7th May 2024 | GT
May is a pivotal month in the gardening calendar, marking the transition from spring to summer. This period is crucial for pruning, planting, and general garden maintenance to ensure your outdoor space remains vibrant and flourishing.
Pruning and Maintenance
Begin by pruning spring shrubs like forsythia and chaenomeles after they finish flowering. This keeps them compact and prepares them for next year's bloom. It’s also the perfect time to tie new shoots of climbing plants such as clematis, wisteria, and honeysuckle to their supports, ensuring they grow in the desired direction.
Planting and Sowing
With the last frosts typically passing, it’s safe to plant out dahlia tubers and cannas. This is also an ideal time to continue sowing annuals like California poppies, which will brighten your garden from August into autumn. Don’t forget to plant up hanging baskets and keep them protected in a greenhouse or porch initially to allow them to establish.
Feeding and Care
Apply liquid feed to your spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils to promote a robust display next year. As you remove faded spring bedding like wallflowers, add them to your compost bin to recycle their nutrients.
Protection and Preparation
Always check for pests such as scarlet lily beetles on lilies and fritillaries, as they can cause significant damage. For plants raised indoors, begin the hardening off process by exposing them to outdoor conditions during the day but bring them in at night to protect from late frosts.
Promoting Growth
To encourage bushier growth, pinch out the shoot tips of bedding plants and young annuals like fuchsias. This simple step can significantly enhance your plant's form and fullness.
Shady Area Planting
For areas of your garden that receive less sunlight, consider planting hostas and ferns. These plants thrive in shade and add unique textures and hues to your garden landscape.
By following these tips, you can ensure your garden remains healthy and vibrant, ready to transition into the full bloom of summer.