May is one of the busiest months on the allotment, as the lengthening days and rising temperatures bring a flurry of activity. This is the time to sow the last of your summer crops, like courgettes and beans, earth up your potatoes, and ensure that planting and harvesting are well underway. Although the days may be warm, nights can still be chilly, so caution is necessary to protect young plants from late frosts. With careful planning and attention to detail, the work you do in May will set the stage for a bountiful harvest in the months to come.
The Importance of May on the Allotment
May is crucial for allotment gardening. The groundwork laid during this month will determine the success of your crops for the entire growing season. Whether you’re sowing seeds, planting out seedlings, or beginning to harvest early crops, every task contributes to the productivity and health of your allotment.
Why May is a Pivotal Month
- Optimal Growing Conditions: The soil is warm enough for most seeds to germinate, and plants benefit from the increasing daylight hours.
- Diverse Activities: May involves a balance of sowing, planting, and harvesting, making it one of the most active months for allotment gardeners.
- Risk Management: The potential for late frosts means that careful management and protection of plants are essential to avoid setbacks.
Sowing in May: The Final Push for Summer Crops
Sowing in May is all about getting the last of your summer crops in the ground while the soil is warm and the growing conditions are optimal. This is your final opportunity to sow many warm-season vegetables, ensuring they have enough time to mature before the end of the season.
1. Warm-Season Vegetables
Warm-season vegetables are the stars of the summer garden. May is the perfect time to sow these crops directly into the ground or in trays for transplanting later.
A. Courgettes (Cucurbita pepo)
Courgettes, or zucchinis, are prolific producers that thrive in warm weather. They grow quickly and can yield abundant harvests throughout the summer.
- Varieties: ‘Black Beauty’ is a classic green variety, while ‘Gold Rush’ offers bright yellow fruits that add color to your garden and your plate.
- Sowing Tips: Sow courgette seeds directly into the ground or in large pots. They prefer full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Space the seeds about 90 cm apart to allow the plants room to spread.
B. French Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris)
French beans are tender crops that produce an abundance of pods. They are easy to grow and can be sown directly outdoors in May.
- Varieties: ‘Blue Lake’ is a popular climbing variety, while ‘Dwarf French Bean’ is ideal for smaller spaces.
- Sowing Tips: Sow beans directly into the ground in rows, with about 15 cm between seeds. Beans thrive in warm, well-drained soil and full sun. Providing support for climbing varieties is essential.
C. Sweetcorn (Zea mays)
Sweetcorn is a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season to produce its sweet, juicy cobs. May is the last chance to sow sweetcorn directly outdoors.
- Varieties: ‘Golden Bantam’ is a reliable, early-maturing variety, while ‘Swift’ is known for its sweetness and tender kernels.
- Sowing Tips: Sow sweetcorn in blocks rather than rows to ensure good pollination, which is essential for well-filled cobs. Space the seeds about 30 cm apart in each direction, and ensure they are in a sunny, sheltered spot.
2. Succession Sowing for Continuous Harvests
Succession sowing is a technique used to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the growing season. By sowing seeds at intervals, you can avoid gluts and ensure fresh produce all summer long.
A. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce is a quick-growing crop that can be sown every few weeks for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
- Varieties: ‘Little Gem’ is a compact variety with sweet, crisp leaves, while ‘Lollo Rossa’ offers attractive, frilled leaves in shades of red and green.
- Sowing Tips: Sow lettuce seeds directly into the ground or in containers. Lettuce prefers cooler conditions, so consider providing some shade during hot days to prevent bolting.
B. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are one of the fastest-growing vegetables and are perfect for succession sowing. They can be harvested within a few weeks of sowing.
- Varieties: ‘French Breakfast’ is a mild variety with elongated roots, while ‘Cherry Belle’ produces round, bright red radishes.
- Sowing Tips: Sow radish seeds directly into the ground in rows. Thin the seedlings to about 2.5 cm apart to allow space for the roots to develop. Radishes prefer cool weather, so early May sowings are ideal.
C. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Spinach is a cool-season crop that can be sown in succession throughout May for a continuous harvest of tender leaves.
- Varieties: ‘Perpetual Spinach’ is a long-lasting variety that can be harvested continuously, while ‘Giant Winter’ is particularly cold-tolerant.
- Sowing Tips: Sow spinach seeds directly into the ground in rows or broadcast them across a bed. Spinach prefers partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil.
Planting in May: Transplanting Seedlings and Setting Up for Success
By May, many of the seedlings that were started indoors earlier in the year are ready to be transplanted into their final positions in the garden. This is a critical task that requires careful handling to avoid damaging the plants and to ensure they establish quickly and thrive.
1. Transplanting Tender Vegetables
Tender vegetables that have been started indoors or in a greenhouse need to be hardened off before transplanting them into the garden. This process involves gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions to reduce transplant shock.
A. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Tomatoes are a popular crop that requires warm conditions and plenty of sunlight to thrive. Transplanting them in May gives them enough time to establish and produce a bountiful harvest.
- Varieties: ‘Moneymaker’ is a reliable, all-purpose variety, while ‘Gardener’s Delight’ produces sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Planting Tips: Harden off tomato seedlings by placing them outside during the day and bringing them in at night for about a week. Plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil. Bury the stems deeply to encourage additional root growth, which helps stabilize the plants.
B. Peppers (Capsicum annuum)
Peppers, whether sweet or hot, need warm conditions and a long growing season to produce well. May is the ideal time to transplant them into the garden.
- Varieties: ‘California Wonder’ is a classic sweet pepper, while ‘Jalapeño’ is a popular hot variety.
- Planting Tips: Harden off pepper plants as you would with tomatoes. Plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Space them about 45 cm apart to allow for good air circulation and prevent disease.
C. Cucumbers (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumbers are another tender crop that thrives in warm conditions. Transplanting them in May ensures they have a long growing season ahead.
- Varieties: ‘Marketmore’ is a reliable outdoor variety, while ‘Telegraph Improved’ is ideal for greenhouse growing.
- Planting Tips: Cucumbers can be planted in the ground or in large containers. Provide a trellis or support for climbing varieties. Space the plants about 90 cm apart and water them regularly, as cucumbers require consistent moisture to produce well.
2. Planting Out Flowers for Summer Color
In addition to vegetables, May is also the time to plant out many summer-flowering annuals and perennials that were started indoors or purchased as young plants.
A. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
Marigolds are cheerful, easy-to-grow annuals that provide bright color throughout the summer. They are also known for their pest-repelling properties, making them a great companion plant.
- Varieties: ‘French Marigold’ is a compact variety ideal for borders, while ‘African Marigold’ produces larger blooms and is better suited for beds.
- Planting Tips: Plant marigolds in full sun and well-drained soil. Space them about 15 cm apart for smaller varieties and up to 30 cm for larger types. Deadhead regularly to encourage continuous blooming.
B. Petunias (Petunia spp.)
Petunias are versatile annuals that can be used in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets. They provide continuous blooms throughout the summer.
- Varieties: ‘Grandiflora’ petunias produce large, showy flowers, while ‘Multiflora’ types are more compact and better suited for windy conditions.
- Planting Tips: Plant petunias in full sun with well-drained soil. Space them about 30 cm apart to allow for good air circulation. Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer will help maintain flower production.
C. Dahlias (Dahlia spp.)
Dahlias are tuberous perennials that produce stunning, colorful flowers from mid-summer until the first frost. They are excellent for cutting gardens and adding height to borders.
- Varieties: ‘Dinnerplate Dahlias’ are known for their enormous blooms, while ‘Pompon Dahlias’ produce smaller, rounded flowers.
- Planting Tips: Plant dahlia tubers in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Space them about 60 cm apart, and stake tall varieties to support the heavy blooms. Pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.
Harvesting in May: Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor
By May, some early crops will be ready for harvesting. This is a rewarding time on the allotment, as you begin to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Early harvests not only provide fresh produce for your table but also free up space for succession sowing or transplanting other crops.
1. Early Crops to Harvest
Certain crops that were sown or planted earlier in the year will be ready to harvest in May, providing fresh, homegrown produce.
A. Radishes (Raphanus sativus)
Radishes are one of the first crops to be harvested in the spring. They grow quickly and can be harvested as soon as they reach a size that suits your taste.
- Harvesting Tips: Harvest radishes when they are young and tender for the best flavor. Simply pull them from the ground and rinse off any soil. If left too long, they can become woody and lose their crispness.
B. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce sown earlier in the spring can be harvested in May, providing fresh greens for salads and sandwiches.
- Harvesting Tips: Lettuce can be harvested as whole heads or as individual leaves, depending on the variety. For cut-and-come-again varieties, harvest the outer leaves first, allowing the plant to continue producing.
C. Spring Onions (Allium fistulosum)
Spring onions, or scallions, are quick-growing and can be harvested in May. They add a fresh, mild onion flavor to salads and dishes.
- Harvesting Tips: Pull up spring onions when they are about the thickness of a pencil. They can be harvested at any stage, depending on your preference for size and flavor.
2. Perennials and Herbs
In addition to early vegetables, many perennial plants and herbs will also be ready for harvest in May.
A. Rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum)
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that produces tart, flavorful stalks in the spring. It’s a popular ingredient for pies, jams, and desserts.
- Harvesting Tips: Harvest rhubarb by pulling the stalks from the base, rather than cutting them. This helps to stimulate more growth. Avoid harvesting too many stalks from young plants to allow them to establish.
B. Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)
Asparagus is one of the earliest vegetables to be harvested in the spring. Once established, it provides a reliable crop year after year.
- Harvesting Tips: Harvest asparagus spears when they are about 15-20 cm tall by cutting them just below the soil surface. Stop harvesting by mid-June to allow the plants to build up energy for the next season.
C. Herbs
Many herbs, such as mint, chives, and parsley, will be ready for harvesting in May. Fresh herbs add flavor and aroma to a wide range of dishes.
- Harvesting Tips: Harvest herbs regularly to encourage new growth. Cut back stems just above a leaf node, and avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at any time to ensure continued growth.
Managing Frost Risks in May
Although May is generally warm, there is still a risk of late frosts, particularly in inland or higher-altitude areas. Protecting your crops from frost damage is essential to ensure their survival and productivity.
1. Monitoring Weather Conditions
Staying informed about the weather is the first step in protecting your plants from frost.
A. Weather Forecasts
Regularly check local weather forecasts, especially overnight temperatures, to anticipate frost events.
- Best Practices: Sign up for frost alerts from gardening apps or local meteorological services. Pay special attention to clear nights, which are more likely to result in frost.
B. Identifying Frost-Prone Areas
Certain areas of your allotment may be more susceptible to frost, such as low-lying spots or areas shaded from the early morning sun.
- Best Practices: Be mindful of these frost pockets and consider moving tender plants to more sheltered areas if frost is predicted.
2. Frost Protection Methods
There are several effective methods for protecting your crops from frost.
A. Using Cloches and Cold Frames
Cloches and cold frames are excellent tools for protecting young plants from frost.
- Best Practices: Place cloches over individual plants or use cold frames to cover rows of seedlings. These structures trap heat and protect plants from cold winds.
B. Floating Row Covers and Fleece
Floating row covers and horticultural fleece provide lightweight protection against frost.
- Best Practices: Drape the covers directly over your plants, securing the edges with soil or rocks. Remove the covers during the day if temperatures rise significantly to prevent overheating.
C. Mulching
Mulching helps to insulate the soil and protect plant roots from cold temperatures.
- Best Practices: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants. Organic materials such as straw, leaves, or compost work well. Avoid piling mulch directly against the stems to prevent rot.
3. Dealing with Frost Damage
If your plants are affected by frost, prompt action can help them recover.
A. Assessing Damage
Inspect your plants for signs of frost damage, such as blackened leaves or wilted stems.
- Best Practices: Wait until the morning after the frost to assess the full extent of the damage, as plants may recover slightly once the sun comes out.
B. Pruning and Feeding
Prune away any damaged or dead foliage to prevent disease and encourage new growth.
- Best Practices: Apply a balanced fertilizer to help plants recover. Water them well to keep the soil moist and reduce stress.
Conclusion
May is a busy and crucial month on the allotment, filled with tasks that set the stage for a successful growing season. From sowing the last of the summer crops and transplanting tender vegetables to harvesting early produce and managing frost risks, the work you do now will pay off in the months to come. With careful planning, attention to detail, and a little bit of luck with the weather, you can look forward to a bountiful and productive allotment season.
