Top 10 Gardening Jobs for May

Sunshine and warmer temperatures grace us in May, making it the perfect time to bring your garden to life! At Polhill Garden Centre, we have everything you need to thrive in this prime planting season. Our knowledgeable staff are here to help you with every step, from selecting the perfect plants to conquering those essential garden chores. Here are ten key tasks to focus on in May:

Hardening Off Plants

If you’ve been nurturing seeds indoors, May is the time to gradually introduce them to the great outdoors before transplanting. This process called hardening off, helps prevent transplant shock and ensures your seedlings flourish in their new home. Consider using a Grozone grow house for extra protection during this crucial stage. These handy structures provide a controlled environment, allowing your seedlings to acclimate to changing temperatures and sunlight gradually

Planting Vegetables

May is the prime time to sow seeds or plant seedlings for many favourite vegetables, like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and beans.  Our experts can advise you on the best varieties for southeast’s climate and recommend all the essentials – seeds, healthy seedlings and the perfect fertiliser to get your veggies off to a strong start.

Feeding Your Plants

As your garden awakens in May, established plants and new additions will need a nourishing boost. Apply a balanced fertiliser following the package instructions to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.  We offer a wide range of organic and inorganic fertilisers at Polhill Garden Centre to cater to the specific needs of all your plants. For a general feeding solution, consider Westland All Purpose Plant Food Boost – a great way to give your plants a well-rounded nutritional kickstart.

Weeding

Weeds can quickly steal the spotlight from your desired plants. Regularly hand-pull weeds or use a weed control product to keep them in check.  Our garden centre stocks a selection of weeding tools and eco-friendly weed control solutions to help you maintain a weed-free haven. For a quick and effective solution, try Resolva Glyphosate Free Weedkiller – perfect for tackling unwanted weeds around established plants and borders.

Protecting Your Plants from Pests and Diseases

May can also see an increase in pest and disease activity. Keep an eye out for common problems like rose diseases and aphids and take preventive measures.  Here are some handy products to have on hand:

• Roseclear 3in1 Ready to Use Spray 800ml: This multi-action spray tackles common rose diseases like blackspot, rust, and mildew, keeping your roses healthy and flourishing.
• Provanto Ultimate Bug Killer: An effective solution for a wide range of garden pests, including aphids, whitefly, and scale insects.

Tidying Up Perennials

May is a good time to cut back any dead foliage from your perennials to make way for fresh new growth. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of your perennials to retain moisture, suppress weeds and give your garden a clean, finished look.  At Polhill Garden Centre, we stock a variety of mulches suitable for different plants and preferences.  For a low-maintenance option, consider RocketGro Magic Mulch – it suppresses weeds, retains moisture, and gradually breaks down to improve your soil over time.

Planting Hanging Baskets and Containers

Bring a burst of vibrant summer colour to your patio or porch with hanging baskets and containers overflowing with blooms. Geraniums are a classic choice for hanging baskets, offering a long flowering season and vibrant colours.  They are relatively low maintenance and come in a variety of shades to suit your taste.  Our extensive selection of hanging basket plants and potting mixes at Polhill Garden Centre will help you create stunning displays.

Sowing Seeds Outdoors

May offers the perfect window to sow seeds directly outdoors for a variety of vegetables and flowers suitable for the southeast’s climate. Some great options include:

• Vegetables: Peas, carrots, beetroot, spinach, lettuce and Swiss chard.
• Flowers: Calendula, cosmos, poppies, sunflowers and marigolds.

Trimming and Feeding Topiary

Give your topiary some TLC in May with a light trim and a nourishing feed. This will help maintain its neat shape and encourage healthy new growth.  When it comes to trimming, invest in a good pair of shears like Wilkinson Sword Hedge Trimming Shears – they’ll make the job easier and ensure a clean cut.

Keeping on Top of Pests, Slugs, and Snails

May can see an increase in pests like slugs and snails. Stay vigilant and take steps to deter them from feasting on your precious plants.  At Polhill Garden Centre, we offer a variety of solutions to keep these unwelcome guests at bay:

• Growing Success Slug Stop Barrier Pellets: Create a physical barrier around your plants that deters slugs and snails from reaching them.
• SlugClear Ultra 3: This pelleted formula attacks slugs and snails on contact, offering effective control against these slimy invaders.

Expert Advice at Polhill Garden Centre

Our knowledgeable staff at Polhill Garden Centre are always happy to answer your questions and provide tailored advice for your specific gardening needs. Don’t hesitate to pop in and chat with our friendly team!