May is the perfect time to start planting a variety of tasty and beautiful plants that can bring flavor and vibrancy to your garden.
If you want to harvest fresh, nutritious vegetables or enjoy the beauty of colorful flowers, now is the perfect time to start your spring garden. From sweetcorn to delicious herbs, these are twelve tasty and beautiful plants to grow in your garden this May.
1. Beetroot
Beetroot is surprisingly easy to grow, and it’s very good for you! It is rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as iron and antioxidants like betalains, which support heart health and reduce inflammation. This plant thrives in well-drained, fertile with a pH between 5.5 and 7.
This plant requires full sun and consistent watering to ensure tender roots. You can sow seeds directly into the ground and thin, thin seedlings to allow proper spacing. Beetroot can be roasted, juiced, or added to salads for a sweet, earthy flavor.
2. Sweetcorn
Sweetcorn is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants like lutein, which support eye health. On top of that, its plants are gorgeous and easy to grow. Sweetcorn grows best in warm, sunny areas with fertile, well-drained soil.
You can enrich the soil with compost or manure to grow stronger and healthier plants. You can sow seeds indoors in early May or directly outdoors in mild climates. It is best to plant it in blocks rather than rows for optimal wind pollination. Harvest the kernels once they are plump and milky to ensure that your corn is nice and sweet.
3. Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi, which is also known as a German turnip or turnip cabbage, is a quick-growing vegetable that is packed with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making it excellent for gut health and immune support.
This plant prefers cool weather and well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can plant its seeds directly into the ground, about six inches apart. The bulb can be eaten raw in salads or cooked in soups and stir-fries.
4. Strawberries
Strawberries are very easy to grow, and they are delicious! These tiny, red fruits are loaded with vitamin C, manganese, and antioxidants that help with heart health and skin repair. Their plants prefer sunny spots with slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 to 6.8.
You should plant runners about 18 inches apart to allow space for growth. You can also put mulch around plants to retain moisture and to keep the fruits clean. They can be eaten fresh or used in desserts like pies and jams.
5. Gooseberries
Gooseberries are delicious orange berries that are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support immune health and digestion.
These plants thrive in sunny to partially shaded areas with loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 to 7. These plants are hardy and can tolerate frost. However, they need regular watering during fruiting seasons. Gooseberries’ tart flavor makes them ideal for jams, pies, or fresh snacking.
6. Fig Trees
Figs are delicious fruits that are high in fiber, calcium, potassium, and antioxidants that support digestion and heart health. They can easily be grown in your backyard.
Fig trees prefer warm climates but can adapt to cooler regions if they are grown against a sunny wall or in containers that can be moved inside during the winter. They need well-drained soil that has been enriched with organic matter and regular watering during dry spells. Frigs can be enjoyed fresh or dried.
7. Nasturtiums
Nasturtiums are edible flowers that are easy to grow. They are rich in vitamin C and have a nice peppery flavor when they are added to salads or garnishes.
These plants thrive in poor soils with minimal fertilization. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. They also deter pests like aphids and attract pollinators to your garden. These beautiful flowers can be used to decorate many dishes.
8. Calendula (Pot Marigold)
Calendula, which is also known as pot marigold, is a vibrant flower that is not only beautiful but also medicinally valuable because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
These plants grow in nutrient-rich soil with good drainage under full sun or partial shade conditions. It is a hardy annual or short-lived perennial that belongs to the daisy family. The flowers can be used to brighten salads, but they can also be infused into oils for skincare remedies.
9. Dill
Dill is an aromatic herb that can attract beneficial insects to your garden while providing culinary value. Its leaves are often used in salads, soups, and fish dishes for their distinct anise-like flavor.
Dill is rich in antioxidants that support heart health. These plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil with low fertility levels. These plants dislike transplanting, so it’s best to sow them directly into your garden.
10. Cornflowers
Cornflowers are not only beautiful but also edible. Their vibrant blue petals can brighten up any garden while also being a stunning addition to salads or teas.
These flowers are rich in antioxidants and have a slightly sweet flavor. These hardy plants thrive in well-drained soil and plenty of sun, making them a perfect choice for your May garden.
11. Basil
Basil is a delicious herb that can be used in many different dishes and cuisines. It is rich in vitamin K and antioxidants that promote cardiovascular health.
Basil plants do best in warm weather with plenty of sunlight. They should get at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. They also require regular watering. Sow seeds indoors during early May or directly outdoors after the last frost date has passed. Basil’s aromatic leaves taste best in pasta dishes, pesto sauces, and salads.
12. Lavender
Lavender is a common garden plant that is known for its beautiful purple flowers and soothing scent. Its flowers can be used in teas or baked goods while also repelling pests like mosquitoes from your garden. Lavender prefers well-drained, alkaline soil with full sun exposure.
This plant is drought-tolerant once it has been established but needs regular watering during its first growing season to develop strong roots.