Fennel in May: monthly care

Fennel thrives in full sun and needs a warm, sheltered spot to develop its best flavour. Choose a position that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The soil should be free-draining and fertile; loam or chalky soils are ideal. Avoid heavy clay that stays waterlogged, as fennel dislikes wet feet and may rot. Before planting, dig in well-rotted compost or garden manure to improve soil structure and fertility, especially on lighter soils. Sow fennel directly outdoors from April through June, once the risk of hard frost has passed and soil temperatures reach around 10°C. Fennel develops a long taproot and resents transplanting, so direct sowing is strongly preferred. Sow seeds thinly in drills about 1.5 cm deep, in rows spaced 50 cm apart. Water the drills gently before sowing if the soil is dry. Germination typically takes 10–14 days. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them progressively to a final spacing of 50 cm between plants. This generous spacing allows each plant to develop a full rosette of feathery foliage and, if you're growing Florence fennel for bulbs, room for the swollen stem bases to form properly. After thinning, water the young plants in well and keep the soil evenly moist until they're established. A light mulch of garden compost around the base helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it clear of the stems to prevent rot. Fennel is hardy to zone 5, but young plants benefit from protection if late frosts threaten in April or early May.