May brings us into the heart of Spring, the perfect time to see our crops flourish with fewer chances of frosts.
As the days should get warmer, you will be able to plant more seeds and seedlings straight outside rather than having to keep them indoors, providing that you have space in the garden. For those that you've already planted and sprouted indoors - it might be time to move them outside.
Below is our straightforward guide to which fruit & veg you can plant in May - as well as which will be ready to harvest if you’re already growing.
For instructions and advice on how to grow fruit and veg in containers and small spaces, read our guide.
Vegetables
Sow indoors in pots (windowsill, greenhouse or conservatory will all work well)
- French & Runner Beans
- Sweetcorn
- Tomatoes
Sow outside directly into soil (containers, beds and borders will all work, whether in a garden or on a balcony)
Note: if you've already sown these indoors and they've sprouted, it'll be time to move them outside providing the weather is good.
- Beetroot
- Sprouting broccoli
- Winter Cabbage
- Carrots
- Leeks
- Lettuce
- Marrow
- Courgette
- Squash
- Peas
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Sweetcorn
- Tomatoes
Fruit
A lot of fruit tends to ripen nearer the autumn, but April is a great time of year to plant young fruit trees and bushes in time for the harvesting season. Take a look at our guide to growing fruit at home to find out more. Some great ones to start with include apples, pears, strawberries and raspberries.
Ready to harvest
If you already have crops growing, or if you’re just interested to know what’s in season, the fruit and veg usually ready to harvest in April are:
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Radishes
- Spring onion
- Garlic
- Globe artichokes
- Leeks
- Spinach
- Spring cauliflowers & cabbages
- Lettuce
- Turnips
