A gardening expert has shared his top five tips for keen gardeners to follow this May bank holiday weekend – and there are plenty of important jobs to be doneThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
This weekend is the perfect time to get out in the garden(Image: Gary Yeowell via Getty Images)
May ranks among the finest months of the year for those with green fingers. Extended daylight hours, increased sunshine and fresh growth sprouting from the earth make this an thrilling period for Britain’s gardening enthusiasts.
With a three-day break coming up this week, it’s an ideal opportunity to head outdoors and soak up the sun. Paul Parker from J. Parker’s gardening company has revealed his five top jobs to tackle over the bank holiday weekend. From sowing to trimming, these represent some of the most vital tasks to complete in May, reports the Express.
Pinch out bedding shoots
With fresh growth beginning to appear this month, staying on top of it is essential. Paul said: “When you spot new shoots on your bedding plants, you can get bigger, bushier blooms by pinching them out this month.
“Gently remove the top of the shoots using your fingernails at the next set of leaves down.”
“Your bedding plants will quickly produce multiple new shoots for every shoot pinched out. So doing this now will give you an abundance of flowers in your summer beds and borders.”
Plant bulbs
Numerous dedicated gardeners will have already begun planting their bulbs, but if yours are still waiting then May presents the ideal moment to get them into the soil.
Paul said: “May is the best time to get them in pots or directly into the ground to avoid delayed flowers. Summer bulb varieties include cannas, dahlias, and begonias, and planting them now will fill your summer garden with colourful blooms from June through September.
May is a great time to get bulbs into the garden(Image: Getty)
“May is a great time to get summer bulbs into the ground because these tender bulbs should only be planted once the threat of frost has completely passed.”
Harden off tender perennials
If you’ve been keeping your tender perennials indoors throughout the winter to shield them from harsh conditions, it’s essential to harden them off before transferring them outside.
This approach gives them the greatest chance of thriving, as moving them directly outdoors can cause stress and potentially prove fatal.
Paul said: “During the day, while the temperatures are warmer, start to move potted tender plants like dahlias outdoors.
“Then, in the evening, bring your plants back indoors to keep them protected from colder nights. Repeat this process for a minimum of two weeks to give your plants the best chance of survival.”
Prune shrubs
After your spring shrubs have finished flowering, it’s vital to trim them back using sharp, clean secateurs to ward off disease.
Pruning is one of the essential tasks to get done(Image: Getty)
Paul said: “Pruning spring shrubs in May will help keep them compact and neat and avoid the leggy look when they flower again the following year.”
Support climbing vines
Climbing varieties such as clematis and wisteria begin growing vigorously during warmer weather, so ensuring they’re adequately supported is crucial.
Paul advised: “Use soft garden twine to gently tie new growth to fences, arches or trellises, guiding plants in your desired direction. Always secure stems loosely to allow room for continued growth.”
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