May Gardener’s Calendar

Here are a few suggestions of what you can be getting on with in the garden this month.

• Prepare hanging baskets under cover.

• Add slow release feed to pots now so they stay fresh.

• Remove the dead flowers off your daffs so the energy goes back down into the bulb rather than into making seeds.

• Mulch any newly planted tree and plants with soil conditioner,composed bark or well rotted manure to help retain moisture.

• Don’t put off planting out your sweet peas any longer.

• Antirrhinums and osteospermums can go outside.

• Keep spraying your roses every 2 weeks.

• Hoe the weeds now to keep them at bay.

• Use container and basket compost for your hanging baskets which contains feed and moisture retaining properties or try the wool compost excellent at retaining moisture.

• When we are clear of frost you can plant out summer bedding. We are taking orders now for hanging basket refills. Just bring in your old basket.  

How To Make A Hanging Basket.

• As your alpines finish give them a little hair cut and top them up with some compost and they should give you more flower.

• Plant a second crop of root vegetables such as carrots and parsnips.

• Continue to fill the gaps in your garden with container grown herbaceous plants shrubs and trees. 

• Pot on your tomatoes under cover and remember to remove the side shoots and feed.

• Still time to plant 1st and 2nd earlies as it has been so cold. Normally we would be earthing up your potatoes now. Leaving only 3 chits per potato is the new recommendation for a higher yield.

• Basil and coriander can be easily seeded every few weeks in containers for a continuous cheap supply. 

• Start planting marrows and pumpkins as the weather warms. It’s also time for runner and French beans all need staking with Canes. 

Grow Your Own

• Feed your fruit trees and bushes.

• Clip and trim hedges.
  

• Prune spring flowering shrubs when they finish flowering

• Tie up and secure your climbers if you have not done so.

• Stake plants and put in your plant supports for your perennials now before they grow tall.

• Spray for pest and diseases now before they become a problem, with aphids about to arrive, slugs(use the growing success Organic slug pellets that does not harm wildlife, pets or birds) and treat mildew and black spot on roses! Nematodes can be ordered in the shop and sent directly to you.

• Treat lawns carefully with weed, feed and moss killer. Lay turf or seed grass.