I have some berry exciting news – you can now plant fruits in May!
May isn’t just for flowers – it’s the perfect time to sow the seeds of delicious fruits like strawberries, watermelons, and cantaloupes. Even if you missed the initial planting window, don’t fret!
I remember this one time I didn’t manage to plant them all on time, but my fellow gardeners assured me that sunny days are just as ideal (you know how busy gardeners are in spring!).
Fruits like strawberries, watermelons, and cantaloupes thrive in warm weather, so you still catch up and enjoy a bountiful harvest. But don’t wait any longer! Get those fruits planted and watch them flourish in the sun.
1. May’s the Time to Get Your Strawberries In The Ground
Now’s the time to plant those strawberry runners outside. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. I mean, who plants strawberries in May, right? But trust me, it’s the perfect time to get those sweet treats growing.
Last year, I decided to give it a shot, and little did I know that my garden would soon be filled with berries! I’m no strawberry expert, but here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
First, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil – strawberries love soaking up the sunshine
Next, make sure to water them regularly, especially during those hot summer days.
Don’t forget to give them plenty of space to spread out – strawberry plants can get pretty cozy!
Also read: How To Grow Strawberries Indoors For Delicious Fruit Year-Round
2. Gooseberries Grow Like Crazy In May
I used to think gooseberries were just those tart little fruits grandma used for pies. But then, curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to give them a shot. And let me tell you, it was a berry good decision!
If you have an empty space in your garden by May, I would suggest planting gooseberries. Here’s what I learned about their cultivation so far:
Gooseberries love soaking up the sun, so be sure to give them a sunny spot in your garden.
Shower them with some H2O when the soil gets dry, and they’ll thank you with plump, juicy berries!
Consider removing any flowers to help the plant settle in if the weather gets dry.
3. Cantaloupes Like Sunny May Days
With those long, sunny days finally here and frost-free weather on the horizon, it’s time to get those tender cantaloupes germinating in your garden!.
Just as you sow veggies like cucumbers in May; their cousins, melons, prefer being sown directly into the warm soils of late May, as they’re super sensitive to transplanting.
Wait about 1-2 weeks after your last frost date before planting your cantaloupes.
Keep them nice and moist once they’re in the ground – melons love continuous moisture and warm temps.
Give them some extra protection with a low tunnel or row cover in case those nights get a bit chilly.
Related: Grow Your Cantaloupes In 5 Gallon Buckets And Get The Best Yield Ever
4. Watermelon Absolutely Thrive In May
Just like cantaloupes, watermelons enjoy growing in warm sunny May.
Growing them in the garden is not as common, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to cultivate them. Look for personal-sized melons like ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Cracker Jack’ – they can mature in as little as 70 days!
If you’re eyeing those standard large watermelons, just remember, they might take up to 90 days from seed to harvest.
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it – watermelons do require a bit of patience.
Give your watermelon plants plenty of space to sprawl, as they love to spread out and take over the garden.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, to help your watermelons grow big and juicy.
Consider using a trellis or support system to keep your watermelon vines off the ground and protect your fruits from pests and diseases.
Get creative with your watermelon patch – try growing them in containers or raised beds for a fun and unique twist on traditional gardening.
And there you have it, the infamous fruits that can grow and thrive in May! If you have empty space in your garden and some free time on your hands, go ahead and plant these to enjoy delicious and juicy fruits during hot summer days.
Also read: 8 Tips To Grow Watermelons + Tricks That Reveal Ripeness