Tuesday 14 June 2016

May maintenance


Apologies for not posting this at the beginning of May but I thought I'd still share it with you so you know what to tackle next May.

   

What to do in your garden in May

  • Thin out hardy annuals
  • Herbaceous perennials can still be divided
  • Divide Hostas
  • Trim back spreading plants such as Aubretia and Alyssum after flowering to encourage new growth
  • Prune Penstemons by cutting all the old shoots back to the base provided there is new growth at the bottom, if not then cut to just above the lowest set of leaves
  • Take cuttings of tender perennials such as Fuchsia and Pelargoniums
  • Take softwood cuttings of shrubby herbs such as sage and lemon verbena
  • Prune out overcrowded and dead stems of early-flowering clematis after flowering
  • Tie in climbing and rambling roses
  • Tie in sweet peas to encourage climbing
  • Prune spring flowering shrubs after flowering
  • Cut back flowered shoots of Choisya to encourage a second flush of flowers in autumn
  • Trim lavender plants
  • Feed and water container plants
  • Top-dress permanent pot plants to refresh the compost
  • Plant up pots and baskets of summer bedding and harden off before placing in position
  • Inspect your plants for pests and diseases
  • Pick off larvae of rosemary, viburnum and lily beetles as soon as they are seen
  • Look out for signs of blackspot on roses
  • Earth up potatoes
  • Continue to weed beds and borders
  • Prune wall-trained pyracantha, removing any shoots that are coming away from the wall

(Information provided by www.thompson-morgan.com and www.rhs.org.uk)

 

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