Gardening chores for May

What to focus on, as your gardening chores for the month of May:

1. Most importantly watch out for the late frosts and protect tender plants when necessary.

2. It’s an exciting month, as all Summer bedding can be planted out by the end of the month as the risk of frost decreases – don’t drop the guard,…still keep an eye on those night temperatures using 5 degrees or less, no wind and clear night skies as your indicator for a risk of frost.

3. Earth up potatoes in the ground and plant any remaining potatoes still to be planted.

4. Begin to mow lawns on a weekly basis to ensure the best quality – feed with a grass feed containing weed-killer and moss-killer to maintain strong growth for the grass.

5. Tie up climbers that have put on good growth.

6. Apply bulb fertiliser to the Spring bulbs so they can store the feed for the following season.

7. Keep on top of weeding – easy to say of course…

8. Some perennials may even require the ‘Chelsea chop’ (a good cut back around the time of Chelsea Flower Show) to encourage a second flush of growth and flowering.

9. Recently planted trees and shrubs will need to be well watered until they establish.

10. Sowing seeds directly outside can now begin.

Lastly…go to your local Garden Centre… buy plants… and plant them. There is always space… When the weather is great, go out and enjoy your garden. After all, the garden is an extension of your home and can be seen as your outdoor living room. Decorate it.

Happy gardening!