May

May is one of the busiest (and most rewarding) months in the garden. Plants are growing quickly, lawns need regular attention, and it’s the perfect time to get summer containers, borders and veg patches properly underway. Keep an eye on the forecast early in the month, as a late cold night can still catch tender plants.

May jobs in the garden

• Garden protection & weather prep

  By May, most gardens can start moving tender plants outside, but it’s still worth keeping fleece handy just in case. Harden off anything you’ve raised indoors, and water pots and hanging baskets regularly as warmer days arrive.

• Lawn care

  May is peak lawn-growing season. Mow little and often (avoiding scalping), and trim edges to keep it looking neat. This is also a great time to feed the lawn, overseed thin patches, and keep weeds under control.

• Veg patch & seed prep

  Get your summer veg going. Sow little and often for continuity, and start planting out once nights are consistently mild. Support climbing crops early (before they take off), and keep seedlings protected from slugs/snails. It’s also a brilliant month to start succession sowing (small batches every couple of weeks).

• Trees & shrubs

  Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they’ve finished flowering to keep them tidy and encourage new growth for next year. Keep tying in climbers, and add a mulch around shrubs and borders to help retain moisture as temperatures rise.

• Wildlife

  May is full nesting season, so avoid disturbing hedges. Add a shallow water dish for birds and pollinators, and choose bee-friendly plants for beds and pots to support wildlife all summer.

---

What’s in store this month

• Bedding plants, hanging baskets and summer containers

• Multipurpose compost, peat-free compost, and slow-release feed

• Plant food (tomato feed, general feed, rose feed)

• Canes, supports, twine and clips for climbers and veg

• Slug/snail control and plant protection

• Grass seed, lawn feed and edging tools

• Bee-friendly plants and wildlife supplies

---

April garden FAQs

When can I plant out tender plants in May?

Once the risk of frost has passed for your area. Many gardeners use mid-to-late May as a guide, but it’s always worth checking the local forecast and keeping fleece on standby early in the month.

How often should I water pots and hanging baskets?

In warm weather, often daily, especially baskets. Water in the morning or evening, and consider lining baskets and using water-retaining compost to help them stay hydrated.

What vegetables are best to plant in May?

May is great for planting out many summer crops and sowing fast growers. Tomatoes, courgettes and beans usually take off quickly once nights are mild, and salad crops can be sown regularly for a steady supply.

What’s the best way to deal with slugs and snails?

Start early and stay consistent. Use barriers or approved controls, protect young plants, and check at dusk or after rain when pests are most active.

Why is my lawn growing so fast in May?

Warmer temperatures and longer days speed everything up. Regular mowing, feeding, and edging will keep it looking its best through late spring and into summer.

---

Visit us today...

at our Bexleyheath or Barnehurst branches to stock up on winter essentials and get ready for spring – including seed potatoes, compost, frost protection, heated propagators and wild bird food.

Find us