May is the perfect time to plant up hanging baskets (Image: Getty)
With warmer temperatures and longer days, May is when gardens start coming to life. Months of hard work throughout the winter months start to pay off. This means plants begin to grow again, and the outdoors becomes a place to host and relax.
It’s also an important time to plant summer favourites and keep an eye on plant health, according to experts. The horticultural expert at Cherry Lane Garden Centres has shared the “key” gardening jobs to complete in May.
Read more: I make scrambled eggs silky and creamy by using simple fridge ingredient
Read more: I ditched detergent pods in my laundry routine—my clothes are fresher than ever
Plant up hanging baskets
The experts said: “May is the perfect time to plant up hanging baskets with colourful summer favourites such as petunias, fuchsias and geraniums.
“Keep newly planted baskets in a sheltered spot for a short period to help them establish before placing them outside where they’ll enjoy plenty of sunshine.”
Sow French and climbing beans
Warmer soil temperatures this month make it an “ideal time” to sow French beans and climbing beans directly into the ground.
The experts recommended choosing a sunny, sheltered spot and ensuring the soil is well-prepared and enriched to support strong growth.
Plant your bedding now, the frosts have finished
The experts said: “With the risk of frost largely behind us, May is the time to plant out bedding plants.
“Varieties such as begonias, marigolds and petunias will quickly add colour to borders, pots and containers, helping gardens look vibrant heading into summer.”
Check plants for pests and diseases
As temperatures rise, summer pests such as aphids and slugs become more active in the garden.
Make sure to regularly check plants for signs of damage or disease, and act quickly if needed. The pros noted: “Removing affected leaves early or treating infestations promptly helps keep plants healthy.”
As temperatures rise, summer pests become more active (Image: Getty)Repot and feed houseplants
Houseplants will be growing more actively in May, which makes it a great time to repot those that have outgrown their containers.
Fresh compost and a gentle feed will provide the nutrients plants need to thrive during the summer months.
Add plants to garden ponds to help wildlife
The gardening experts said: “Adding aquatic plants to ponds in May helps create a balanced ecosystem. Plants provide shelter for wildlife, improve water quality and help prevent excessive algae growth by absorbing nutrients.”
Plant out dahlia and canna tubers
Dahlia and canna tubers can be planted out in the garden in May. Make sure to choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
The experts said that these plants will reward you with “bold, colourful blooms throughout the summer”.
Add interest with ferns and hostas
Shadier areas of the garden can still be full of plants, according to the pros. This includes using ferns and hostas, which thrive in low light conditions.
Comments are closed.