May Gardening Guide: What to Plant and How to Prep Soil
May brings a busy period for gardeners as warmer weather kicks off key planting tasks. From sowing heat-loving crops to transplanting delicate seedlings, the month offers ideal conditions for a range of vegetables, fruits, and berries. Proper timing and soil preparation will help ensure strong growth and good harvests later in the year. Early in the month, potatoes can go into the ground, with planting times adjusted depending on the variety. A useful natural sign is the blooming of birch trees—this indicates soil has reached the right temperature (6–8°C) for sprouting. Meanwhile, tomatoes and cabbage can be sown directly into open ground, while eggplants, peppers, and tomato seedlings should be moved into greenhouses.
Late May is the moment to sow heat-loving plants such as cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, corn, and beans. Carrots intended for winter storage can also be planted now. Gardeners should stay alert for unexpected cold snaps, as young plants in greenhouses may need extra protection.
For berry bushes like raspberries, currants, and gooseberries, late summer is the best time for propagation through layering. Strawberry plants benefit from loosened soil to improve root aeration. Mulching around tree trunks with materials like peat, rotted straw, or bark helps retain moisture, protects the soil, and boosts fertility. With careful planning, May sets the stage for a productive growing season. Sowing, transplanting, and soil care now will lead to healthier plants and better yields. Gardeners who follow these steps can look forward to fresh vegetables, berries, and strong plant growth in the coming months.
