In brief: After the Ice Saints in mid-May, the risk of frost has passed in most regions of Germany. You can now plant frost-sensitive crops such as tomatoes, courgettes, beans and basil directly outdoors. Start by planting out young plants you have grown on and sowing warm-season vegetables directly. This is also a good time to care for your lawn and apply mulch.
Garden Calendar: What to Do After the Last Frost?
By mid-May, the risk of night frosts in Germany drops significantly. The so-called Ice Saints traditionally mark the start of the outdoor planting season. Use this time to prepare your garden for summer.
Why is the last frost date so important to gardeners?
The Ice Saints refer to a meteorological anomaly. Traditionally, the last outbreaks of cold air in spring occur during this period. For gardening, this provides greater planning certainty.
Frost-sensitive plants can die at temperatures below zero degrees. These include many vegetables and ornamental plants from warmer regions. Planting them out before this date is a risk.
The old farming rule about the Ice Saints has some basis in the statistics. Although the frost-free period has lengthened over the last few decades, regional pockets of cold air remain a risk.
You do not have to wait for the Ice Saints as a strict rule. In mild regions or sheltered locations, you can start earlier. Always keep an eye on the local weather forecast.
How do you prepare beds for planting?
Loosen the soil thoroughly with a digging fork. Remove weeds and stones. If necessary, work in compost or an organic fertiliser. This improves the soil structure and supplies nutrients to the plants.
The soil should feel slightly warm in your hand and have a crumbly texture. Soil that is too wet becomes compacted when worked. Wait one to two days after heavy rain.
Expert tip
Cover prepared beds with black plastic sheeting or garden fleece one week before planting. The soil warms up faster underneath. This helps young plants establish.
Which plants can you put outdoors now?
After the Ice Saints, the main planting season begins for all frost-sensitive varieties. These include most vegetables from Mediterranean or tropical regions.
Planting out vegetables and herbs
Plant young plants of tomatoes, peppers, chillies, aubergines and cucumbers that you have grown on or bought. Choose a sunny, sheltered location. It is best to install supports for beans or tomatoes at the same time.
Plant out young pumpkin, courgette and ridge cucumber plants. Sow directly into the bed: dwarf beans, climbing beans, sweetcorn, beetroot (for a late harvest) and herbs such as basil, marjoram and borage.
Image: (Young tomato and pepper plants are planted in the prepared bed)
Ornamental plants and summer flowers
Plant dahlia tubers, gladioli and cannas. Plant young summer flowers that you have grown on, such as marigolds, zinnias, snapdragons and petunias. Begonias and fuchsias are also sensitive to frost and can now be moved outdoors.
Heat-loving plants such as tomatoes benefit from a layer of mulch made from straw or grass clippings. It keeps the soil warm, suppresses weeds and reduces evaporation. Only apply the mulch once the soil has warmed up.
How should you care for your lawn in May?
The lawn grows vigorously in May. Mow it regularly now, but do not cut it too short. A cutting height of four to five centimetres is ideal. This encourages a dense sward and suppresses weeds.
Important note
Only scarify when the lawn is dry and there is a dense layer of thatch. Scarifying too aggressively or too often damages the grass. Reseed bare patches immediately and keep them moist.
May is a good time to fertilise. Use a slow-release lawn fertiliser. Liming may be useful for acidic soils. Find our range for lawn care under garden tools.
How can you protect your plants from late frost?
Even after the Ice Saints, regional outbreaks of cold air can occur. Be prepared, especially if you garden in hollows or at higher elevations.
Garden fleece offers the best protection. It lets light and water through while keeping out several degrees of frost. Cover the plants in the evening before a frosty night.
For individual young plants, use upside-down pots, buckets or special covers. For larger areas or sensitive container plants, a
practical. It is transparent and robust.
Additional advice
Secure sheets and fleece firmly to the ground.
or , sturdy plastic cover sheet hooks will keep the cover in place even in windy conditions. This prevents damage to the plants and stops the sheet from blowing away.
Remove the cover the next morning as soon as temperatures rise. This prevents heat build-up and fungal diseases.
What other gardening tasks need doing in May?
Weed regularly before weeds go to seed. Mulch beds and the soil around trees with grass clippings, straw or bark mulch. This saves watering and suppresses weeds.
Check plants for pests such as aphids. Encourage beneficial insects with a diverse range of plants. Now is the time to add supports for tall perennials such as delphiniums or peonies.
Put out your garden furniture and clean it. To extend its lifespan, protect it during prolonged periods of rain or when it is not in use. A garden furniture cover is a sensible choice here.
Image: (A lush, freshly planted vegetable bed in May with young plants and a layer of mulch)
Plan your garden watering system. Lay hoses or install a drip irrigation system before the dry periods of summer begin. A durable garden hose is a good investment.
Dispose of prunings and weeds by composting them or using practical . This keeps your garden tidy.
Conclusion: Make the most of this window of opportunity
The period after the Ice Saints is the most productive phase of the gardening year. It lays the foundations for the summer harvest and abundance of blooms. Work with the weather, not against it.
Start planting as soon as the risk of frost has passed in your region. Well-prepared soil and the right planting time are crucial for healthy growth. With the right garden tools and a little planning, you can tackle every task.
Enjoy gardening in the warm early summer. The effort is worth it for a fresh harvest and a blooming oasis.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the exact dates of the Ice Saints?
- The Ice Saints take place every year from 11 to 15 May. They are named after specific saints: Mamertus (11 May), Pancras (12 May), Servatius (13 May), Boniface (14 May) and Cold Sophie (15 May). These traditional dates mark the end of late frosts in Central Europe.
- Can frost occur again after the Ice Saints?
- Yes, in climatically favourable regions such as wine-growing areas, the frost period often ends earlier. In higher-altitude areas or cold-air basins, light frost can occur until the end of May. Keep an eye on local weather forecasts. Protect sensitive young plants at night with garden fleece or a cover.
- Which vegetables should I plant directly after the Ice Saints?
- Now is the time to plant out young tomato, pepper, cucumber, courgette and aubergine plants that you have grown or bought. Sow directly outdoors: dwarf beans, climbing beans, pumpkin, sweetcorn and basil. These plants need warm soil and cannot tolerate frost.
- Do I need to scarify my lawn after the Ice Saints?
- May is an ideal time to scarify your lawn when it is growing well. Beforehand, remove old grass clippings and leaves with a rake. Only scarify when the lawn is dry. After scarifying, fertilise the lawn and reseed bare patches. Apply lime beforehand if necessary; you can find information about lawn lime & garden lime in our range.
- How can I protect my plants during a late cold snap?
- Use specialist garden fleece or frost protection hoods. A simple method is to cover plants with upturned pots, buckets or cardboard boxes. Remove the cover again in the morning so the plants receive light and air. PRODUCT_138663 is ideal for providing quick protection over larger areas.
You might also be interested in
- The Ice Saints: The key date for your garden in May
- Planting vegetables after the Ice Saints: The perfect start
- May garden calendar: Sowing and care for a bumper harvest
- Gardening in April: The start of the gardening season
- June garden calendar: What to do in the garden now
- Gardening through the year: The perfect time for every season