May definitely brought us the weather that we did not want as gardeners, rain, wind and more rain!

Looking back it was the worst May in 9-10 years although as cold as it might seem you will notice that your shrubs, bedding plants etc are growing very nicely, so don't let the weather put you off buying and planting as the plants are thriving in these conditions.

Your lawns will need special attention this month again due to so much rain keep feeding and if you have not already done so treat with feed, weed and mosskiller available in your local centre.

June is also a good month to prune back the early flowering shrubs in your garden but only if they are completely finished flowering.

Apply fertilisers to all shrubs in the garden small and established (i.e.) miracle grow, phostrogen on a fortnightly basis or miracid to all acid loving plants.

This is really the month that you will notice greenfly, whitefly etc on shrubs but especially on your roses, you should already be spraying but if not start as the aphids will eat the buds therefore not allowing them to flower.

The reason that the aphids seem to be multiplying each year is due to the mild winters in recent years as less frost is not killing off the nests.

Also spray your fruit and vegetables with a suitable insecticide against pests and diseases.

Protect your fruit and vegetables from slugs by putting down slug pellets or alternatively a new product by the name of slug barrier or an organic granule which is non-toxic, which are all available in your local garden centre.

You can still continue to sow green vegetables and salad crops plus roots such as carrots, Swedes, turnips and radishes.

Now is a good time to take cuttings of shrubs and perennials using rooting powder (strike) before planting in the soil.

As your perennial plants start to stretch it is advisable to provide support such as bamboo canes or a plant support ring if not already too tall, this is in case of strong winds which could break the stems of your plants.

You will still find a very large range of bedding plants in your garden centre with plenty of colour on offer for your tubs and planters.

Craigville Garden Centre

& Landscaping Services

Sligo Rd

Enniskillen

Tel: 02866326004