Trees
and Shrubs
It
is still an ideal time to plant shrubs. Dull showery
weather is most suitable, so long as the soil is
not “sticky”. Farmyard manure can be added to improve
the soil. Any acid loving plant requires ericaceous
compost.
Pot
grown shrubs are most ideal for planting as the
roots do not get damaged. It is better to plant
as soon as possible to enable the new roots to have
as much time as possible to establish themselves
before the end of the growing season.
Young
Arbutus, Ceanothus, Choisya, Fuchsia and Hydrangea’s
can be a little tender, so these are best planted
out in the second half of the month. Protect them
on frosty nights with protection fleece.
After
planting, water the shrubs and then mulch with decorative
chipped bark. If there is a dry spell after planting
is may be necessary to water again.
Faded
flowers need removing from Rhododendrons, Azaleas
and Camellias. The plants may now be cut back as
far as the old wood (do not cut into old wood) and
then fed with an ericaceous feed.
Forsythia
and other spring flowering shrubs, e.g. Viburnum
bodantense Dawn need to be given a hard prune straight
after flowering.
Climbers
and Wall Plants
Train
new growth into place using twist wire. Early flowering
Clematis are best left with little or no pruning,
however if these are out-growing the space, they
can be pruned back to 3 buds as soon as flowering
has finished. Clematis that flower twice a year
are best left un-pruned.
If
May brings a dry spell, water the climbers as the
soil at the base of walls can quickly dry out.
Roses
Keep
a watch for aphids attacking new growth - at the
first signs spray with Provado Ultimate Bug Killer.
Also
watch for black spot and mildew – at the first signs
of these, spray with Dithane.
Spraying
is best carried out in the evenings.
Inward
growing shoots need to be removed to allow air circulation
around the plant and this will also help reduce
the risk of disease.
Beds
and Borders
Frequent
hoeing and hand weeding is needed to keep “on top
of” the growth of weeds.
Protect
young shoots from slugs by sprinkling slug pellets
around the base of the plants. Organic slug pellets
are also available at our garden centre (this is
also preferable if you have any pets).
Top-dress
with a light layer of farmyard manure and hoe in
slightly to give a feed to the beds and borders.
Place
suitable supports for tall growing perennials.
Bulbs
and Corms
Remove
dead flower heads from Daffodils, Hyacinths and
Tulips.
Dahlia
tubers can be planted now.
Rock
Gardens and Ponds
Vacant
places in the rock garden may still be planted with
pot grown plants. Aubretia needs to be trimmed back
to keep them tidy and compact.
It
is the ideal time to plant new aquatic plants and
to divide established plants.
Lawns
Weather
permitting grass should be now cut at least once
a week.
Supergreen
Moss Killer and Lawn Tonic can be applied if this
has not already been carried out.
Apply
a lawn weed killer if needed.
Fruit
Remove
surplus raspberry shoots, leaving only the strongest
and give plants a good mulch of decorative chipped
bark.
Spray
tree and soft fruit against pest and diseases (Provado
Ultimate Bug Killer).
Be
careful not to spray on open blooms as pollinating
insects may be killed.
Vegetables
Main
crop potatoes not yet planted must be put in as
soon as possible. Early potatoes may be “earthed
up”.
Continue
to make sowings of Lettuce, Raddish, Beet, Carrots
and Peas - to extend the cropping season.
Runner
and French Beans may be sown, along with Spinach,
Swede and later in the month Sweetcorn.
Brussels
Sprouts, Cabbage and Celery may be planted out when
they have been “hardened off”.
Greenhouse
and Frame
More
ventilation will be needed on hot sunny days and
shading may need to be installed. More frequent
watering will be necessary.
Tomatoes
making new growth need to be securely supported,
any side shoots appearing need to be removed as
soon as they appear.
House
Plants
Plants
standing on sunny windowsills should be removed
from the mid-day glare. Give water as necessary
and add bio liquid feed at half the recommended
strength approximately every two weeks.
