May is the perfect month for the home gardener: it’s warm, humid, and there’s usually plenty of afternoon showers, perfect for growing healthy flowers and produce. Whether you’ve got a tiny herb garden or an orchard, May is the month to put in work that will pay off for months to come.
If you’ve been thinking about growing some produce at home, take a look at the best fruits and vegetables for May planting…
Cucumbers:
Cucumbers grow best in consistent moisture so plant them somewhere without runoff. They only need about 5-hours of sun a day and do best when started in super-fertile soil – mounds work well as do rows.
Melons:
All kinds of melons, from cantaloupe to watermelons, grow well when planted in spring. Melons only flourish in areas with long, hot summers (think the Southeastern US) and need as much sun as they can get. They’re mostly water, so be sure they’re hit by the sprinkler’s too.
Lettuce:
From romaine to arugula, plant now to harvest a few bunches before it becomes too hot. Lettuce needs less moisture than other plants but will wither once it turns summer. Buy pre-started lettuce for the best results.
Strawberries:
You really should begin your berries as early as possible but if you’re just getting through the frost, now is perfect for strawberries. Water often but watch for bottom rot and you’ll be enjoying berries by the heat of summer.
Tomatoes:
As long as you live in an area that’s finished getting frost, tomatoes are fine to plant in May. Young plants grow well in climates as north as Virginia but they need tons of water. Watch for aphids early on in the growing process.
Potatoes:
Plan to harvest potatoes come fall and winter? The last of your seedlings need to go in by the end of May to have any hope of germinating by the end of the year. Be careful not to overwater.
Herbs:
May is the best time of year for many herbs: basil, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, tarragon, lavender, mint…it’s hard to go wrong this time of year. Be careful to water them enough but not too much and give your herbs at least 6-hours of direct sun for best results.
If you’re a gardening novice, hit up your local nursery for some advice about your area. If you need help with your overall lawn care needs, contact a lawn pro near your home and tell them about your gardening goals.