost)

Plant out half-hardy annuals after the last frost. The cultivar zinnia ‘Benary’s Giant’ produces large, vibrant flowers. Plant seedlings 45cm apart in full sun. Cosmos ‘Purity’ and Dahlia ‘Bishop’s Children’ are also excellent AGM choices. Space dahlias 60cm apart and support with canes. Water well after planting and feed with a high-potash fertiliser.

Pollinators

Plant bee-friendly flowers near vegetable patches to support pollination. Use ‘Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’ and ‘Echinacea purpurea ‘Magnus’ to attract bees and butterflies. Position in sunny, sheltered spots. Combine with native species like bird’s-foot trefoil and knapweed for maximum benefit.

Growing in Containers and Small Spaces

In May, grow tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and salad leaves in pots. Use large containers with drainage holes and fill with high-quality compost. Water daily in hot weather. Feed every 10 days with a liquid fertiliser. Use grow bags for tomatoes and courgettes. Place containers in full sun and rotate for even growth.

Crop	Container Size	Watering	Feeding
Tomatoes	20L+ grow bag or pot	Daily in warm weather	Every 10 days
Peppers	15L pot	Every 1–2 days	Every 10 days
Herbs (basil, parsley)	10L pot	Every 1–2 days	Every 14 days
Salad Leaves	10L container	Every 1–2 days	Every 14 days

What NOT to Plant Outdoors in May (Yet)

Do not plant aubergines directly into the ground in the north of England or Scotland in May. Soil temperatures remain too low, and frost risk is still present. Wait until late June in those regions. Tropical plants like ginger and turmeric should not be planted outdoors in May—keep them in greenhouses or indoors. Garlic should have been planted in autumn; planting it in May is too late for a harvest. Bare-root trees are best planted in winter or early spring; planting them in May risks root stress and poor establishment.

May Succession Sowing Calendar

Week	Outdoor Sowing	Indoor Sowing
Week 1	Carrots, beetroot, spring onions, radish	Tomatoes, peppers, chillies (in heated propagator)
Week 2	Salad leaves, turnips, peas	Cucumbers, courgettes, aubergines
Week 3	Sweetcorn (south only), nasturtium, calendula	Zinnias, marigolds, dahlias
Week 4	Succession sowing of radish, lettuce, spring onions	Coriander, dill, basil

Frequently Asked Questions

What Next?

Continue your growing journey with these guides:

• How to Grow Tomatoes from Seed – Learn step-by-step methods for strong, healthy plants.
• Best Herbs to Grow in Containers – Ideal for small spaces and balconies.
• Growing Strawberries in Pots – Maximise yield in limited areas.
• What to Plant in April and What to Plant in June – Review last month’s actions to plan ahead.

Start your next planting session with confidence using this month’s guide. Share your progress on social media using #UKGardeningMay.

Planning your May garden? Share what you are sowing in the comments below.

What You’ll Need This Month

May is the month everything goes outdoors. After the last frost date (mid-May in most of England, late May in Scotland), tender crops can finally be planted out. Make sure you have these ready.

Planting Out

• Multi-purpose compost — you’ll go through a lot this month. Budget for at least two 40–50L bags (£5–£10 each) if you’re container gardening.
• Grow bags — the classic choice for tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers. Three plants per standard grow bag. Around £3–£5 each.
• Canes, stakes, and plant ties — tomatoes and climbing beans need support from planting day. Bamboo canes (150–180cm) cost roughly £5–£8 for a pack of 20.
• Tomato feed — start feeding tomatoes once the first truss sets fruit. A 1L concentrate bottle (£4–£7) lasts all season.

Protection

• Slug pellets (organic, pet-safe) — slugs are most active in warm, damp May weather. Ferric phosphate pellets are safe around pets and wildlife.
• Netting — protects brassicas from cabbage white butterflies. Fine mesh netting (£5–£10) draped over hoops keeps butterflies off without restricting growth.
• Watering system or timer — if you have many containers, a simple drip irrigation kit (£15–£30) saves daily watering during warm spells.

Where to Buy Seeds and Supplies

May is the last practical month for sowing many crops from seed, so order promptly. For quicker results, plug plants and young plants are widely available and go straight into their final positions.

Seeds and Plug Plants

• Thompson & Morgan — wide range of plug plants dispatched at the right planting time. Tomato and pepper plug plants (£5–£12 for 3–6 plants) save weeks compared to seed sowing.
• You Garden — strong selection of vegetable plug plants and ready-to-plant collections. Their multi-buy offers often reduce the per-plant cost.
• Suttons — reliable seed supplier with good availability into late spring. Herb seed collections (£6–£10) are ideal for May sowing.

Growing Supplies

• Crocus — premium tools, grow bags, and containers. Their own-brand compost is well-reviewed. Grow bags from £4, large containers from £8–£25.
• Local garden centres — best for buying compost in bulk (often cheaper than delivery) and inspecting plug plants before you buy.