Gardening Jobs for May

A little bit of sunshine goes a long way and now that your graden is growing, you'll need to keep on top of it to keep it strong and healthy. Here we outline those key jobs for May...

Mowing, watering and feeding...

Your grass will be growing well now so you'll need to keep on top of it on a weekly basis. Avoid scalping your lawn by keeping the blades relatively high, but each time you do it, lower them slightly. Nows a great time to feed established lawns too, but make sure you read the instructions so as not to scorch it.

You'll also need to keep an eye on the hanging baskets, they're quite exposed and will dry out quickly so check them on a daily basis. Recently planted shrubs and trees are also vulnerable so again, keep on top of them so they can establish strong roots. Organic matter such as rotted manure or garden compost dug into the soil will hold the water nicely and support new roots.  

Handy Hint!
Water in the evenings so it dosent evaporate in the heat of the day!

Keep weeds at bay

Regular hoeing will down weeds as they are much easier to kill before they become large and overpowering, Mulching with organic matter will help prevent the growth of further weeds but make sure you water the soil first to seal in the moisture.

Tie In the Climbers

Climbers such as roses and clematis can quickly become unruly and smother other plants, so its important to keep tying the shoots in. Mesh wire netting or trellis are the easiest methods but be careful not to tie them in too tightly.

Pond Weed

Weeds must be removed from ponds regularly otherwise they becomes almost impossible to get rid of. A seive or fishing net is perfect for this job and once removed can be added to the compost heap. Waterlilies are great for discouraging pond weeds as they cover the surface of the pond in the summer

Prepare for Summer Bedding

Spring flowering plants will be coming to the end of their flowering time and will need clearing in preparation for Summer bedding. Remove the old plants and run a fork through the soil, add a little organic fertiliser ready for when you plant out.

The Kitchen Garden

May is the perfect time to sow Runner Beans and French Beans outside and if you sowed leeks earlier, these can go out too. Marrows and Courgettes are tender plants so protect them from frost and keep them well watered throughout the summer. If you dont have room in the garden, the Humax Organic Fruit and Vegetable range is a more flexible option.

Carrots will need protecting from carrot fly, as will parsnips. Protect them using a covering a fleece, or try sowing near onions to confuse the fly with the pungent smell.

Handy Hint
Pinching out the tips of broad beans when they flower discourages black fly