Friends of the Earth Cardiff Cyfeillion y Ddaear Caerdydd

View of an allotment in May. Photo: Lindsay Maiden, Cardiff Friends of the Earth.

Finally some sunshine has meant that everything is starting to grow abundantly including the weeds. Continuing to hoe the ground will help keep these at bay and will hopefully put off the slugs. We are still at risk of frost but on some days it seems ludicrously distant.

You can glory in your squashes, beans and peas coming through.

Jobs in May

• Gradually harden off your seedlings so that when they go into the ground they don't get too much of a shock.
• Save water in butts and baths to water your seedlings. If you are lucky enough to grow your plants in your back garden then water them with your washing up water (as long as your washing up liquid is eco friendly).
• Mulch your beds to keep the water in and avoid problems in a drought. We are using straw at the moment and this does seem to be effective.
• Plant any remaining potatoes in the ground.
• This is your last chance to get onion sets in for autumn.
• it's also a good time to get some spinach in, although we find we have ended up a with perennial spinach growing in our plot.
• Move your tomatoes, chillies, sweet peppers and aubergines into bigger pots.
• Sow maincrop leeks, beetroot, winter cabbage, sprouting and perennial broccoli, autumn and winter cauliflowers, carrots, parsnips, kale and swedes outside.
• If you have cloches or a greenhouse plant courgettes, marrows, pumpkins and outdoor cucumbers.

Got a few hours to spare? Go to the allotment pages at Cardiff Council and Get an allotment.