Tips for May

Flowers

Plant summer bedding
Prune spring-flowering shrubs to prevent them from becoming overgrown
Finish sowing hardy annuals: the later they are sown, the later they will flower
Put support frames into herbaceous borders to support plants with a floppy habit i.e., Lupins
Dig up, divide and replant polyanthus after they have flowered, discard any with disease
Start to harden off bedding plants by putting them out for the day and back in for the night
Protect susceptible plants from slugs
Clear out spring bedding from beds and borders when it fades, and fork in fertiliser
Plant hanging baskets and put them in the greenhouse until the risk of frost is gone
Watch out for pest and disease on all plants
Deadhead spring bulbs (but do not cut the foliage back yet)
Ensure newly planted plants are kept watered in dry spells
Prune spring-flowering shrubs to prevent them from becoming overgrown

Mulch around Strawberries to prevent the fruit being spoiled, use straw or black polythene
Destroy any leaves of Peach and Nectarine which show signs of leaf curl
Spray a systemic fungicide on Gooseberries if mildew is a problem
Water newly planted fruit trees and bushes in dry spells
Harvest any early Rhubarb

It is possible to plant out Brassicas (cauliflower/cabbage) if they have been grown in a greenhouse. Remember to use a Brassica collar to keep cabbage root fly away
Most vegetable crops can be sown but delay if the soil is cold and wet
Plant main crop potatoes
Earth up early crop potatoes
Weed between any vegetable crops that are growing
Harvest any Asparagus spears that are showing

Apply a weedkiller and fertiliser combination
Seed new lawns and cover to keep birds away
Mow lawns once a week if needed. Avoid cutting if there is frost on the grass
It is now a suitable time to spot treat lawns if no general lawn weedkiller is used
Lay new turf and keep well watered if a dry spell ensues

Tie in the lengthening growths of Vines
Ventilate well and damp down on sunny days as long as seed are not being raised
Continue pricking out half hardy and tender seedlings
In a heated greenhouse remove side shoots from tomatoes, but not bush varieties
Pinch out side shoots of melons and cucumbers when two side shoots have been formed
Watch for pests and treat immediately using either a chemical spray or a biological control
Ensure heating is still available in case of a cold night