With the May bank holiday weekend fast approaching, gardening experts have shared five essential spring gardening jobs to get done.This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
May is a great time to get bulbs into the garden(Image: Getty)
May ranks amongst the finest months of the year for those with a passion for gardening. Extended daylight hours, increased sunshine and fresh growth sprouting from the earth make this a thrilling period for green-fingered Britons.
With a three-day weekend on the horizon this week, it’s an ideal opportunity to venture outdoors and savour the sunshine. Paul Parker from J. Parker’s gardening company has revealed his five preferred tasks to complete over the bank holiday weekend. From planting through to pruning, these represent some of the most essential jobs to tackle in May, reports the Express.
Pinch out bedding shoots
With fresh growth beginning to emerge this month, it’s vital to stay on top of it. Paul explained: “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 enthusiastic gardeners will have already begun planting their bulbs, but if you’re still stockpiling yours, then May presents the ideal moment to get them into the soil.
Paul noted: “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 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 stored your tender perennials indoors throughout the winter period to shield them from harsh conditions, it’s essential to harden them off before transferring them outside.
This approach maximises their survival prospects, as placing them directly outdoors can cause stress and potentially prove fatal.
Paul explained: “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 finish flowering, it’s vital to trim them back using sharp, clean secateurs to prevent disease.
Pruning is one of the essential tasks to get done(Image: Getty)
Paul noted: “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 experience rapid growth during warmer periods, making proper support crucial.
Paul recommended: “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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