Finally, it feels spring is here, and that sharp bite in the wind has mellowed at last. But watch out for frosts until the end of the month!
Later this month, after flowering prune back into shape, Weigelas, Deutzias, Ribes, Forsythia and Viburnum bodnantense.
Split perennial spring flowering plants such as Primulas as the flowers go over to increase your stocks.
Deadhead spring flowering bulbs and Rhododendrons and Azaleas as flowers fade.
Tie in new shoots of Clematis climbers using soft twine.
Plant up your summer hanging baskets and containers when the frost has passed late this month, or earlier if you can shelter them.
May is the month this year to t.l.c. your lawn:
– dig out weeds and fill holes with a loam-based compost and sprinkle with grass seed on the top
– and/or apply a general lawn weedkiller and high nitrogen feed.
– give the lawn a first cut with mower blades set high
– trim your lawn edges to give a crisp outline to the lawn.
After all the cold weather, the soil is finally warming up enough to really get going in the vegetable garden with early potatoes, carrots, turnips, broad beans and lettuce and radish.
Keep your bird feeders well stocked and bird baths clean and topped up to help nesting birds.
I am really looking forward to the 100th Chelsea Flower Show (21-25 May) www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea. I wish local plant nurseries who are both exhibiting, Kevock Garden Plants and Binny Plants good luck. See www.kevockgarden.co.uk and www.binnyplants.com.
At the end of May our local garden show beckons, Gardening Scotland, 31st May – 2nd June, see www.gardeningscotland.com. See you there….