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Vegetables Alan Titchmarsh says are 'easiest' to grow in May
Reach Daily Express | May 7, 2026 11:39 PM CST

Alan Titchmarsh has shared the easiest vegetables to grow in your garden this spring. With more spring weather on the way, many green-fingered experts are turning their attention to their vegetable patch. But it's not just seasoned gardeners who can join in with the fun.

Broadcaster and gardener Alan Titchmarsh has revealed a few easy picks for anyone keen to get growing - and people could start growing the veg from today. The TV presenter shared the tip with BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. In a video highlighting May gardening jobs, Alan told viewers: "You don't need a vast allotment to grow veg, you know.

"If all you've got is a doorstep or the tiniest of patios or balconies, you can still grow things to eat. What you need is a large pot like this one. I say large because small ones tend to dry out, and if you're away all day at work, you'll come home and find your plants completely desiccated.

He explained: "This one here, I've planted up with lettuces. They've already started to grow. It seems to do it within minutes of being planted. The compost I'm using is good, ordinary, peat-free, multi-purpose. Good drainage holes in the bottom, of course, to allow any surplus water to escape."

Moving on, Alan showed viewers his next pot. "Here, I'm putting dwarf French beans. You can buy them now in strips like this," he said.

"If you make sure they never go short of water, and on days like this, that's quite vital, they will romp away, and then after about three to four weeks, you can start liquid feeding them once or twice a week. Dilute liquid tomato feed will do well.

"Kept in the sun, keep it well watered, and just allowed to grow away and do what they want, you'll be picking beans off those in a couple of months. Lovely thing to have in the tiniest space. Of course, that's one way to grow them from plants. You can also grow from seed, even cheaper."

He finished by planting radish seeds in his third pot. Alan said: "There you have three large potfuls, which will give you lettuces, dwarf beans, and radishes. It'll take you next to no time to do them, and boy, will you feel proud when you're picking your first crop."

With plenty of sunshine on the way, it could be the perfect opportunity for anyone looking to make the most of their garden and get a vegetable patch going. For gardeners looking for more tips, the BBC video also covered planting 101 and why gardeners swear by the Chelsea Chop for the best results.


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