The best fruit and veg to plant in May and June in your garden or balcony
As spring rolls into early summer, May and June are key months in the gardening calendar. With the risk of frost largely behind us and warmer, longer days ahead, this is the perfect time to get your hands dirty. A garden can be great to grow your own fruit and veg, however with a bit of creativity, a few pots, and some sunshine, a balcony can become a productive patch bursting with fresh fruit and veg.
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a novice digging in for the first time, here’s a guide to the best fruit and veg to plant now for a fruitful season ahead.
What vegetables to plant in May and June?
Courgettes
Courgettes thrive in warm conditions and now’s the time to plant them outdoors. You can sow seeds directly into well-composted soil or transplant young plants. Just be sure to give them plenty of space and keep them well watered. You’ll be harvesting by mid to late summer.
French and Runner Beans
Both climbing and dwarf varieties of French beans, as well as classic runner beans, can be sown directly into the ground now that the soil has warmed. Support climbing varieties with canes or netting. These are prolific producers and a must-have for summer dinners.
Lettuce and salad leaves
Quick to grow and ideal for successional sowing, salad leaves like rocket, mizuna, and mixed lettuces do well throughout May and June. Sow small amounts every couple of weeks for a continuous harvest right through summer.
Carrots
Carrots can still be sown outdoors in May and early June. Choose a sunny spot with light, stone-free soil to avoid wonky roots. For a sweeter harvest, try a late sowing of varieties like 'Autumn King'.
Beetroot
A versatile veg, beetroot can be sown from March right through to July. It’s low maintenance and you can even eat the leaves as salad greens. Sow little and often to spread your harvest.
Spring Onions
Spring onions don’t take up much space and grow happily in pots. Sow them in small batches to stagger the harvest and enjoy them fresh from your balcony.
Radishes
Fast-growing and space-efficient, radishes are great for impatient gardeners. You can sow them in shallow containers and be harvesting within a month. A brilliant choice for beginners.
What fruits to plant in May and June?
Strawberries
If you didn’t get your strawberries in during spring, potted plants can still be planted out in May and June. They’ll need a sunny spot and regular watering, but they’ll reward you with juicy fruits throughout summer and into early autumn.
Raspberries
It’s not too late to plant raspberry canes. Summer-fruiting varieties should ideally be in the ground by late May, while autumn-fruiting types can go in through June. Choose a sheltered spot and mulch well.
Blueberries
Blueberries can still be planted in pots in early summer, especially if you missed the spring rush. They prefer acidic soil, so plant in ericaceous compost and water with rainwater when possible.
May and June are bustling months for gardeners, and there’s still plenty of time to sow, plant, and plan. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh strawberries straight from the plant or a crisp salad from your own patch, now is the moment to make it happen. So grab your trowel, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy growing your own delicious produce.