India’s kharif crop sowing has seen a significant surge, surpassing the average area and exceeding last year’s figures. This positive trend, driven by improved monsoon conditions, bodes well for food security and potentially easing food inflation. While some crops show declines, the overall picture points to a robust harvest and a positive outlook for the agriculture sector.
With May here, it’s time to prepare your garden for the warmer weather and summer season. Dobbies’ plant buyer, Nigel Lawton, has outlined his top gardening tips for May, including what to sow and plant. Here are his recommendations:
**Summer bedding:** May is the best month for planting summer bedding plants, which includes patio containers and hanging baskets, beds and borders. Nigel suggests planting geraniums as they are both vibrant and low maintenance.
**Seeds to sow:** This month, gardeners should sow cornflowers, sunflowers and daisies. He also suggests sowing seeds for crops such as cucumbers, broccoli, peas, spring onions, and courgettes. Now is also an ideal time to sow quick-growing crops such as salads and spinach which can be sown every 10 days for a continuous supply of leaves.
**Flowers to plant:** Roses, peonies, and gladiolus are some of the best flowers to plant in May. Nigel explains: “Roses and peonies will fill your garden with sweet summer fragrances, while gladiolus is ideal for adding to your cut flower bouquets.”
