May is one of the most exciting months in the gardening calendar. In the South of the UK, the risk of frost is (mostly) behind us, plants are growing fast and gardens are bursting into life. Whether you’re growing edibles, refreshing borders or tending to your lawn, this is the time to get stuck in and enjoy the rewards of spring. Here are our top garden care tips for May.
1. Plant Out Tender Annuals and Veggies
By mid to late May, it’s usually safe to plant out tender summer annuals like petunias, cosmos and nasturtiums, as well as vegetables such as tomatoes, courgettes, runner beans and sweetcorn. Harden them off first by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
Tip: Keep a fleece or cloche handy just in case we get a surprise cold snap.
2. Weed, Mulch and Feed Borders
With warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, weeds are quick to take hold. Stay on top of them now and you’ll save yourself lots of work later. After weeding, apply a mulch of compost or well-rotted manure to suppress regrowth and help retain soil moisture.
Don’t forget: A slow-release fertiliser will give your perennials and shrubs a helpful boost for the growing season.
3. Prune Spring Flowering Shrubs
Shrubs like forsythia, chaenomeles (flowering quince) and ribes (flowering currant) can be pruned as soon as they finish flowering. This helps keep them compact and encourages strong flowering growth for next year.
4. Deadhead and Pinch for More Blooms
Keep your spring and early-summer flowering plants looking fresh by deadheading regularly. This not only tidies them up but often encourages more blooms. For bushier growth in plants like fuchsias and cosmos, pinch out the growing tips.
5. Support Tall and Climbing Plants
Now’s the time to get ahead of fast-growing climbers like sweet peas, clematis and beans by tying them into supports. Stake tall perennials such as delphiniums and lupins before they get floppy.
6. Start Watering Wisely
Rainfall can be unpredictable in the South, and containers, hanging baskets and newly planted areas will dry out fast. Water early in the morning or in the evening, and try to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong roots.
Pro Tip: Use water butts and mulch to conserve moisture—especially important if hosepipe restrictions are on the horizon.
7. Keep an Eye on Pests
May can bring a burst of activity from aphids, slugs, snails and vine weevils. Regular inspections can help you catch issues early. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds, or use organic deterrents if needed.
8. Lawn Care – Time to Feed and Mow
The grass is growing vigorously now, so mow regularly and adjust the height depending on weather conditions. A high-nitrogen lawn feed will keep it lush and green—just be sure to water it in if rainfall is scarce.
9. Sow for Succession
To keep your vegetable garden productive, sow salad leaves, beetroot, carrots and radishes every few weeks. This will give you a steady supply rather than one big glut.
10. Enjoy It!
May is a beautiful month—don’t forget to take a moment to enjoy your garden. Bring out the garden furniture, tidy the patio and start enjoying your space with friends, family or a quiet morning coffee.
With a little attention this month, your garden will be set up beautifully for summer. If you need help planning, planting or maintaining your outdoor space, our team is just a phone call away.
READ MORE