10 gardening jobs for May

Green-fingered Brits are being offered tips on the gardening jobs they should be carrying out in May.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have named the ten essential tasks to tackle this month to get the garden in top condition before summer.

With warmer days just around the corner, now is the time to get the outside space ready for sunny days, barbecues and garden parties.

Jobs include planting final bulbs and vegetables, taking care of the lawn, protecting tender plants and keeping on top of pests and snails.

Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “May is one of the busiest months in the garden, as the warm and sunny weather speeds up the growth of plants.

“Completing gardening jobs is a good chance to enjoy some fresh air while getting the outside space ready for summer.

“Now is the ideal time to plant your hanging baskets, patio containers and final summer bulbs to bring some colour into the garden, just look out for unexpected late frosts.

“There is also work to be done in the greenhouse, as well as lots of veggies that can be planted in May.

“Warmer weather also means that more pests are lurking around so it’s important to keep them at bay with poison-free pest control remedies.”

Here are the ten essential gardening jobs for May from GardeningExpress.co.uk:

1. Tidy up spring bulbs and perennials

Clean up the foliage and deadhead spring-blooming bulbs and perennials that have died down. Make sure to stake the perennials into the ground to protect them from windy weather that can snap their stems.

2. Mow your lawn

The grass would have begun growing again during Spring, so if you want a clean and tidy lawn then it’s recommended to mow it once a week. However if you wish to attract more wildlife into your garden then leave this task until the end of the month.

3. Collect rainwater

End of the spring often brings rainy days which can be taken advantage of by bringing a water butt or large bucket to the garden. Recycling rainwater and using it to water your plants will help save some pennies.

4. Plant hanging baskets and containers

Brighten up your garden with beautiful hanging baskets and patio containers. They’re also the perfect solution for those who don’t have much garden space. Just make sure to keep your eye on weather forecasts to protect the plants from frosts.

5. Last chance to plant summer bulbs

May is the last opportunity to plant summer-flowering bulbs and create beautiful flower beds. For example, you can still plant Dahlias, Gladiolus and Cannas which will lighten up your summer flower display.

6. Plant vegetables

You can sow plenty of vegetable seeds in May, for example beetroot, carrot, lettuce, peas, radish and turnip. Greenhouse crops like peppers, aubergines and cucumbers should also be planted into their final positions.

7. Make natural deterrents for pests and snails

If you don’t want pests, snails and slugs to destroy your precious crop then make sure to keep them at bay with organic pest control methods. You can invest in an organic substance or plant oil, encourage the pests’ natural predators into the area or place sweet fruit near the plants for distraction.

8. Open the greenhouse on warm days

In order to prevent your crops from suffocating, open up your greenhouse on sunny days to prevent it from becoming overheated inside.

9. Hoe weeds

Dry weather provides the perfect conditions for removing weeds by hoeing them. Make sure that the blades are sharp enough so that even tiny weed seedlings are stopped in their tracks.

10. Prune and trim back shrubs

It’s best to prune and trim back shrubs just before summer, immediately after they stop flowering. It’s also good to tidy up your garden hedge to give it a more refined look.

11. Protect tender plants

Watch out for chilly nights that often follow warm days, as late frosts can devastate tender plants. In this case measures should be taken to protect them, for example you can wrap plants to insulate them from cold and wind.

12. Plan ahead

There will be three bank holidays in May, so in order to make the most of the extra days off people may want to plan ahead and get any supplies and plants they need in advance. This way they can use the holidays to makeover their plots instead of waiting in long queues at garden centres.

For more monthly gardening jobs visit Gardening Express’ care guide here