We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
If you want a colourful and productive summer garden, these are the plants to prioritise
If you’ve been putting off planting, consider this your final reminder to get started before the end of May. With late spring bringing warmer temperatures and the last frost finally behind us, now is the ideal time to sow flowers, fruit and vegetables for a thriving summer garden.
‘The garden really starts to come to life at this time of year, and we generally see the last frost, which creates a lot of opportunity for planting plants and flowers that love the warmer weather,’ says Chris Bonnett, gardening expert and founder of GardeningExpress.
From fast-growing vegetables to colourful flowers, these are the five plants experts say you should get in the ground before the month is over.
Perfect for salads and sandwiches, there’s nothing quite like picking fresh tomatoes straight from the vine.
‘Mid to late May is a great time to plant tomatoes, as long as the risk of frost has passed,’ says Chris. ‘Tomatoes love full sun in a sheltered spot and well-drained soil.’
Plant tomatoes deeply into the soil to help them establish a strong root system, and water consistently as they grow. Once the crop begins to develop, support plants with sturdy bamboo canes to help them reach their full potential.
Read more: How to grow tomatoes in pots (and the exact time to start)
Lavender is a beautiful addition to the garden in spring, bringing both colour and a calming scent to outdoor spaces, while also attracting pollinators.
‘The warm soil in May helps lavender establish well,’ explains Chris. ‘Be sure to plant it in an area with full sun and avoid overwatering as they generally prefer dry conditions.’
When planting, allow space around the roots for airflow and lightly trim after flowering to help keep plants neat and compact. Lavender can also be harvested for use in cakes, perfumes, and soaps.
If you’re new to gardening or have little ones keen to get involved, sunflowers are a cheerful and easy-to-grow choice.
‘They’re easy for beginners to grow and they often germinate quickly as the temperatures increase in May,’ Chris says.
Sow seeds directly outdoors around 2cm deep in a sunny spot, and support taller varieties with sturdy stakes as they grow.
May is an excellent time to plant dahlias, which rewards gardeners with a striking late-summer display in an impressive range of colours.
‘Plant around 10cm deep in fertile soil in a sunny, sheltered spot with shoots facing upward,’ suggests Chris.
Slugs are particularly fond of dahlias, so it’s worth protecting young plants with barriers such as crushed eggshells or coffee grounds to help deter them.
Juicy courgettes are not only satisfying to grow, but they’re also incredibly versatile in the kitchen – delicious roasted and even surprisingly good in cakes.
‘Courgettes tend to grow rapidly once temperatures begin to rise,’ says Chris. ‘Courgettes need regular, generous watering at the base and they should be harvested regularly to encourage more growth.’
Choose a warm, sunny spot with moisture-retentive soil, keep plants well watered with deep soaks, and feed weekly for the best results. Harvesting courgettes early and often will also encourage even more fruit production.
7 native plants for attracting wildlife
6 container gardening mistakes to avoid
How banana peels can transform your tomato plants
13 veggies to plant in June for year-long harvests
