Now its the time of the year when activity and growth in the garden steps up a gear. Essential gardening tips will come in handy. With the return of warmer, sunnier and longer days. However, on closer inspection, the to-do list can sometimes seem overwhelming. So here are some tips to make your garden looking fresher and better than ever.
Weeding
To avoid weeds taking over your garden, prevent weed seedlings becoming established by watering the borders once a week. It may seem like a thankless task, but the more work you put in now, the greater return in the summer. Do remember that unwanted weeds can use up much of the water supply needed by other plants and vegetables.
Professional Weeding Tips:
- Water borders weekly to prevent weed establishment
- Remove weeds when soil is moist for easier extraction
- Use mulch to suppress weed growth
- Hand-pull weeds before they set seed
- Consider organic weed control methods
Hedges
These will start to grow profusely now, but before trimming them back, do remember to check them for any nesting birds and to make gathering up the trimming debris easier, remember to lay out a groundsheet for the branches to fall on, so it makes it easier to clear up once you have finished.
Hedge Maintenance:
- Check for nesting birds before trimming
- Use groundsheets to catch trimmings
- Trim in the morning when it's cooler
- Use sharp, clean tools for best results
- Shape hedges slightly wider at the base
Summer Bedding Plants
When the danger of late frosts has past, set about planting summer bedding plants together with dahlia and gladioli to benefit from late flowering.
Planting Summer Bedding:
- Wait until frost danger has passed
- Plant dahlias and gladioli for late flowering
- Space plants according to their mature size
- Water thoroughly after planting
- Add slow-release fertilizer to planting holes
Frames and Support
Taller perennials and other flowers will need a helping hand with the support of a frame or cane to prevent damage from winds.
Plant Support Systems:
- Install supports early in the growing season
- Use bamboo canes for individual plants
- Install trellises for climbing plants
- Check supports regularly and adjust as needed
- Use soft ties to avoid damaging stems
Feeding and Watering
Start to feed your plants weekly with liquid feeds and remember not to allow any of your potted plants, hanging baskets or recently planted plants to dry out. Recycle any rain water where possible.
Watering and Feeding Schedule:
- Feed plants weekly with liquid fertilizer
- Water potted plants and hanging baskets regularly
- Use rainwater when possible for better plant health
- Water early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
- Check soil moisture before watering
Pests
You may find aphids, slugs snails etc in contact with your flowers/plants in which measures can be taken to keep these common pests under control. There are plenty of non-chemical alternatives on the market such as slug umbrellas or copper foil tape, to avoid your children or pets accidentally coming in contact with potentially toxic pellets.
Natural Pest Control:
- Use slug umbrellas and copper foil tape
- Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
- Hand-pick larger pests when possible
- Use companion planting to deter pests
- Consider biological controls for severe infestations
Lawn Care
Your lawn will need cutting once a week (in opposite directions each week to ensure correct grass growth). The blades on your mower can be lowered to their regular summer cutting height, unless you are growing new grass. Apply weed killer and feed the lawn with high nitrogen fertiliser to encourage healthy growth. If it is very hot, or if you are growing new grass, remember to water regularly to help the roots establish themselves.
Professional Lawn Care:
- Mow once a week in alternating directions
- Lower mower blades for summer cutting height
- Apply high-nitrogen fertilizer for healthy growth
- Water regularly during hot weather
- Use selective weed killer for problem areas
Fruit
Ensure that you keep all fruit and fruit trees watered in dry spells to help with good fruit development. If growing vines and to encourage more growth, pinch out the tips of shoots (2 leaves beyond a developing fruit truss). Rhubarb may be harvested later in the month and to avoid strawberries from going mouldy, lay straw between strawberry plants.
Fruit Garden Care:
- Water fruit trees during dry spells
- Pinch out vine shoot tips for better growth
- Harvest rhubarb when stalks are ready
- Use straw mulch for strawberries
- Thin fruit if necessary for better quality
Vegetables
May is amongst the busiest of months if you are growing vegetables. So many different types of vegetables can be sown from French beans to beetroot and broccoli to radishes. Do remember to protect them from pests in the garden as seedlings will be rather fragile.
Vegetable Garden Tips:
- Sow a variety of vegetables for continuous harvest
- Protect seedlings from pests and weather
- Use row covers for early season protection
- Space plants according to their mature size
- Keep soil consistently moist for germination
Cuttings
If you are keen to grow more plants at no cost, consider taking some softwood cuttings to propagate at home. Suitable plants from which to take cuttings can include shrubs such as hydrangeas and buddleia, but also perennials such as penstemon, petunias and verbenas.
Propagation Techniques:
- Take softwood cuttings in early summer
- Use sharp, clean tools for cutting
- Root cuttings in well-draining compost
- Keep cuttings moist but not waterlogged
- Provide bottom heat for faster rooting
Additional Professional Tips:
Garden Planning
- Plan your garden layout for optimal growth
- Consider plant height and spread
- Group plants with similar water needs
- Plan for seasonal interest and color
- Consider wildlife-friendly planting
Soil Care
- Test soil pH and nutrient levels
- Add organic matter to improve soil structure
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture
- Rotate crops in vegetable gardens
- Consider raised beds for better drainage
Seasonal Maintenance
- Spring: Prepare soil and plant early crops
- Summer: Maintain watering and pest control
- Fall: Harvest and prepare for winter
- Winter: Plan and order seeds for next year
Water Conservation
- Install water butts to collect rainwater
- Use drip irrigation for efficient watering
- Group plants by water needs
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Water deeply but less frequently
Garden Safety
- Wear appropriate protective clothing
- Use tools safely and maintain them properly
- Be aware of poisonous plants
- Keep children and pets safe from garden chemicals
- Store tools and chemicals securely
If you require further help or enquiries regarding any of our services, don't hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have via:
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Telephone: 020 3670 9997