Late May in the Garden: What to Sow, Plant Out, and Plan Ahead

As the days warm up and risk of frost fades in most regions, late May is one of the busiest and most rewarding times on the growing calendar. Whether you’re keeping a small patio patch or juggling multiple beds at the allotment, there’s plenty to do.

What to Plant Out Now

If you’ve been sowing indoors or in a greenhouse, now’s the moment to start hardening off and planting out:

• Squash, courgettes, pumpkins – Be sure they’re well-established with a few true leaves. Keep an eye on slugs.

• Sweetcorn – Best planted in blocks for good pollination. Water well before and after planting.

• Runner beans and French beans – Plant into well-watered beds and provide support early.

• Tomatoes – If you’re in a sheltered or southern spot, they can go outside now. Otherwise, keep them undercover.

Direct Sowings Still Worth Doing

Not everything needs a head start. Late May is great for direct sowing:

• Beetroot, carrots, and turnips

• Chard and perpetual spinach – These will crop all summer and into autumn.

• More lettuce and salad leaves – Successional sowing keeps your harvests going.

• Herbs like dill and basil – Try sowing basil in pots near the kitchen door.

Planning Ahead: June and Beyond

Now’s a great time to think about:

• Second sowings of crops like peas and beans for a later harvest

• Autumn crops like kale, Brussels sprouts, and purple sprouting broccoli (start them in modules soon)

• Cut flowers – Cosmos, zinnias, and sunflowers can still be sown now for late summer colour

Quick Reminders

• Mulch if you haven’t already – it helps retain moisture as summer heats up

• Keep feeding – especially tomatoes and cucurbits once they settle in

• Watch for aphids – A quick blast of water or a natural spray can keep numbers down early

Using SeedSort to Stay Organised

Late May often feels like everything needs doing at once. SeedSort can help:

• Track what you’ve planted and where

• Add photos of plant progress

• Plan your next sowings or harvests

The next few weeks are all about momentum. Get the bulk of your crops in now and you’ll thank yourself come July when you’re harvesting rather than scrambling to catch up.