May is the busiest planting month in UK gardens. Tender crops including tomatoes, courgettes, peppers, and runner beans finally go outdoors after the last frost, typically 15-25 May in southern England and late May to early June in the north. Direct sow French beans, runner beans, and sweetcorn outdoors from late May. Continue successional sowings of salads, carrots, and beetroot. Plant dahlia tubers, summer bedding, and hanging baskets after the last frost date.
Key takeaways
- Plant out tender crops after the last frost: typically 15-25 May in the south
- Direct sow runner beans, French beans, and sweetcorn outdoors from late May
- Continue successional sowings of lettuce, radish, and beetroot every 2-3 weeks
- Earth up all potato varieties as shoots reach 15-20cm tall
- Plant summer bedding, dahlias, and hanging baskets after the last frost
- Harden off all indoor-raised plants over 10-14 days before planting out
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Our team produces practical UK gardening guidance from source research, contributor records and established horticultural practice. Editorial standards are overseen by Matt W.
