Well, here it is May, so check out the tips for the month below:

Ideas for growth in May

FLOWERS

Plant summer bedding

Prune spring-flowering shrubs to prevent them from becoming overgrown

Finish sowing hardy annuals: the later they are sown, the later they will flower

Put support frames into herbaceous borders to support plants with a floppy habit i.e., Lupins

Dig up, divide and replant polyanthus after they have flowered, discard any with disease

Start to harden off bedding plants by putting them out for the day and back in for the night

Protect susceptible plants from slugs

Clear out spring bedding from beds and borders when it fades, and fork in fertiliser

Plant hanging baskets and put them in the greenhouse until the risk of frost is gone

Watch out for pest and disease on all plants

Deadhead spring bulbs (but do not cut the foliage back yet)

Ensure newly planted plants are kept watered in dry spells

Prune spring-flowering shrubs to prevent them from becoming overgrown

FRUIT

Mulch around Strawberries to prevent the fruit being spoiled, use straw or black polythene

Destroy any leaves of Peach and Nectarine which show signs of leaf curl

Spray a systemic fungicide on Gooseberries if mildew is a problem

Water newly planted fruit trees and bushes in dry spells

Harvest any early Rhubarb

VEGETABLES

It is possible to plant out Brassicas (cauliflower/cabbage) if they have been grown in a greenhouse. Remember to use a Brassica collar to keep cabbage root fly away

Most vegetable crops can be sown but delay if the soil is cold and wet

Plant main crop potatoes

Earth up early crop potatoes

Weed between any vegetable crops that are growing

Harvest any Asparagus spears that are showing

LAWNS

Apply a weedkiller and fertiliser combination

Seed new lawns and cover to keep birds away

Mow lawns once a week if needed. Avoid cutting if there is frost on the grass

It is now a suitable time to spot treat lawns if no general lawn weedkiller is used

Lay new turf and keep well watered if a dry spell ensues

GREENHOUSE

Tie in the lengthening growths of Vines

Ventilate well and damp down on sunny days as long as seed are not being raised

Continue pricking out half hardy and tender seedlings

In a heated greenhouse remove side shoots from tomatoes, but not bush varieties

Pinch out side shoots of melons and cucumbers when two side shoots have been formed

Watch for pests and treat immediately using either a chemical spray or a biological control

Ensure heating is still available in case of a cold night

PONDS

Plant up new aquatic baskets with Water Lilies and oxygenating plants

Feed fish if they are near the surface

Keep pumps and filters running constantly

GENERAL TASKS

Control slugs and snails by trapping

Visit the garden centre for new pots and basket plants

Watch out for late frosts and keep fleece handy

Check watering each day as temperatures rise

Plants which are at their best in May

Aquilegia

(Granny's Bonnet)

Syringa vulgaris cultivars

(Lilac)

Ornamental Cherries

Crataegus (Hawthorn)

Clematis Macropetela

(Clematis)

Meconopsis betonicifolia

(Himalayan Blue Poppy)

Centaurea Montana

(Perennial Cornflower)

Berberis stenophylla

(Barberry)