ROB'S PLOT A month of two halves!

Sow, plant, and protect, all key words for the month of May, which can be a tricky time in the garden, says Rob Smith

- Rob Smith

May can be one of the most difficult months for us veg growers, with the beginning still able to produce hard frosts, and the end of the month sometimes giving us temperatures in the 20s; it's certainly a month of two halves! Many a gardener has been caught out this month thinking that it's warm enough to plant out tender crops early, only to go and check on them the next day to see that they've turned to mush. If in doubt, leave it a week or two; in fact, I don't plant tender crops out in the garden until the last week in May at the earliest, and even then I have cloches and fleece ready to cover plants.

That said, there are plants that are happy to be planted outside now, and even a few that are already cropping! When it comes to harvesting, perennial varieties seem to have the lead, with many Victorian kitchen garden favourites being at the top of the list.

GLOBE ARTICHOKES

Statuesque globe artichokes will be ready this month, with both green and violet/purple types not only looking amazing in the garden but making a tasty treat in the kitchen. When harvesting, remember they have spikes on the end of the leaves which are quite sharp, plus the sap is sticky, so wear gloves.

Rhubarb will also be growing with gusto this month. Gone are the pale pink forced stalks; replacing them are thick, deep red and green main stalks. When harvesting, always twist and pull, never cut the stalks as they can rot back towards the crown. Keep on top of harvesting and always water well to prevent the plants from producing a flower spike; but if this does happen, simply remove it and add to the compost.