The plot in May

Jobs on the plot

• Harden off tender plants. Put them outside by day and bring them in at night for two weeks before planting.
• Plant out after the last frost. Late May in the south and Midlands, early June in the north and Scotland.
• Earth up potatoes. Draw soil up round the stems every couple of weeks.
• Net strawberries and brassicas. Before the birds and butterflies find them.
• Stake broad beans and peas. String round canes for the beans, twiggy sticks for the peas.
• Water newly planted crops. A good soak twice a week is better than a sprinkle every day.

Times are for an average year in the English Midlands. Go two weeks earlier in the mild south, and two to three weeks later in the north and in Scotland.