Have a vegetable and fruit experience with Monty
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In the heart of spring, gardeners can rejoice as May arrives, bringing the perfect time to transplant many young plants into their final growing spots. Monty Don, a renowned British gardener, offers valuable tips for a bumper crop of tomatoes and other vegetables this season.
Tomatoes
Transplant tomatoes after the risk of frost has passed, when the soil is warming up. To prepare seedlings for the outdoors, gradually expose them to outdoor conditions by hardening them off. Plant tomatoes deeply, burying part of the stem, to encourage strong root growth. Support plants early with stakes or cages.
Brassicas
Cool-season crops such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower can also be transplanted in May. Like tomatoes, harden off these seedlings before transplanting. Plant them firmly and mulch around the base to conserve moisture and keep weeds at bay. To ensure optimal growth, avoid planting too late as these crops prefer cooler growing conditions.
Climbing French Beans
Transplant climbing French beans in May, as they thrive in warmer soil and air temperatures. Provide supports such as poles or trellises early, and ensure beans are spaced well and watered consistently.
Courgettes
Transplant courgettes when the soil is warm enough, generally May onward, to reduce the risk of cold damage. They require space to spread, so plant with sufficient spacing and in full sun. Keep soil moist and consider mulching to retain moisture.
Monty Don encourages gardeners to harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors to reduce shock and promote healthy establishment. Early support for climbing crops and mulching for moisture retention are key points for successful May transplanting. These tips align with traditional May planting schedules to optimize growth for these crops[1][4].
In addition to these tips, consider growing low-maintenance and space-saving vegetables, such as radishes, lettuce, and spinach, to make the most of your garden space[2]. For more resources on growing edibles in May, consult the RHS Campaign for School Gardening or the Royal Horticultural Society's Grow Your Own guide[3].
References:
[1] The RHS Campaign for School Gardening. (2021). Month-by-Month Gardening Guide: May. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/education/school-gardening/month-by-month-gardening-guide/may
[2] The RHS. (2021). Space-saving vegetables. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=376
[3] The RHS. (2021). Grow Your Own. [online] Available at: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/guides-to-growing-plants/vegetables/grow-your-own
Gardeners can expand their home-and-garden lifestyle by transplanting climbing French beans and courgettes into their final growing spots in May, as these crops thrive in warmer conditions. Monty Don suggests hardening off seedlings before outdoor transplanting to minimize shock and ensure healthy establishment, aligning with traditional May planting schedules for optimal growth.
