Top News

The month of May is often considered one of the best months for gardening with its ideal combination of warming soil, longer days, and reduced frost risk. But before gardeners get to planting, they should be aware of this one tip.

Gardeners have been encouraged to bury eggs in their garden this month - particularly if they have a tomato plant. BBC Gardeners' World Magazine advises that the best time to plant tomatoes outside is sometimes in May, once all danger of frost has passed.

Producer and supplier Bonnie Plants describes the gardening hack as "a tip passed down from generations of gardeners for adding a little calcium to the soil."

The producer also explains exactly how to do this.

They write: "Add crushed shells of several eggs to the deep hole when planting. Some folks even skip the step of washing and crushing the shells and place a whole, unbroken raw egg in the hole."

This form of "direct composting" is intended to enrich the surrounding soil by boosting calcium, potassium, and even mycorrhizae, a beneficial fungus. It can also help in preventing blossom end rot, an issue that occurs when the plant does not have enough calcium, affecting its ability to absorb moisture.

Gardening expert Monty Don offered further tomato plant-growing tips for May on his blog.

He wrote: "Tomatoes hate too much temperature fluctuation and May nights can be chilly-especially if the days are warm."

• HMRC confirms new VAT rates for drivers with older cars from May 1

• The little UK seaside village so perfect everyone has to pay £10.90 to get inside

The harsh contrast between warmer weather and cooler nights can negatively affect young plants and potentially damage the harvest so he said the best time to plant outdoor tomato plants is the end of the month.

The expert also recommended planting them deeply and burying them right up to the bottom leaf.

The buried part of the stem will then grow additional roots, helping create a stronger, sturdier plant that is capable of supporting a larger crop later in the season.

He also urged gardeners to remove side shoots when they see them - the shoots between the leaves and the stem.

These fast-growing shoots may seem productive, but they use up the plant's energy and "reduce the overall harvest".