May is the hinge between sowing and spending time in the garden. Here's what to do so summer goes smoothly.
Created by jflgardens.co.uk
By late spring the frosts are mostly gone, everything is growing fast, and the garden is about to become somewhere you live in. A short checklist now means beds, containers and lawn are ready to enjoy all summer.
As soon as the risk of frost has truly passed, harden off and plant out tender veg and bedding – tomatoes, courgettes, dahlias and half-hardy annuals. Get them in and watered, with a little early-season frost fleece handy just in case.
Refresh tired pots with fresh compost, and plant up hanging baskets and summer containers now so they're full and flowering by early summer. Water the compost thoroughly before planting and keep containers fed as the season starts.
The grass is at its most vigorous – feed if you haven't, keep on top of mowing, and control weeds while they're small. If your lawn is mossy or patchy, the mild, moist weather makes this a good window to scarify and overseed.
Hoe beds before weeds take hold, and start a gentle patrol for pests while populations are still small. A little early attention now saves a lot of work – and is a lot easier than fighting an established problem in high summer.
From seasonal garden care to a full seasonal-style overhaul, the JFL Gardens team works across Surrey and London.
