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| THE MONTH AHEAD IN
If last month was busy then this month should be even busier. May is usually the month when plants catch up from a slow, cold start and respond quickly to milder conditions. So, get sowing and planting. However, don't forget that late May frost can be the scourge of all gardeners.
Support perennials with twiggy sticks or purpose-made plant supports. Clear spring bedding from borders and beds when flowers fade and add a general fertiliser to the soil. Allow bulb foliage to die back naturally; do not cut it down. This way you will ensure a bumper show next spring. Once danger of frost has passed plant summer bedding. Thin out hardy annuals sown last month.
Commence clipping hedges now that the first flush of growth has appeared. It may also be your last chance to treat your fences with a suitable preservative; but quickly before too much new plant growth hinders.
Plant out shrubs that are tender when young. It is a good month for planting shrubs such as Clematis, Ceanothus and Eucalyptus. Harvest rhubarb regularly and remove any flower spikes. Cover potatoes if frost threatens. Sow runner beans, French beans and broad beans in situ. Continue to sow other vegetables and plant out early raised brassica plants- cabbage, broccoli and cauliflowers etc. In the cold greenhouse peppers tomatoes aubergines melons and cucumbers can now be planted.
All You Need to Know About Lawn Sand |
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