Jobs For May

Plant out any summer bedding at the end of the month, water plants an hours before planting and then again once in the ground

Hoe weeds regularily

Pinch out fuschia tips to encourage bushier plants

May is a very busy time in the vegetable patch

Earth up potatoes & plant any still remaining to be planted

Thin out any prevously planted carrots, parsnips and other seedlings to give them space to grow

Protect fruit from birds and other pests - cover with fruit netting toprevent berries being eaten 

Watch out for late frosts- keep tender plants protected if neccesary

Before clipping hedges check for nesting birds

Prune forsythia & flowering current shrubs when they have finished flowering

Give trees and shrubs some extra compost for extra nutrients

Start making up hanging baskets for some early summer colour

Open up the greenhouse on warmer days

Check plants to see whether they would benefit from watering

In drier weather lawns can be mown weekly

Protect new spring shoots from slugs & snails start putting slug pellets down now

Watch out for viburnium & lily beetle grubs

Regularily check plant for pests & bugs and apply a systemic insecticide if required

Apply a weedkiller to paths & driveways when the weather is dry

Collect and recycle rainwater