May Gardening To-Do List
Sow your beans directly outdoors in warmer weather. Hopefully, by now the warmer weather is here to stay, so we can start sowing directly outdoors. Bean plants are happy being planted straight into the soil, as long as you have taken the time to prepare your vegetable patch. Once your soil is clear of weeds and rocks, spread a layer of compost over to improve the quality before planting your bean seeds.
Plant bedding and tender annuals after the late frost. Once the risk of frost is behind us, we can start planting out our summer bedding. Most of the UK is free of frost by the end of May, making it the perfect time to fill up borders and containers with beautiful bedding plants.
Add interest to shady borders with Hostas and Ferns. If you have any shady areas in your garden that are not suited to flowering plants, consider filling them with Hostas and Ferns. These luscious perennials provide generous coverage and will thrive in the shadows. Hostas in particular usually have vibrant, pattered leaves that can really liven up a dull corner of your garden.
Get your tender young veg accustomed to the British weather by gradually exposing them to elements, ready for planting outside. If you’ve got seedlings that are due to be transplanted outdoors in the coming months, give them some short spells outdoors so they can become adjusted to their future environment.
Look out for pests and diseases and treat them as required. Unfortunately, garden pests and plant diseases are unavoidable. Regular checks and maintenance are the best way to avoid potential harm to your garden. Once spotted, it is important to get any diseases or pests treated as quickly as possible, so they do not spread. There is a brilliant guide on identifying common garden pests here.
Plant tomato and cucumber plants in greenhouses. Planting tomatoes and cucumbers into your greenhouses will let them benefit from a longer growing season. It is important to make sure your greenhouse has adequate shade from the sun, which may come naturally from nearby trees. If not, consider fitting some blinds or hanging some fabric to block the midday sun. Why not plant some basil alongside your tomatoes? Not only do they have the same growing season, but their flavours pair beautifully together when cooking.
Lightly trim conifers. Late spring is the ideal time to trim your conifer trees and shrubs. All species require slightly different maintenance, so be sure to do your research first. As a general rule, use your hand to select any old or decaying branches, and simply prune them with a pair of handheld bypass secateurs. Trimming back the older foliage will encourage healthier growth for the season ahead.
