in THE GARDEN... |
May is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar, a month of hard work and visible reward! Everything is growing at full speed, flowers are beginning to bloom, and warm days make spending time outdoors a joy. Here’ s what to focus on this month … 1. Plant Out Tender Vegetables Now that the risk of frost has passed, it’ s time to plant out tender crops like tomatoes, courgettes, beans, and sweetcorn. Choose a sunny spot with rich, well-draining soil and keep young plants well-watered as they establish. Use cloches or fleece to protect against unexpected chilly nights.
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2. Deadhead Spring Bulbs As daffodils and tulips fade, remove spent flowers to stop them from producing seeds. This redirects energy back into the bulbs for next year’ s display. You can also leave foliage to die back naturally – it feeds the bulb for next year’ s growth.
3. Support Climbing Plants Fast-growing climbers such as clematis, sweet peas, and runner beans need sturdy supports. Install trellises, canes, or obelisks early to prevent damage to tender shoots. Tie in stems loosely with soft twine to avoid restricting growth.
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4. Keep On Top of Weeding With warmer temperatures and regular rain, weeds grow rapidly. Regular hoeing and hand-weeding will keep them under control before they take over. Mulching beds will also help suppress weeds and retain moisture.
5. Start Watering More Regularly With warmer days, plants need consistent moisture to thrive. Early morning or evening watering is best to reduce evaporation. Use a watering can or soaker hose for targeted watering at the roots. Collect rainwater in a water butt for a sustainable watering supply.
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