IT might seem like too much hard work to some, but there are others desperate to grow their own vegetables and herbs.
And with the average time waiting for an allotment in the UK reaching a staggering 37 months, more and more people are choosing to start their own vegetable patches at .
Not only does growing produce in the back help save money on during the cost of living crisis, it also helps reduce your carbon footprint.
While you might not realise it, now is the to get your patches planted – and there are seven plants you need to get in the ground this month.
Beetroot
“Beetroots don’t need much encouragement to grow, making them a low maintenance veg to grow,”;; the sustainability team at 100Green said.
To get started, sow your seeds 2.5cm deep with 10cm spaces between them.
Remember to water them regularly – usually every 10 to 14 days – but they may require more in dry spells.
If you stick to this regime, your beetroot will be ready to harvest after just eight to 10 weeks.
Sweetcorn
It’s worth adding some sweetcorn to the patch too.
Just start by sowing it in a small pot and keep it inside as they need warmth to germinate.
You can then move them outside – to a sunny, sheltered area – once they reach 8cm in height and we’re past any risk of evening frost.
Again, remember to water them regularly, as they need around one inch of water a week.
They’ll be ready to harvest when the silky tassel on them has turned brown.
Carrots
Carrots are another easy veg to start with, as you can sow them directly into the ground.
Water them every fortnight, and prepare to harvest them 12 to 16 weeks after planting.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes make the perfect addition to the vegetable patch for late May, as they do best in warmer soil temperatures of around 13 to 16C.
Pop them in a sheltered, sunny spot, and when the first tomato appears, be sure to remove the leaves around them.
This means they will continue to get as much sun as possible until they ripen and are ready to harvest.
Herbs
Herbs are another plant that you can grow at home – with basil top of the list.
“Basil is perfect for growing herbs in pots, you can sow them from May and pot them in a pot after they’ve grown slightly,”;; the sustainability pros advised.
“They do well with plenty of light and warmth so you can even keep them on your windowsill while they grow.”;;
Don’t water them too much as basil doesn’t like sitting in wet soil.
“Use scissors to cut a lead stem just above a pair of leaves to help encourage your basil to grow and become bushier,”;; they added.
Another herb that makes a delicious addition to your cooking is parsley, which can be sown directly into soil.
Remember to keep it well watered – at least two to three times a week – and pick it as you need it throughout the summer and autumn.
And dill completes the herby triad.
“Sow dill seeds into soil around 1cm deep and keep them well watered (1-2 times per week),”;; the experts said.
“It’s usually best to use the leaves fresh, so don’t harvest until you’re ready to use them!”;;
