May is one of the busiest months for gardeners, as plants surge into growth and need to be pruned. Here are four jobs experts say are essential for your garden this month
As the spring season hits its stride in May, it’s the perfect time to roll up your sleeves for some garden maintenance, including essential pruning. With the sun taking centre stage and temperatures climbing, May ushers in a plethora of tasks that every green thumb should tick off to ensure their garden flourishes.
If you’re at sixes and sevens about where to start, the green-fingered experts from Hilltop Garden Centre have shared top tips to bolster your gardening checklist.
1. Pruning
Garden enthusiasts will find May a hive of activity as increased daylight and warmth spur plants into a growth frenzy, necessitating a good trim.
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A timely pruning session not only clears the way for new developments but also stimulates the bounty of blooms, lush leaves, and striking stems across various species.
After blossoms fade away, it’s crucial, according to the gardening connoisseur, to prune spring bloomers like forsythia, rhododendron, and azaleas to “promote vigorous growth and attractive blooms for next year”.
They further remarked: “Pruning helps maintain an attractive shape and ensures the health of the plant.” A stellar pair of secateurs is a gardener’s best mate when engaging in the May pruning bonanza.
For those seeking top-notch snippers, Amazon is selling the acclaimed Okatsune 103 Bypass Secateurs at the keen price of £35.09, marked down from £37.78, a deal that has garden aficionados buzzing over their comfort, precision, and user-friendly design.
Customers have praised these secateurs for their comfortable grip and effortless, clean snipping. They’ve also expressed satisfaction with the product’s value, aesthetics, and quality.
However, some users have reported issues with the grip, reports the Express.
For those seeking better value, consider the Draper Deluxe Anvil Secateurs, available at GS Workwear and Tools for £16.77. Customers have described these secateurs as sturdy, well-crafted, and excellent value for money.
2. Lawn care and maintenance
May is a pivotal month for lawn care, say the experts, so it’s time to start mowing your lawn regularly, adjusting the blade height as growth speeds up.
Aerate any compacted areas to enhance water absorption and apply a spring lawn fertiliser to promote healthy, vibrant green growth.
3. Watering
May can often be a dry month, making regular watering essential, particularly for young plants and seedlings which are more susceptible to drought stress.
Consider setting up a system to collect rainwater or installing an irrigation system for convenience and efficiency.
4. Weed control
Weeds vie with your plants for water, nutrients, and light, so it’s important to keep on top of weed control by hoeing regularly and mulching your beds and borders.
Mulch not only helps to suppress weeds but also retains soil moisture and contributes organic matter to your soil.
