What to Plant in Preston This Month (Seasonal Gardening Guide for May)

If you’re wondering what to plant right now in Preston, May is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar. With warmer temperatures and longer days, the growing season is in full swing.

At Let’s Grow Preston, we help local people grow their own food, connect with nature, and build community through gardening. Whether you’ve got an allotment, a garden, or just a few pots, this guide will help you make the most of May.

What to Plant in May in Preston

May is when you can start planting a wider range of crops outdoors, especially as the risk of frost begins to pass in Preston.

Vegetables to Plant Now

• Potatoes (maincrop)

• Carrots

• Beetroot

• Lettuce

• Spinach

• Radishes

• Peas

• French beans

• Runner beans

• Courgettes

• Sweetcorn

Tip: Wait until late May to plant tender crops outdoors, once frost risk has passed.

Vegetables to Start Indoors or Harden Off

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Chillies

• Cucumbers

Gradually introduce indoor-grown plants to outdoor conditions before planting them out.

Herbs to Grow

• Basil (indoors or sheltered spot)

• Parsley

• Mint

• Chives

• Dill

Flowers to Sow

• Sunflowers

• Marigolds

• Nasturtiums

• Cosmos

• Zinnias

These help attract pollinators and support biodiversity.

Gardening Tips for Preston in Late Spring

Gardening in Preston becomes easier in May, but there are still a few things to watch for.

Top tips:

• Keep an eye on late frosts early in the month

• Water regularly during dry spells

• Use supports for climbing plants like beans

• Protect young plants from pests (like slugs)

No Garden? No Problem

You don’t need a large space to grow your own food.

At Let’s Grow Preston, we support:

• Community gardens

• Allotments

• Container growing at home

Even small spaces can produce herbs, salad leaves, and vegetables.

Get Growing with Let’s Grow Preston

If you want to get involved locally, Let’s Grow Preston offers:

• Workshops and training

• Volunteering opportunities

• Support for community growing projects

It’s a great way to learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

What to Plant Next Month

In June, you can continue planting fast-growing crops and focus on maintaining and harvesting early produce.

Tip: Check back for next month’s guide to stay on track!

Why Seasonal Planting Matters

Planting at the right time helps:

• Improve crop success

• Reduce waste

• Support local wildlife

• Make gardening easier

By growing seasonally in Preston, you’re working with nature.

Ready to Start Growing?

May is one of the best times to get growing. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding your garden, there’s plenty you can plant right now.

If you’d like support, advice, or a place to grow, connect with Let’s Grow Preston and become part of a thriving local community.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gardening in Preston (May)

What can I plant in May in Preston?

In May, you can plant vegetables like beans, courgettes, sweetcorn, carrots, lettuce, and potatoes. It’s one of the busiest planting months of the year.

Is May a good time to start gardening in Preston?

Yes! May is an excellent time to start gardening in Preston due to warmer weather and longer daylight hours.

Can I plant tomatoes outside in May in the UK?

Tomatoes can be planted outside in late May once the risk of frost has passed, or grown in greenhouses earlier.

What vegetables grow best in May in Preston?

Beans, courgettes, carrots, lettuce, and peas all grow well in Preston during May.

Do I still need to worry about frost in May?

Early May can still bring occasional frost, so it’s best to wait until mid-to-late May before planting tender crops outdoors.

Can I grow vegetables without a garden in Preston?

Yes. Containers, pots, and community gardens are great options for growing food without a traditional garden.