Gardener shares 5 garden jobs to do in May for a gorgeous garden all summer
A gardener has shared the five main garden jobs he urges people to complete before the month of May is over, claiming it will help to keep your lawn green and your florals blooming all summer
With summer fast approaching, it can feel overwhelming to look around your home and garden and see the number of tasks still waiting to be tackled. From pruning flowers, to taking care of the lawn, or spring cleaning your home, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs doing.
To lend a helping hand, gardener Michael Griffiths, who is also the author of The Easy Garden, has outlined the five essential garden jobs he recommends completing before the end of May, claiming it will help keep your lawn looking lush and vibrant, and your flowers thriving and blooming throughout the summer months.
"If you only had time for five garden tasks in May, this is what I'd do," Michael said at the start of the video, before he jumped into his list.
1. Prepare lawn for summer
"This is your last chance to get your lawn ready for summer," he told viewers.
Many lawns may not be looking their finest as winter draws to a close. With this in mind, it's well worth giving your grass a little extra attention to ensure it remains full and green throughout the summer.
"So if you're gonna do it, aerate, scarify, and overseed now," Michael urged people.
2. Fertilize lawn
"You could also add a lawn fertilizer, which will green up your lawn and encourage leafy growth," Michael also suggested for his second tip.
Fertilising your lawn replenishes vital nutrients, primarily Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. This process not only accelerates growth but also produces a rich green colour, encourages deep root development, and bolsters the turf's natural ability to suppress weeds, combat disease, and withstand weather-related stress.
3. Tie in climbing plants
For his third suggestion, Michael advised spending time maintaining any climbing plants in your garden, ensuring they remain properly secured.
He recommends: "Tie in new shoots of climbing plants, like wistera and clematis to their supports."
This helps keep your climbers neat and tidy, while also promoting more abundant blooms. The aim is to support growth while leaving sufficient space for stems to develop and thicken.
4. Harden off plants
If you're intending to move some of your indoor plants outdoors for the summer months, or have seedlings ready to be transplanted outside, Michael also suggests ensuring you harden off your plants correctly.
Hardening off is the method of slowly introducing indoor-grown or greenhouse seedlings to outdoor elements such as wind, temperature changes, and direct sunlight. This helps prevent transplant shock and sunscald by strengthening the plant's protective leaf coating and reinforcing its stems.
He also encouraged gardeners to conduct regular slug and snail inspections to help protect your plants and flowers from these pests.
5. Plant out bedding
"And number five, plant out summer bedding in your pots, boarders, and hanging baskets," Michael told his followers for his final recommendation.
Adding bedding around your pots and borders helps create a more abundant appearance amongst your plants and flowers, making everything look harmonious and well-coordinated.