May is a fantastic time to be in the garden: the weather begins to warm up and the beds and borders respond to changes in day length and temperature, meaning there are many jobs for the busy gardener.
- Now is the time to begin hardening off tender, young plants. Place your plants outside during the day and take them in at night, or alternatively, place them in a cold frame which is opened each morning. Continue to do this for ten days, before planting your plants into the ground.
- Open your greenhouse doors and vents each day to ensure good air circulation.
- Establish a lawn mowing routine and feed your lawn with nitrogen rich fertiliser.
- Sow climbing and dwarf beans.
- Watch out for pests on young plants. Pay particular attention to tender growing tips and the undersides of leaves.
- Lift and divide congested spring bulbs such as daffodils and tulips.
- Check for nesting birds before hedge trimming.
- Sow and plant out bedding by the end of the month.
- Earth up potatoes when the green growth appears above the soil.
- Don’t forget to check the weather and protect tender plants from late frosts by covering them with fleece.
Post written by Jo Chamberlain