May beckons in sunny, warmer days and nights and lots and lots of sowing. However, it is easy to get carried away, particularly with outdoor sowing.
With that in mind, here are some veg seeds to sow in May, both undercover and outdoors.
Sow Undercover
Runner Beans
I still like to sow my runner beans in the greenhouse in May, although it is possible to sow them outdoors now. When sown in the greenhouse, you do give them a little headstart, meaning a quicker crop for you!
I sow a single seed per module using multipurpose compost in a tray or root trainer.
What I Grow
French Beans
I like to grow dwarf, bushy French beans. Dwarf beans are quick to grow and produce beans, and they can be ready in just a couple of months.
They don’t crop for as long as climbing French beans, however. So I like to succession sow throughout spring and summer, sowing a new batch every few weeks.
I sow a single seed per module using multipurpose compost in a tray or root trainer.
What I Grow
Beetroot
Many people will say you can direct sow beetroot outside now, and you probably can. But I have found I don’t have much success; the soil is still a little cold here in Lancashire.
So instead, I sow in the greenhouse in a module tray. I sow a single seed per module but don’t thin the resulting seedlings. (each beetroot seed actually contains more than one seed!). I plant these little mini clumps together and let them grow.
What I Grow
Cauliflower
I sow in small modules, thin to one seed per module. I grow them like this in the greenhouse before transplanting them into larger posts (still in the greenhouse).
Before finally planting them outdoors when they are well-established plants.
What I Grow
Cabbage
I sow in small modules, thin to one seed per module. I grow them like this in the greenhouse before transplanting them into larger posts (still in the greenhouse).
Before finally planting them outdoors when they are well-established plants.
You can also direct sow outdoors at this time, but young seedlings are very vulnerable to pest damage.
What I Grow
Sweetcorn
I have my sweetcorn sown already, but you can still sow in May. You could even sow outdoors, but they will start much quicker when sown undercover.
With our season already being short for sweetcorn in the UK, I think getting them off to the best possible start is a great idea.
I sow in a root trainer, one seed per module, as this allows for extra easy transplanting.
What I Grow
Cucumber
Again this is another crop I have already sown in April, but if you are a little late, don’t worry, they can still be sown now.
Sow in a greenhouse or indoors to get them off to a quick start. As cucumbers quickly turn into large seedlings, I sow them into pots straight away rather than module trays.
One seed per pot using multi-purpose compost.
What I Grow
Sow Undercover or Outdoors
Brussel Sprouts
Now is your last chance to sow Brussels for Christmas time!
What I Grow
Carrots
Direct sow carrot seeds in shallow drills outdoors. Thin when seedlings start to appear, don’t leave thinned seedlings around, as they can attract carrot flies.
What I Grow
Kale
I still sow my Kale in small modules in the greenhouse, but you can also directly sow it outdoors if you prefer.
If sowing outside, then sow into shallow drills roughly 1cm deep. Thin seedlings to 15cm apart.
What I Grow
Peas
Due to the seed size, peas are simpler to sow than a lot of vegetables.
You can sow them in the greenhouse or outside in May.
Sow into a shallow trench, 2-3cm deep. Keep each seed 5-10cm apart and leave 20-30cm between rows.
What I Grow
Spinach
Spinach actually germinates better in cold soil, so you are best off sowing outdoors. I still sow in a module tray but leave it outside.
I then transplant my seedlings into the soil where they are to grow. This helps protect the young seedlings from pests like slugs.
What I Grow
Swedes
Sowing the seeds directly into the soil where they are to grow is recommended, rather than starting them off indoors and transplanting them later. This is because Swedes have a long taproot that can be easily damaged during transplanting, leading to stunted growth and poor yields.
When sowing your swede seeds, make a shallow drill about 2cm (¾in) deep and sow the seeds thinly. Space rows 38cm (15in) apart to allow enough room for the plants to grow.
Learn more in my Step-By-Step guide to growing Swede.
What I Grow
Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is not the best for transplanting, so it is advised to sow it where it is to grow.
Sow into shallow drills 2cm deep. Space seeds roughly 10-15cm apart and leave plenty of room 30cm or more between rows.
What I Grow
Turnips
When sowing outdoors, I like to sow in shallow drills, just a couple of cm deep. Space your rows 20-25cm apart. When seedlings start developing true leaves, then thin them to roughly 10cm apart.
Learn more in my How to grow turnips guide.
What I Grow
Barry victor Brown
Wednesday 24th of May 2023
Brilliant, Also a reminder for stuff not seeded yet.
Alan Davie
Monday 22nd of May 2023
Good to know