🌱 What to sow in May?
Quick tip for success:
This month is all about follow-up and speed. Although we still start many trays indoors for the best germination and survival chances, carrots and summer purslane are some of the few crops we sow directly in open ground for good results.
Succession sowings → Keep the harvest going by sowing spring onions, beetroot, and carrots. Note: this is the last chance for lettuce until July; as soon as the summer heat begins, lettuce usually grows less well.
Fast-growing summer vegetables → There is still time for cucumbers, courgettes, beans, and corn. If you have the space, consider sowing a second round now for a bountiful harvest later in the season. For example, we plan to remove our broad beans in mid-June and use that spot for a second planting of summer vegetables.
Swiss chard, celery, parsnip, celeriac & leek → These can still be sown, but try to sow parsnips, celeriac, and leeks no later than this month for a good yield. We sow our leeks in March for a large winter harvest, but May is still a great time.
Basil, New Zealand spinach, summer purslane → These heat-loving leafy greens can still be sown and are my favorite ingredients for salads! Sow summer purslane directly in the open ground for fresh vegetables that actually thrive at higher temperatures.
Brussels sprouts → We wait until early June to sow our first sprouts. They need a lot of space, grow slowly, and must be protected from butterflies (cabbage whites), so only add them if you really love them!
🌿 What to plant out in May?
At this stage of the season, it is better to buy certain heat-loving crops as young plants rather than sowing them, because otherwise it will be too late in the year for a good harvest:
Bell peppers & eggplants → It is best to buy these now as strong young plants.
Melons & watermelons → Buy these as plants so they have enough time to ripen in the summer sun.
🛠️ Chores for this month
Hanging systems for tomatoes & cucumbers → In May, your plants need support. We recommend training them using a “single-stem” method for healthier plants and easier pruning of suckers. Ask for advice if you do not know how to do this, or attend one of our workshops (see further on in this newsletter).
Give more water → Switch to deep watering (at least 3–5 minutes per bed, once a week) so that new plants develop strong, deep roots.
Weeding → Keep up with the weeds; if you remove them before they form seeds, you will save yourself a lot of work later.
Control pests:
- Aphids: There are many of them at this time of year, but ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and various types of larvae help! Wipe the top leaves clean by hand or rinse them with water. Do not use household remedies. (green soap, vinegar, etc.) because these also kill beneficial insects (and can be bad for your plants). Let nature do its work as much as possible, as that is the most effective. See also the next article in this newsletter on this subject.
- Caterpillars of the herb moth: Watch out for these small caterpillars on herbs and Swiss chard. Simply remove them by hand from the underside of the leaves.
- Leaf miners & snails: Remove affected lower leaves if you see “tunnels” and check damp spots for slugs on young plants.
- Cabbage whites: If you still have cabbage crops growing, check the heart for green caterpillars and remove them by hand. You can also cover the plants with insect netting for easier maintenance, but be aware that eggs may have already been laid.
🌱 Good luck and have fun in your vegetable garden this month!