May
Other Jobs Around The Garden This May
May is such a glorious time in the garden—everything’s springing into life, and the weather’s (hopefully!) playing nice. Here are some top tips for general garden and outdoor space care in May, whether you’re pottering in borders, tidying patios, or getting the whole space summer-ready:
🌸 1. Tidy up and refresh containers
- Refresh the compost in pots and containers, and start planting summer bedding (geraniums, petunias, begonias).
- Water regularly and feed every 1–2 weeks with a liquid fertiliser.
🍃 2. Weed little and often
- May is peak weed time—pull them out before they flower and seed.
- Use a hoe on dry days to deal with seedlings in beds and borders.
🌿 3. Mulch while you can
- Apply mulch (like bark, compost, or leaf mould) around shrubs and perennials before the soil dries out.
- Helps retain moisture, reduce weeds, and feeds the soil too.
✂️ 4. Trim hedges and tidy edges
- May is a good time for a light trim on evergreen hedges (like box, privet, and yew).
- Neaten lawn edges and path borders—it makes a huge difference visually.
⚠️ Just be cautious of nesting birds—delay hedge work if you spot activity.
🐛 5. Stay on top of pests
- Look out for slugs, snails, and aphids on young plants.
- Use organic deterrents, traps, or wildlife-friendly barriers.
☀️ 6. Create shady chill-out spots
- Think about seating, parasols, or pergolas for the sunnier days ahead.
- Plant climbers like clematis, jasmine, or honeysuckle to green up fences or pergolas.
🧴 7. Jet wash patios and decking
- Clear off algae, moss, and grime to avoid slipping hazards and give everything a refresh.
- Re-sand paving joints if needed.
🛋️ 8. Prep your outdoor furniture
- Clean and oil wooden furniture.
- Wash down metal or plastic furniture and bring out cushions (or treat yourself to some new ones!).
🌼 9. Add colour with seasonal plants
- Fill gaps in borders with instant colour—try foxgloves, wallflowers, or snapdragons.
- Hanging baskets and window boxes are perfect now too.
🪴 10. Plan and enjoy your space
- Think about how you want to use your garden this summer—add fairy lights, a fire pit, or a BBQ area.
- Get creative and make it a space you’ll really want to spend time in.
This Month's Key Tips
- Check for nesting birds before clipping hedges.
- Plant out summer bedding towards the end of the month, when the weather gets warmer.
- Open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days.
- Watch out for late frosts. Tender plants will need protecting.
- Water early and late to get the most out of your water, recycle water when possible.
- Check for nesting birds before clipping hedges.
