John’s May jobs for the garden…
With the weather and daylight on our side, there have been opportunities galore to get out and spend time in the garden! Each week brings with it something new for the year. Mother Nature’s own calendar dictates when things flower and grow - we just have to try and follow her lead!
Spending time in the garden is like no other; it can seem a little confusing at times, knowing what to do and when, I suppose, but practise makes perfect. Let the plants take the lead. If they need a drink, water them. If they look like they need a little support, then find out how to do it or pop in and ask us. I’m a big believer in books being a great way to learn, but in truth, you can’t beat hands-on learning!
Here’s what you can do this month…
Water pots - with the rise in temperature, keep on top of the watering, especially in sunny positions.
Nip out cuttings - A great, simple way to help encourage bushy young plants.
Feed tulips - liquid feed them and other bulbs with a high potash feed like tomato food.
Plant perennials - great for adding colour to a bed at different times of the year.
Take Cuttings - a great way to propagate perennials like Nepeta, Penstemon, and Silvas.
Plant Out Summer Bedding – Transplant tender annuals and bedding plants to add colour.
Sow Seeds – Direct sow vegetables like carrots, beans, and courgettes, as well as flowers such as cosmos and marigolds.
Prune and Deadhead – Remove spent flowers and prune early-flowering shrubs to encourage healthy growth.
Manage Weeds – Keep on top of weeds to prevent them from establishing and competing with your plants.
Prepare Borders and Soil – Mulch and feed beds to maintain moisture and fertility for the upcoming months.
Give a plant to a friend - grow it yourself, and then give it away to bring some joy.
Mildew Deterrent - apply 1 part milk to 10 parts water with a splash of Fairy Liquid to Phlox, Aster, Monarda and also do your Roses every 2 weeks.
Plant some herbs - great for growing and then including in some recipes at home in the kitchen.
Watch out for frost - keep an eye on tender annuals and apply some horticultural fleece to help protect from frosts