The Vegetable Plot - MAY

You can start to cut asparagus from an established bed – the second, or even better the third, year after planting.

Some root crops can be sown such as swede for winter storing. If frost has passed, tender vegetables can be set out but in colder areas wait until later in May for warmer soil

• Plant out French and runner beans, courgettes, tomatoes and cucumbers if frost has passed 

• Sow bush marrows and courgettes into warm soil 

• Sow dwarf French beans in the open if not raised under glass last month 

• Earth up potatoes or cover with fleece if there is a threat of frost 

• Plant out winter greens such as cauliflowers and Brussels sprouts that are hardened off 

• Cover strawberry beds with clean straw around and between plants 

• Mulch fruit trees 

• Plant out celeriac raised from seed in March 

• Sow runner beans, sweet corn, chicory 

• Pot and harden off aubergines and capsicums 

• Prick off and plant celery 

• Prune plums and cherries 

Gardener’s notes:

Crops in season include asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, spring onions, mustard and cress, radish, rhubarb, seakale, spinach. 

Under glass: French beans, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, mustard and cress, potatoes, radish.