The smallholding garden in May
Lambing is nearly done for this year and the arrival of May means its time to turn our attention to the cutting garden and veg patch as the weeds begin to pop up, the seeds we’ve been sowing under cover finally germinate in the warmer weather and we start to pick the first of our homegrown crops and flower blooms.
We are now beginning to “successional” sow in earnest, to ensure that we have a good supply of produce for the weeks and months ahead – this will include radishes, beetroot, salads and peas. Later in the month, once all risk of frosts are over, we will be planting out hardy and half hardy annuals sown in the greenhouse and watering will become a daily task.
Jobs for the days and weeks ahead will definitely involve lots of weeding, supporting and picking of course – here’s our guide for the month ahead:
- Plant out hardy and half hardy annuals sown under cover or in the greenhouse such as nasturtiums, marigolds and cornflowers along with edible crops such as French beans, squash and pumpkins
- Thin out seedlings which have been direct sown; direct sow zinnias and basil; continue with successional sowings as mentioned above
- Plant Gladioli bulbs in the ground or pots to flower later in the Summer – our favourite is “The Bride” – plant handfuls of bulbs every week over the next couple of months for a continual flourish later in the year
- Plant up window boxes, pots and hanging baskets for wonderful vibrant Summer displays – these can include sofenia, geraniums, lavender etc
- Lift and divide clumps of daffodils and other Spring flowering bulbs; tidy up and cut back Spring shrubs
- Dust off the mower and start cutting the grass on a weekly basis
- Regularly hoe off weeds
- Earth up potatoes and plant any still remaining
- Plant out dahlia tubers and chrysanthemums
And finally… pick, relax and enjoy!!





