Gardening by Month - May

FIVE TOP TIPS FOR MAY GARDENERS

Spring is well and truly here the days are longer and the gardening season is in full swing. The plant experts at Garsons recommend the following for May:

PLANT UP A HANGING BASKET
It’s very satisfying to plant your own hanging baskets and containers. Mix in water-retaining crystals and slow-release fertiliser for long-lasting blooms Trailing plants look lovely cascading down. One of the bestselling basket plants is trailing petunia (Surfinia). Other favourites are impatiens (Busy Lizzies) and lobellia.

FILL IN GAPS IN YOUR ROCKERY
If you have a rockery or bare patches of soil at the front of your borders, plant with heather, thyme, lavender, hebe, rock rose and wall flower. Some of those have the added benefit of being drought tolerant - look out for the silvery green foliage to indicate that a plant can get by without much water.

ENJOY A BURST OF COLOUR FROM AZALEAS & RHODODENDRONS
It’s nearly prime time for these stunning shrubs, so choose your favourite and get them planted quickly. They like well-drained acid soil and a sheltered position with dappled sun.

PLANT SUNFLOWER SEEDS
Sunflowers are easy to grow and often get fantastic results. Children love to see their progress and the seeds are fun for them to plant. Find a sunny spot and dig over the soil. Sow seeds about 5cm deep and 15-20cm apart and keep them moist.

CHOOSE SUMMER BEDDING PLANTS
If the thought of watering through the summer doesn’t appeal, you might like to invest in some drought-resistant plants such as the geranium. With a little care, they will flower through the summer.

Finger’s crossed, our gardens will look lovely and lush this summer! Until next month, happy gardening.