11 plants and vegetables to plant in May

After a long winter, May finally brings the kind of days that make you want to throw open the doors and get back out in the garden. And recently, we’ve had some truly lovely weather – warm, bright, and the kind that actually makes it feel like summer is on the way. If you’ve not started planting yet, now’s the perfect time to get going.

The soil is softening up nicely, there’s plenty of daylight to work with, and everything’s in place for your plants to thrive. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refresh your beds and borders, May offers the perfect window to sow the seeds of a beautiful, productive garden. And if you’ve recently added new composite fencing, why not highlight it with some fresh greenery and colour?

What can you plant straight into the ground in May?

If the soil feels crumbly and isn’t sticking to your boots, it’s probably warm enough to start direct sowing. May is ideal for cool-season crops that enjoy an early start in the fresh spring air. Just make sure you’re working with a bright spot and well-drained, weed-free soil. Once that’s sorted, you’re good to get planting.

Not sure what you can and can’t sow straight into the ground? You’re not alone – some plants are much fussier than others when it comes to cold nights and early starts. To help, here’s a handy list of what’s ready to go directly in the ground now:

1. Lettuce – easy to grow and great for continuous picking.
2. Radishes – perfect for small spaces and ready in as little as four weeks.
3. Beetroot – reliable and versatile, with tasty leaves too.
4. Carrots – just make sure your soil is fine and free of stones.
5. Peas – a climbing favourite that loves a bit of support.
6. Spinach – another fast-growing crop that keeps on giving.

Starting off indoors? Here’s why some plants prefer a gentler start

If you’ve still got the odd chilly night – or just want to give your plants a bit of extra TLC – starting seeds indoors is a great way to get ahead. Modular sowing (using seed trays or small pots with individual cells) gives each plant its own space to grow strong roots without having to compete with its neighbours. It’s also much easier to control temperature, light, and moisture when you’re working indoors.

Some plants are a little more sensitive to the cold and just prefer a cosier start in life. Keeping them indoors gives them the head start they need – and by the time the risk of frost has passed (usually around late May), they’ll be ready to move outside and really get going.

If you’ve got a sunny windowsill, greenhouse, or even a sheltered porch, here are a few plants that love to be sown in trays or modules this month:

1. Tomatoes – Grow best in warmth and light, so a bright indoor spot is perfect to get them going early.
2. Courgettes – Fast growers that do best with a little protection at first before heading into beds or containers.
3. Cabbages and broccoli – Strong growers that benefit from starting indoors and can be planted out in just a few weeks.
4. Sweetcorn – Needs warmth to germinate well and will be happiest outside once the frosts have cleared.

A few final April growing tips

While April offers plenty of promise for your garden, the weather can still throw a curveball or two. Be sure to check the soil temperature – wait until it’s above 5°C before sowing directly to give your seeds the best chance of success. Since April can swing between sunny spells and chilly snaps, it’s a good idea to have cloches or fleece handy to protect plants during overnight cold weather. Staggering your sowing, particularly for crops like lettuce and beetroot, will make sure a steady harvest throughout the season. Finally, keep an eye out for pests – young seedlings are particularly vulnerable to slugs. To protect them, try setting up beer traps or simply hand-picking any slugs you spot.

And while you’re sprucing up your garden, why not finish it off with some stylish composite fencing and decking? At North Valley Composites, we have a variety of stunning, low-maintenance, durable options in a range of shades that will blend seamlessly with your outdoor space. So, if you’re looking to give your garden that extra touch, we’ve got just what you need!