TINA WOODHAMS GARDENING NOTES FOR MAY
“Ne’er cast a clout till May is out” – clout being an old English word for clothing, the saying suggests that we should not rid of our winter clothes until the end of May! Another meaning relates to the flowering of the hawthorn tree, using this as a guide to when we can discard our jumpers and head into warmer temperatures. This good, simple advice is for us to remain vigilant of our fickle British weather which can bathe us in warmth one day and bring chilly winds the next.
The recent warm temperatures have promoted fast new growth already and clematis and climbing roses should be tied into their supports as the stems become woodier. Use a soft tie or string, spacing the shoots well to maintain air circulation.
Have a tidy up! Strong winds have left leaves, twigs and moss lying all over lawns and flower borders so grab a rake or broom and clear the debris – it’s amazing how this will instantly transform your garden and also reduce hiding places for pests such as slugs and snails.
If you haven’t done so already, in dry periods the lawn can be scarified to remove moss and dead matter by using a spring-tined rake. Sprinkle grass seed on any bare patches and water in well. If you notice holes in the lawn it is most likely to be animals searching for grubs such as leatherjackets, which can be controlled using a biological nematode.
If your lilies are starting to shoot, beware of the lily beetle! This bright red insect will consume and destroy the foliage. They are easy to spot however have a black underside which tends to make them disappear if they land on their backs! Hold a bowl underneath the leaf when removing by hand, then when they drop down you will be able to catch them.
Start to plant up summer bedding in pots, keeping them in a sheltered area until they have established (plants will be available at the Village Plant Sale on 17th May!).
Prune early flowering shrubs remembering the May rule – “if the shrub blooms BEFORE May then prune immediately after flowering”. This includes forsythia, japonica and choisya to name but a few.
In the vegetable garden, prepare supports for climbing beans and peas. The ground should now be warm enough to direct sow carrot, parsnip and beetroot seeds. Start to harden off any plants from the greenhouse ready to be transplanted into the garden at a later date.
Potatoes that were planted last month may be showing growth above the surface and should be carefully earthed up to prevent frost damage, protect the tubers from sunlight and encourage the formation of more potatoes.
The longer, warmer days mean more time to enjoy the great outdoors – Happy Gardening!