By Elizabeth Spence
Yes, it’s May and it’s time to start sowing seed outside! The dandelion tells us so! Did you see our article on the dandelion as a sowing indicator plant? It lets us know which vegetables you can sow now that the dandelion is in full flower!
And you can check out our article on which flower seeds to direct sow now. I think we’re starting a bit earlier this year. Haven’t had frost for ages.
Are you starting a new bed? Have a look at Jennifer’s article on the very subject!
Sowing seeds directly outdoors is much easier than starting them indoors. You are planting them where they will grow. That’s it. No coddling in pots and transplanting. What a time and money saver!
- Move all mulch to one side
- Dig in amendments if you use them – like compost or well-aged manure or whatever;
- Fluff up everything up to aerate it;
- Rake it even
- Water well and wait a couple of days. This is so the water has time to moisten everything and the soil microbes can start doing their thing. Some people don’t do this since they think it gives weed seeds time to germinate, and it would be a bother to remove them before sowing their seed. Personal choice here: you can wait or you can dive straight in.
- Prepare your drills or not depending on what you are sowing.
- Sow seed according instructions on the packet and cover with soil;
- Gently pat soil down with the flat of your hand, but don’t press too hard;
- Water in;
- Do not replace mulch until seedlings are well up.
Even though it doesn’t seem like it so far this year, there is always danger of a late frost for us in May and even into June, so keep your eye on the weather forecast and be ready with the row cover.
If the crows or other visitors are likely to come and visit for a seedy snack – it’s row cover again. In fact, if we take the advice in Magi Nams’ article on how essential this garden aid is, we would start using it as a matter of course!
Yes. At last. I think we’re off!
May, 2025
Copyright©2025 Elizabeth Spence