Other Jobs Around The Garden and Patio Area This May

May is when everything outside starts getting used again—so it’s not just about plants, it’s about making the whole garden and patio enjoyable and functional. Here are some of the most useful “around the garden” jobs to tackle now:

🧼 Clean and refresh patios & paving

Winter leaves patios grimy and slippery. Give slabs, decking, and paths a good scrub or pressure wash. It instantly brightens the space and makes it safer underfoot.

🪑 Bring out and check garden furniture

Wipe down tables and chairs, wash cushions, and check for loose screws or rust. Wooden furniture may benefit from a fresh coat of oil or stain.

🔥 Prep the BBQ area

Get your barbecue cleaned and ready for use:

• Scrape grills and remove old residue
• Check gas bottles or charcoal supplies
• Clean surrounding surfaces

You’ll thank yourself on the first warm evening.

💡 Check outdoor lighting

Longer evenings mean more time outside. Test solar lights, replace batteries if needed, and make sure wiring is safe on mains-powered lights.

🪴 Refresh pots and containers

• Remove old winter plants
• Top up with fresh compost
• Replant with summer colour or herbs

Containers dry out quickly, so good compost and drainage matter.

🚿 Check hoses and watering systems

Reconnect hoses, fix leaks, and test sprinklers or drip systems. It’s much easier to sort now than during a dry spell.

🧹 Tidy sheds and storage areas

Gardening tools come into heavy use now—sharpen blades, oil moving parts, and organise your shed so everything’s easy to find.

🪵 Repair fences, trellis, and structures

Winter weather can loosen panels or rot wood. Fix wobbly fences, repaint or treat timber, and make sure trellis is sturdy for climbing plants.

🐦 Clean and refill bird feeders

Bird activity is high in May. Clean feeders and bird baths regularly to prevent disease, and keep them topped up with food and fresh water.

🌿 Create seating or relaxation spots

Think about how you’ll use the space:

• Add a bench or small table
• Position seating in sun or shade depending on preference
• Use pots or screens to create a cosy feel

🐜 Keep pests in check around hard areas

Ants often become active on patios. Sweeping regularly and removing food sources helps keep them under control.

🌸 Add finishing touches

Small upgrades go a long way:

• Outdoor rugs or cushions
• Lanterns or candles
• Decorative pots