Gardening Advice for May
Summer’s on its way and it’s time to get sowing and planting out. Here are the top jobs for the busy month of May.
1. Flower Power
Start planting out summer bedding plants towards the end of this month after the last frosts have passed. Sunflowers, cosmos and nasturtiums can all go in now.
2. Spring Clean
Look after your finished spring bulbs for next year. Once they’ve gone over, resist the temptation to cut back the foliage. Instead, let it die and break down on its own and add liquid fertiliser all around the clumps. This will give you an even better display next spring.
3. Water Smart
Optimise your watering regime — watering early and late to get the most out of your water — and start collecting and recycling water whenever possible.
4. Hanging Baskets
Plant summer hanging baskets, adding good-quality compost, slow-release fertiliser and water-retaining crystals, to keep them in top condition. Protect them from late frost under cover
5. Get Mowing
Mow lawns weekly. However think about leaving a patch of lawn to its own devices if you can. This will help to create a mini meadow that will help wildlife thrive.
6. Feeding Time
May is a good time to feed plants. Any container plants that have been overwintered will appreciate a good feed. You can do this without re-potting by sprinkling the fertiliser on the surface and gently working it into the soil with a small hand rake.
7. Stake Out
It’s time to stake perennials. As well as supporting plants from damage it enables you to train the plant and keep upright. Some more vigorous perennials can grow over their neighbouring plants and smother them. Get the stakes in now before the plants reach full bloom.
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