Gardening Tips
Gardening Hints for May
Much to do in May and the following are just a few suggestions. In my April hints, I wrote 'England in Spring - lovely'! As I write, 30th March, what an amazing early spring - plants are even more confused - but oh, we do need some rain!
Plant dahlias, canna, gladioli and other summer flowering bulbs. Smarten Cordylines by removing dead leaves and give the plants a feed. If you have a greenhouse, hang yellow sticky traps against whitefly etc. Plant up hanging baskets and tubs. Mix in slow release 'food' and water-retaining crystals with the compost. Deadhead Azaleas, Camellia etc. and also trim back Aubretia and yellow Alyssum after flowering to prevent them becoming straggly. Buy herb and alpine plants, the garden centres have a good selection just now.
On the vegetable plot, earth up Potatoes when the shoots appear. Continue to sow seeds of your choice. Courgettes and Tomatoes started in the greenhouse or on the windowsill can be planted outdoors. Lawns should not be cut too short - especially in dry weather. Keep hoeing those weeds - they seem to grow without moisture!!
Janet Alcoe