Gardening

Edition Fourteen - May 2007

Greenhouses at this time of year will be bursting at the seams with bedding plants. If your greenhouse is unheated be vigilant about the possibility of overnight frosts and cover plants with horticultural fleece if there's a chance of temperatures dropping too low.. And don't be temped to put bedding plants out in the garden before the end of this month - I've been caught out before now and once lost dozens of Zinnias, which are particularly susceptible to frost.

Remember hornets? Swarms of them, renowned for their vicious stings and skill at massacring honeybees, have settled in France. And there are now so many of the insects that entomologists fear it will just be a matter of time before they cross to Britain, see here..

Jobs for the month - May

House plants

The warm, dry spring can encourage Red spider mite to thrive on your houseplants, and it's not always noticeable until the infestation is well advanced.. Take infected plants outside and spray them with an appropriate spray, making sure to spray underneath the leaves too.. Leave the plants outside for a few days and clean them using a fine spray on the hose pipe.. This spring has been exceptional so do examine all your houseplants regularly for infestation by other types of bugs!

Lawns

It has been too dry in much of the UK to apply a weed and feed treatment, which needs to be applied on warm, damp soil, three days after cutting your lawn... But don't worry, you can apply the treatment up till September, and I'd bet money it'll rain before then!
If your lawn is already looking a bit sad through lack of rain, raise the height of the cutting blade on your lawnmower and make sure the lawn has neat edges, which will make it look cared for.

Shrub borders and roses

Keep the borders weed free using a hoe. Use plant supports for flowers such as Delphiniums that will get flattened by wind, rain and heavy flowers. The ones you see on the right can be raised as the plants grow taller.

Paths, walls and fencing

It's not too late to paint your fence. In fact it's a smashing job for a nice warm day.. There are some wonderful colours for fences on the market and mostly they won't harm the plants like creosote used to do... Walls and paths that have algae on them after the damp winter can be pressure washed to freshen them up, which is another therapeutic job, but you'll need to wear wellies for it!

Greenhouse 

From mid-May start putting the trays of bedding plants outside to harden off, providing there is no late frost.. At the end of the month they can be planted out into the garden. Start planting up your hanging baskets and leave them in a warm and light place to grow on before putting them out at the end of the month..

Vegetables

The warm spring is wonderful for growing lettuce in the garden and conservatory... The tomato plants are doing well, as are all the other edible crops I've seen in local allotments, other gardens and the nearby fields..
Crops to sow outside or under cloches during early May include dwarf French beans, beetroot, sprouting broccoli, Brussels sprouts, summer and savoy cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, marrows, peas, radish, spinach, swede, sweet corn and turnips. Delay sowings if soil conditions are cold and wet.
For an early crop of beans, sow French and runner beans in pots in the greenhouse or on a windowsill. Choose deep pots, if possible, sowing two seeds per pot, and thinning to leave the strongest seedling which is then planted outside in late May or June. Alternatively, sow directly outside under cloches in May or June for a slightly later crop.

Trees and shrubs

Trees and shrubs will appreciate a good mulching this month to conserve water, stop weeds growing and add goodness to the soil. Look for any signs of disease or pests and spray accordingly.

Ponds and Water gardens  

Pond maintenance should be completed by now and your fish will hopefully be feeding well, but for those of you who are new to fishkeeping this website is excellent: www.pond-doctor.co.uk
All items holding water in your garden should be made safe for young children, including ornamental ponds, wildlife ponds, water features and even water butts. This is equally applies to older people or neighbours who may have young grandchildren visiting.. Last month a 15 month old child died in the UK by falling into a water butt that had been sunk into the ground, and it had a lid on that the child had removed..

Wildlife

Be aware, if you are planning any pruning, that many hedges, dense shrubs and trees will have birds nesting in them, and it would be kinder to wait until they have raised their young before you do the necessary. Birds in our garden are still busy feeding on the sunflower seed hearts they so love, and I don't have the heart to shoo off the female squirrel who is so obviously hugely pregnant.. Even the blackbirds have devised a way of hovering like humming birds at the bird feeders. It's all very entertaining!

Happy gardening till next month....

RHS Flower Shows 2007

Tickets for RHS members

Privilege rate tickets are available for RHS members to all RHS shows, but tickets must be booked in advance. Click on the individual show links below for further information.
RHS members are not charged a booking fee for tickets purchased except for advanced tickets to the Malvern shows. To find out how to become an RHS member click here