Jobs to Do Around the Allotment Or Vegetable Patch in May

dorsetcountrylife
May 3
4 min read

As the weather warms and the days stretch longer, May is an exciting months for allotment gardeners. The soil is warming up, plants are starting to thrive, and there's plenty to keep us busy as you prepare for the summer harvest. Whether you're a seasoned allotmenteer and vegetable gardener or a beginner, here’s a quick guide to the key tasks you should be focusing on in your vegetable patch this May.

1. Plant Out Summer Crops

May is the perfect time to start planting out your summer crops, especially after the last frost has passed (usually mid-May in most areas). If you’ve been nurturing seedlings indoors or in a greenhouse, it’s time to harden them off and give them their permanent home in the ground. Some crops to plant include:

Tomatoes (if you haven’t already)
Peppers and Chillies
Cucumbers
Squash and Pumpkins
Beans (such as runner beans, French beans, and broad beans)
Sweetcorn
Courgettes

Make sure to check your local frost dates and be prepared to cover plants with fleece or cloches if cold weather threatens.

2. Sow Seeds Outdoors

May is the month when the soil warms up enough for many plants to thrive outdoors. Get your direct sowing underway for crops like:

Carrots
Radishes
Beets
Spinach
Lettuce
Spring onions
Herbs such as parsley, dill, and basil

You can also sow peas and broad beans, which will mature throughout the summer.

3. Prepare for the Summer Harvest

In addition to planting, May is the time to take care of your existing crops so that they’re ready for the summer harvest. Some essential tasks include:

Weeding: Ensure that weeds are kept at bay, especially as warmer weather encourages their growth. Hand weeding is best, as it avoids disturbing plant roots. If you’re using mulch, top it up to suppress weed growth.
Thinning: Thin out seedlings to give them room to grow. For example, thin out carrots, and lettuce to prevent overcrowding.
Pinching Out: For crops like tomatoes and beans, pinch out any side shoots to promote stronger growth and better yields.
Watering: As the weather warms up, plants will need more water. Regularly check the soil moisture, especially for crops like lettuce and tomatoes. Early morning watering helps to avoid water evaporation.

4. Feed Your Plants

With the warmer weather, plants start to grow rapidly, which means they need more nutrients. Add organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to the soil to enrich it. If you’re growing heavy feeders like tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes, consider using a liquid feed to boost their growth.

Be mindful not to over-fertilize, as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers and fruit.

5. Support Climbing Plants

Many allotment crops such as peas, beans, and tomatoes need support to grow properly. Make sure that your pea nets, bean poles, and tomato cages are in place to provide structure as these plants grow taller.

You can use bamboo canes, trellis systems, or even repurpose old fencing to help your plants climb. For climbing beans, ensure they are securely tied to their supports as they start to grow tall.

6. Pest and Disease Control

May is also when pests start to become more active. Keep a lookout for common garden pests such as aphids, slugs, snails, and caterpillars. Regularly inspect your plants for any signs of damage or infestation. You can use organic deterrents like:

Nettle tea for aphids
Beer traps for slugs
Hand-picking for caterpillars
Neem oil as a general insecticide

May is also a great time to set up natural pest control by encouraging beneficial insects, like ladybirds, which will feast on aphids.

7. Pruning and Maintenance

While May is mostly about planting and sowing, don’t forget about maintenance tasks like pruning. If you have fruit trees or bushes, it’s an ideal time to prune and shape them, especially if they are growing vigorously. Take care to remove dead or diseased wood to improve airflow and encourage healthier growth.

8. Prepare Your Greenhouse and Cold Frames

If you have a greenhouse or cold frame, now is the time to give it a thorough clean. Remove any dead plants, sweep the floors, and wash down the glass or plastic panels to allow maximum sunlight to reach your crops. This will help ensure your plants grow strong and healthy throughout the summer.

Consider using your greenhouse to sow autumn crops later in the month, such as winter cabbage or kale, for a late-season harvest.

9. Harvest Early Crops

Finally, May is a time when you can start to harvest your early crops. If you sowed early varieties of radishes, spring onions, spinach, or lettuce in the cooler months, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour in May. Keep checking your crops for ripeness, and be sure to pick regularly to encourage further growth.

May is a busy month on the veggie patch, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. With warmer weather, the soil coming to life, and the promise of a bountiful summer harvest, there’s no better time to get your hands dirty and ensure your crops are on track for a successful growing season.

Whether you’re sowing seeds, planting out tender crops, or just keeping things tidy, May is the month that sets the stage for the rest of the growing year. Keep up with regular maintenance, and your plot will soon be bursting with fresh produce, ready for your kitchen. Happy gardening!

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