May is probably the most hopeful time of year for aspiring gardeners! However, if you are not a seasoned one, do not fret!

We are here to give you ideas on what to plant with our checklist of local decorative plants and kitchen garden crops that are perfect for planting in May.

What’s more, we’ve paid more attention to highlighting the best indigenous varieties you could be planting in an Irish garden to support our local biome.

Outdoor Plants For Planting In May 

Are you looking for decorative outdoor plants for planting in your Irish garden in May? Here are a few options to consider:

Wildflowers

Nothing supports biodiversity and pollinators more than investing in a patch of wildflowers in your Irish garden.  Native Irish wildflowers you could start seeding and planting now include:

• Bluebells
• Cowslips
• Foxgloves
• Primroses
• Buddleia (also known as the butterfly bush)
• Lavender
• Marjoram

Other Decorative Plants For May Planting

• Foxglove – this beautiful, tall plant produces spikes of tubular flowers and is native to Ireland
• Wild roses – there are several species of wild roses native to Ireland, and they produce beautiful pink or white flowers
• Meadowsweet – this plant produces clusters of fragrant, white or cream-coloured flowers and grows well in damp soil
• Montbretia – this plant produces beautiful orange or red flowers and is native to Ireland

Bedding Plants For May Planting

• Irish moss – produces small white flowers and grows low to the ground, making it an excellent option for ground cover
• Wood anemone – this plant produces delicate white flowers and is native to Irish woodlands
• Red campion – produces bright pink flowers and grows well in partial shade
• Honeysuckle – this plant produces fragrant flowers and is a popular choice for climbing up walls or trellises

Trees To Consider Planting In May

If you’re feeling ambitious and fancy investing in a tree in a more extensive Irish garden, there are some species to consider 

• Oak – this iconic tree is native to Ireland and provides essential habitat for many wildlife species
• Birch – this tree is known for its distinctive white bark and produces catkins in the spring
• Rowan – this tree produces clusters of red berries in the autumn and is said to have magical properties in Irish folklore
• Willow – this tree proliferates and is essential for stabilising riverbanks and providing habitat for wildlife
• Holly – this tree is known for its glossy leaves and produces red berries in the winter

Kitchen Garden Vegetables

If you’ve set aside some space (and ambition) to grow your food this year, you can start with these crops.

• Kale – this leafy green is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and can be grown throughout the year in Ireland
• Turnips – these root vegetables do well in cooler weather and are easy to grow
• Rhubarb – this plant produces tart stalks that are great for making pies and other desserts
• Parsnips – these root vegetables require deep, well-drained soil and can be harvested in the autumn
• Irish potatoes – Yes, you can! Grow your potatoes by choosing from several varieties native to Ireland

These are just some suggestions to get you started. Remember, you may have a microclimate in some regions that are amenable to a select variety of lesser-known species of indigenous plants!

Do some research, and you may be surprised at what you could accomplish in some coastal areas or sunnier parts of Ireland down south.

Best Plants For Shady Balconies

Have you got a small urban yard or shady balcony that gets less sunlight than a more extensive Irish Garden or is shaded for most of the day?

We found some ideal plants that you can consider planting in May

1. Fuchsia – This hardy shrub produces elegant, drooping flowers and thrives in partial shade. We just love the endless supply of explosively bright colours you’ll get from this plant. There’s a wide range to choose from too
2. Begonia – You’ll also find these in various colours. They are ideal for adding some vibrancy to a shady balcony or yard with partial shade
3. Ferns – Ferns can be incredibly decorative and architectural, given their prehistoric shapes.  They come in wide varieties that do well in low-light conditions. You can grow them on patios, too, in hanging baskets or pots. In addition, ferns provide a lush, tropical feel to any location
4. Impatiens are also known as “busy lizzies” or “Touch-me-not”. These plants produce beautiful, colourful flowers in bright pinks and purples whilst thriving in partial shade
5. Hostas – These leafy plants will produce beautiful, variegated foliage—a Perfect choice for adding texture, greenery and shape to a shaded balcony
6. Heuchera – Also known as “coral bells”, these plants produce beautiful foliage in shades of green, purple, and red blossoms

Need A Spring Planting Starter Kit?

Is this your first time planting in your garden ‘with intent’?

Or have you just recently acquired a new property with a garden and feel motivated to start gardening for the first time?

Let’s get you started. Here are some essential items that you may want to add to your shopping list on the next visit to your local hardware shop:

First Time Gardener Shopping List

1. Gardening gloves – a good pair of gloves will protect your hands from dirt, scratches, and thorns while gardening
2. Hand trowel – An essential tool to help you dig small holes for planting seeds or small plants. Also handy when you need to dig out and transplant items
3. Garden fork – Before planting, you must aerate the soil and loosen it up for sowing. Use a garden fork to turn over the earth, break up clumps of more rigid material, loosen up large stones for removal and remove stubborn weeds
4. Pruning shears – Your pruning shears will be a trusty everyday tool as it is essential for trimming back overgrown plants, shaping ornamental plants, cutting off small branches and decayed sections or deadheading spent flowers
5. Garden hose – This is necessary if you have a lot of ground to cover and need to reach areas further away from your water supply
6. Watering can – Keep your plants hydrated in specific locations or smaller gardens with a watering can. It is handy for watering indoor plants, where a hose is unnecessary
7. Compost – There is an array of different compost types and recipes depending on the kind of plants and stages of growth – be sure to pick suitable compost to match the species you’re planting
8. Fertiliser – You may need to source different types of fertiliser depending on the type of plants you’re growing. Add some fertiliser to the soil just after winter and create a schedule for topping up with liquid fertiliser supplements to keep the plants well fed, ideally every fortnight in most cases
9. Mulch – Pick up some mulch if you can’t create your own. Spreading mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil, ideally when it is too warm, whilst also keeping the ground protected from first when it gets suddenly cold. Mulch can also help to suppress weeds.
10. Pots or containers – Make sure you have appropriate ones with drainage for the size of the plants you are planting
11. Plant labels -When growing multiple species of plants, you may find it hard to recognise the sprouts or saplings, so do label them – this is especially important in the kitchen garden so you can remember what you’ve sown as it is growing
12. Plant supports – These can be specially constructed frames, sticks or as simple as some pared-back bamboo tied together. You’ll need a few of these if you’re growing climbing plants, especially kitchen crops such as tomatoes or beans, to help them grow upright
13. Wheelbarrow or garden cart – Be mindful of your back! If you have a more extensive garden, you’ll need this for transporting Soil or compost

As with any tools and equipment, check the specific needs of the plants you’re growing when choosing biodegradable items such as fertiliser, mulch and compost.