May is a fantastic time to get hands-on in the garden, as warmer days and longer daylight hours encourage rapid growth. This is the perfect month to plant summer-flowering annuals like petunias, marigolds, and zinnias, which add instant bursts of color. If you enjoy growing your own food, now’s the time to sow crops like beans, courgettes, sweetcorn, and salad leaves directly into well-prepared beds. Herbs such as basil, parsley, and coriander also thrive when planted in May, and can be grown easily in containers for convenience.
For a more decorative touch, consider creating a themed border—like a butterfly garden with nectar-rich flowers such as buddleia, echinacea, and lavender to attract pollinators. Hanging baskets and patio pots can also be planted now; mix trailing plants like lobelia or ivy with upright blooms for visual interest. Don’t forget to mulch beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds, and keep an eye out for slugs and snails, which are particularly active this time of year. May is about setting the stage for a vibrant summer garden, so have fun experimenting with color, texture, and plant combinations.
