Tina Woodhams Gardening Notes For May
Now Spring has finally sprung, there’s time to catch up on all those outstanding tasks, and time to sit back to enjoy and admire your efforts in the sunshine.
Strong winds last month will have left leaves, twigs and moss lying all over lawns and flower borders so grab a rake or broom and clear the debris – this will instantly tidy and transform your garden.
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.
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.
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 10th May!). Keep some fleece to hand in case of an unexpected cold snap and as always be vigilant for slugs and snails which seem to appear from nowhere in the warm and moist conditions.Prune early flowering shrubs remembering the May rule – “if the shrub blooms BEFORE May then prune immediately after flowering”. Stone fruit trees such as plum, cherry and apricot should be pruned now to reduce the risk of ‘silver leaf’, a potentially fatal fungal disease.
Hardy annual flower seeds can be sown directly into the borders for a summer display. Ensure you clear weeds and sizeable stones before sowing and check the growing conditions on the seed packets so you can sow in a suitable area for maximum sturdy growth.
Take the plunge and get ‘Chelsea Chopping’! In late spring, cut back taller late-summer perennials by around a third – rudbeckia, sedum, penstemon and asters all respond well. This method will delay flowering a little and results in bushier plants, more flowers (although slightly smaller) and will help to prevent the tall stems flopping over. The process is traditionally timed with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Whilst writing on this subject, it seems that garden gnomes are back in favour as the ban at the show is to be lifted this year! It is reported that King Charles is a supporter of of the modest gnome which has long been a feature of the landscape at Highgrove Gardens.
Perhaps time to make a new investment?
Happy Gardening
