May Gardening Tips 2025
May is a wonderful month for gardeners because it is so full of opportunity. May is a good month for all our senses. Think of the scent of lilac and sound of enthusiastic birdsong. But above all it is about colour, with vibrant new leaves and lots of flower.
This is the time to really go to town with bedding plants, for all the colour you could possibly want. These plants may only flower for one season but, given that they can flower right up until the first frosts of autumn, they represent great value. In the past they were literally ‘bedded out’ in parks and gardens once the last danger of frost is gone (usually around 11 May in our area). Traditionally displays were rather formal, but bedding plants are so much more versatile than that. From a bright pop of colour in a pot or hanging basket, to a colourful way to fill up a few gaps in the border, or planted with grasses and perennials to create drifts of colour, there are varieties for all purposes and every colour palate imaginable from muted to zingy.
Some bedding plants will thrive in partial shade such as Busy Lizzies and Begonias but many like a sunny spot such as Geraniums and Osteospermum. Some will stand upright, others trail and there are foliage bedding plants to add form and texture. We are absolutely spoiled for choice with Petunias, Cosmos, Bedding Dahlias, Antirrhinums, Verbena and Marigolds all vying for our attention not to mention diminutive Lobelia and Alyssum. When planting up containers do remove all, or at least some, of the used compost and replace to avoid the build-up of pests and diseases. Regular feeding and deadheading is the key to encourage even more prolific flowering. We are fortunate to have our own nurseries Barnsfold Liss supplying many of our bedding plants, along side some of our trusted local suppliers, so we can ensure our stock is fresh and good quality.
Summer flowering bulbs and hardy plants can continue to be planted, with a huge array of cottage garden plants and climbers available this time of year. But do remember to water well while they establish.
May also gives the opportunity to expand your home grown horizons. Seeds can be sown direct into the soil or some, such as squash, marrows, beans, pumpkins and courgettes can be started off in little pots on a windowsill to really get them growing fast before planting outside. Alternatively, you can buy young vegetable plants. Potatoes will definitely need earthing up as they grow. A little later in the month tomatoes can be planted outside with peppers, chillies and salad crops.
Weeding may seem like a chore, but it is time well spent to prevent a widespread problem later on, and certainly gives a huge amount of satisfaction for a job well done. A hoe can be a very valuable tool to make weeding as easy as possible. For an easier life still, we have adopted ‘no mow May’ in part of our garden, which really does encourage insect life, while still mowing where we need to use the lawn for the washing line or to enjoy our garden furniture for al fresco meals, a daytime cuppa or evening socialising with friends and family.
I do hope you enjoy May. It is such a magnificent month in the great outdoors, with so many opportunities for gardening or simply enjoying your outside space.
