Gardening Chores - May

may garden

May:

May’s warmer weather make it the ideal time to plant out tender bedding plants and vegetables, however do remain aware of any late frosts. Focus on weeding, mulching and adding support for tall perennials and the garden will be bursting with new flowers and foliage as the days get longer.

In the Flower Garden

  • You can plant out any summer bedding at the end of the month once the risk of a late frost has passed. Remember to water your plants about an hour before planting, and then again once they are in the ground.

  • Pinch out the tips of your fuchsias to encourage bushier, fuller plants.

  • Prune forsythia and flowering currant shrubs after they have finished flowering.

The Vegetable Plot & Orchard

  • May is a very busy time in the vegetable patch, and you should be sowing both outdoors and under glass.

  • Plant any remaining potatoes and be sure to "earth them up" once the shoots appear.

  • Thin out previously planted seedlings like carrots and parsnips to give them space to grow.

  • You can now sow French and runner beans, peas, beetroot, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, radish, spring onions, sweetcorn, courgette, marrow, pumpkins and squash.

Fruit & Berries

  • Protect your fruit from birds and other pests by covering with fruit netting to prevent berries from being eaten.

Pest & Weed Control

  • Hoe your weeds regularly to prevent them from taking over and competing with your plants for nutrients.

  • Apply a weed killer to paths and driveways when the weather is dry to control unwanted growth.

  • Continue to protect new spring shoots from slugs and snails by putting pellets down now.

  • Watch out for viburnum and lily beetle grubs.

  • Watch out for viburnum and lily beetle grubs.

  • Regularly check your plants for pests and bugs and apply a systemic insecticide if required.

Lawns & Hedges

  • In drier weather, mow your lawn weekly to keep it looking tidy.

  • Before clipping hedges, check for nesting birds.

  • Protect tender plants if a late frost is forecast.

  • Give trees and shrubs some extra compost for extra nutrients to help them thrive.

Pots, Baskets & Greenhouse

It's time to start making up your hanging baskets for a beautiful early summer display.

  • On warmer days, open your greenhouse doors and windows to ensure it's well-ventilated.

  • Check on your plants to see whether they would benefit from a good watering.

  • Collect and recycle rainwater to use on your plants.