1. Plant Summer Flowers: May is the perfect time to plant summer-flowering annuals and perennials. Choose varieties such as petunias, marigolds, geraniums, and dahlias for vibrant colour throughout the season.
2. Start Vegetable Gardening: If you haven’t already, start planting vegetables in your garden. May is ideal for planting warm season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, courgettes, and beans. Make sure to provide adequate spacing between plants and provide support for vining crops.
3. Mulch and Weed Control: Apply mulch around your garden beds to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep on top of weed control by regularly pulling or hoeing weeds before they become established.
4. Watering: As temperatures rise, plants will require more frequent watering. Water deeply and consistently to ensure that the root zone is adequately hydrated. Water in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation loss.
5. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertiliser to your garden beds and containers to provide essential nutrients for plant growth. Follow the instructions on the packet and avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to nutrient imbalances.
6. Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for signs of pests and diseases in your garden. Monitor plants regularly for any abnormalities and take prompt action to address any issues. Consider using organic pest control methods whenever possible.
7. Support Structures: Install support structures for tall or vining plants such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to provide support and prevent plants from sprawling or bending under their own weight.
8. Harvesting: Begin harvesting early crops such as lettuce, spinach, radishes, and peas as they reach maturity. Harvesting regularly encourages continued production and prevents plants from becoming overcrowded.
9. Plan Ahead: Take some time to plan ahead for future gardening projects. Consider what you’d like to grow later in the season, research new plants or varieties to try, and make any necessary adjustments to your garden layout or design.

By following these gardening tips for May, you can ensure a bountiful and beautiful garden throughout the summer months. Happy gardening!