May is a vibrant month in the herb garden, characterised by warmer temperatures, longer days, and a rich opportunity to plant and nurture a variety of herbs. As the risk of frost fades and the earth warms, it’s time to focus on planting more herbs, caring for existing ones, and embracing the abundance of the growing season. This post will guide you through the best practices for your herb garden this May, highlighting which herbs to plant, care tips, and how to harness the moon phases to maximise your harvest.

Front Yard (Shaded): Maximising Your Cool-Weather Herbs

In your front yard, where shade prevails, it’s essential to make the most of the herbs that thrive in cooler conditions. May offers a great opportunity to nurture the herbs you’ve sown while considering additional plantings.

Herbs to Care for and Plant in Shaded Areas:

• Chives: By May, your chives should be lush and ready for regular harvesting. Continue to snip the leaves as needed to encourage growth. You can also divide any overcrowded clumps to propagate new plants in other pots.
• Parsley: Parsley thrives in the cooler shaded area, making it an excellent choice for continued planting. You can sow more seeds this month for staggered harvesting throughout the summer. Ensure that you keep the soil moist to support healthy growth.
• Mint: Your mint plants should be flourishing by now. This is a good time to begin harvesting leaves more regularly. Use fresh mint in culinary dishes, teas, or even for natural remedies. If your mint is becoming too bushy, consider pinching back some stems to promote a bushier plant.

Shaded Herb Care Tips:

• Fertilisation: As your herbs grow, a light application of organic fertiliser can help provide the nutrients they need for robust development. Choose a balanced fertiliser and apply it according to the instructions.
• Pruning: Regularly prune your herbs to keep them healthy and encourage new growth. For chives, be sure to cut back dead leaves to make room for fresh growth.

Back Yard (Sunny): Planting and Thriving with Mediterranean Herbs

In your back yard, the sunny environment offers the perfect conditions for planting a variety of Mediterranean herbs that thrive in warmth and sunlight. May is a prime time for expanding your collection.

Herbs to Plant in Sunny Areas:

• Basil: May is ideal for sowing basil seeds directly in pots. Ensure they have plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures for optimal growth. Keep the soil consistently moist, and pinch off the tops to promote bushiness as the plants grow.
• Oregano: If you haven’t planted oregano yet, now is the time. This herb loves sun and well-drained soil. Keep the pots watered regularly, but allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
• Sage: Sage thrives in sunny conditions and can be planted in pots this month. Be sure to give sage plenty of space, as it can grow quite large. Water regularly but avoid letting the soil become soggy.

Sunny Herb Care Tips:

• Watering: Herbs in full sun will need consistent watering, especially as temperatures rise. Water deeply to encourage root development and resilience.
• Mulching: A layer of organic mulch can help retain moisture in pots and suppress weeds, allowing your herbs to thrive as they compete less for nutrients.

Harvesting and Using Your Herbs

May is an exciting time for harvesting, as many herbs will be ready for use in your kitchen and for rituals.

May Harvesting Tips:

• Chives: Continue to harvest chives regularly by snipping the green tops. This will keep the plant healthy and encourage further growth.
• Parsley: Parsley can be harvested lightly as well. Remember to take only what you need to ensure continued growth throughout the season.
• Mint: You can harvest mint leaves generously. They’re perfect for adding freshness to salads, drinks, and desserts.

Moon Phase Tips: Gardening in Harmony with Lunar Cycles

May’s moon phases provide excellent guidance for planting and harvesting. Working with the lunar cycle can enhance your gardening practices.

New Moon (early May): Ideal for Planting New Herbs

The New Moon is a powerful time for new beginnings. Use this time to plant herbs that you haven’t yet added to your garden, such as basil and oregano. The gravitational pull of the New Moon encourages root growth, setting a strong foundation for your new herbs.

Full Moon (late May): Time for Harvesting

As the Full Moon approaches, it’s an excellent opportunity to harvest your early herbs, including chives and parsley. The Full Moon is believed to enhance the energy of plants, making it the perfect time to gather fresh herbs to use in cooking or for your herbal practices.

Conclusion: May is a Month of Growth and Abundance

May is a time of vibrancy and growth in the herb garden. With the warming weather, you can focus on planting a variety of herbs, nurturing those already thriving, and enjoying the harvests that come with the season. By aligning your gardening activities with the moon phases, you can optimise growth and ensure a bountiful supply of herbs throughout the summer. Embrace the opportunities that May brings and create a lush, flourishing herb garden.

Blessed be!

Don’t forget to check out my Etsy Shop for spell & ritual kits