What to plant in May

May is the lushest month — but late frosts can still strike in northern and inland gardens. Plant out tender crops only after your local last-frost date.

What to sow in May: French and runner beans (indoors or out late month); Sweetcorn (outdoors under cloche); Courgettes, squash (outdoors after frosts); Carrots, beetroot, salads — keep successional; Biennials: foxgloves, wallflowers, sweet williams.

What to plant in May: Tomatoes into greenhouse; Outdoor tomatoes after frosts (south UK); Dahlia tubers outdoors; Bedding plants (after last frost); Tender herbs: basil.

What to harvest in May: Asparagus; Lettuce and salad leaves; Radishes; Early new potatoes (under cloche); Rhubarb.

Key jobs for May: Pinch out broad bean tips against blackfly; Stake peas and beans; Mulch borders to lock in moisture; Chelsea chop tall perennials (sedum, phlox); Hang up codling moth traps in apple trees.