Seed Sowing in May: Tips and Techniques
Introduction
May is a great time to sow seeds and get your garden growing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to get your hands in the soil this month. In this article, we’ll share some seed sowing advice and ideas from BBC Gardeners’ World experts Monty Don and Adam Frost.
Seed Sowing Advice for May
While you may have already sown some seeds earlier in the spring, there are still many crops that you can sow in May. Some popular choices for this month include:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplants
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Beans
- Peas
- Carrots
- Beets
When sowing seeds in May, it’s important to keep in mind the last frost date for your area. This is the date after which you can expect all danger of frost to have passed. You can find the last frost date for your area by searching online or contacting your local Cooperative Extension office.
How to Make Soil Blocks for Seed Sowing
Monty Don demonstrates how to make soil blocks for seed sowing as part of his ongoing effort to reduce plastic usage in the garden. Soil blocks are a great way to start seeds because they are easy to make, biodegradable, and help to improve germination rates.
To make soil blocks, you will need:
- A soil blocker
- Potting mix
- Water
- Fill the soil blocker with potting mix and press down firmly.
- Water the potting mix until it is evenly moist.
- Use the soil blocker to create the soil blocks.
- Sow your seeds in the soil blocks and cover them with a thin layer of potting mix.
- Water the soil blocks gently and place them in a warm, sunny location.
Sowing Less-Common Crops from Seed
Adam Frost demonstrates how to sow agretti and kohlrabi, two less-common crops that can be grown from seed.
- Agretti: Agretti is a leafy green vegetable that is popular in Italy. It can be sown in May and will be ready to harvest in about 6 weeks.
- Kohlrabi: Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family that is grown for its edible bulb. It can be sown in May and will be ready to harvest in about 8 weeks.
Tips for Improving Germination Rates
If you are having trouble getting your seeds to germinate, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success:
- Make sure that the seeds are fresh.
- Sow the seeds at the correct depth.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Provide the seeds with plenty of light.
Growing Kohlrabi from Seed
Adam Frost shows how to sow kohlrabi, an unusual-looking member of the cabbage family. Kohlrabi is easier to grow than some other brassicas, such as swedes, and it is ready to be harvested from around eight weeks.
When growing kohlrabi from seed, it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate. Some popular varieties include:
- ‘Azur Star’ (purple)
- ‘White Vienna’ (white)
- ‘Gigante’ (green)
Kohlrabi can be cooked in a variety of ways, including:
- Steaming
- Boiling
- Roasting
- Stir-frying
Conclusion
Seed sowing is a great way to get your garden growing and enjoy fresh, homegrown produce all season long. By following these tips and techniques, you can increase your chances of success and have a bountiful harvest.