May in the Garden

What fruit to plant in May

Plant soft fruit in May including:

• Blueberries
• Raspberries
• Blackberries
• Strawberries
• Gooseberries

What fruit to harvest in May

• You can pick rhubarb throughout May and into June. At the end of June you should stop to give plants time to build up their strength for next year.

Fruit plant maintenance in May

• Soft fruit bushes like blackcurrants, gooseberries and summer-fruiting raspberries are flowering and starting to develop fruits this month. Keep an eye on progress – while the plants are in flower.
• It’s important that pollinators are able to get to the flowers, but once fruit starts to develop you may need to cover it with nets to stop birds stealing it before you can enjoy it!
• Soft fruit bushes can still be planted in May but remember to water them regularly during the first year after planting while they are getting established.
• Strawberries should be protected with netting against birds.
• When harvesting rhubarb, leave at least half the stems on each plant.
• Check gooseberry bushes for sawfly and squash any caterpillars you see.
• Hang pheromone traps in plum and apple trees to control pests like plum moth and codling moth.
• Thin out excess and overcrowded raspberry canes.

What roses to Plant in May

May is a great month for roses, with so many of them just starting to come into bloom.

• All container-grown roses can be planted in May but remember to water them regularly for the first year after planting, while they are getting established.

Rose maintenance in May

While you’re enjoying the colours and fragrances of your favourite flowers, keep an eye out for pests like aphids and rose sawfly, as well as any signs of disease, and tackle problems early before they have a chance to build up. Avoid spraying pesticides once the roses are in flower, as this can harm bees and other pollinators.

• Tie the new shoots of climbing and rambling roses in to a support framework as they grow.
• Check rose leaves for signs of black spot and spray with a fungicide if needed.
• Wipe off early signs of aphid infestations from buds and shoots.
• Check for signs of rose sawfly larvae attack (tiny green caterpillars, often along the leaf edges, leaves eaten right back to the veins), and squash any caterpillars you see.

What flowers and bulbs to plant in May

May is when many of our favourite garden plants burst into flower. Spring bulbs like daffodils and tulips are almost finished, but it’s not long until the summer bulbs like lilies take over. All hardy perennials can be planted in May. Wait until the end of the month to plant tender plants like summer bedding and climbing annuals, to avoid any last frosts.

Sow outdoors:

• Sunflowers
• Nasturtiums
• Poppies
• Cornflowers
• Nigella

Plant:

• Hardy perennials
• Summer bedding including petunias, begonias, geraniums and Impatiens (busy lizzies)
• Climbing annuals including Ipomoea lobata (Spanish flag) and Cobea scandens (cup-and-saucer plant)

What flowers to prune in May

• Deadhead daffodils and tulips but leave the foliage to die back before cutting it down.
• Prune penstemons now, cutting back to new growth or strong buds lower down the stems.
• Clematis - prune spring-flowering clematis after flowering is finished, removing overcrowded stems.

Flower maintenance in May

• Spring bulbs - lift and divide overgrown clumps of spring bulbs like daffodils and snowdrops.
• Summer bulbs - harden off dahlias and cannas by leaving them outside during the day and moving them in at night. Do this for 7-10 days before planting out.
• Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.
• Sweet peas - tie in sweet peas to supports as they grow.
• Feed container plants with a liquid feed every fortnight.
• The weeds are busy growing in May, so keep on top of them now and you’ll have less to do in summer.
• Water plants regularly in dry spells, watering in the morning or evening to avoid water loss through evaporation.

What trees and shrubs to plant in May

Trees and shrubs are growing strongly in May, so any new trees or shrubs planted will need extra care to ensure they get the water and nutrients they need.

• Aim to plant trees and shrubs early in the month rather than later, and water regularly after planting, giving at least a bucket’s worth of water per tree twice a week, and more if the tree looks as though it is struggling. If the soil is very dry, apply the water slowly to give it a chance to soak in.
• All container-grown trees and shrubs can be planted in May, but it is essential to water them regularly during their first year after planting, while they are getting established, especially in hot dry summers.

What plants and shrubs to prune in May

Prune early spring-flowering shrubs, including:

• Forsythia
• Chaenomeles
• Viburnum x bodnantense
• Choisya

Plants and shrub maintenance in May

• Take stem cuttings of half-hardy perennials and patio plants, such as fuchsias and pelargoniums.
• Trim evergreen hedges, but always check first for nests and never disturb nesting birds.
• Water newly-planted trees and shrubs regularly, especially during dry periods. Try to use rain, grey or recycled water where possible.
• Keep the area around tree and shrub roots clear of weeds and grass that would compete for water and nutrients.
• Look out for damage on deciduous trees, including bacterial canker.
• Check for signs of blight on box and holly trees.

What herbs and spices to plant in May

As the weather warms up in May, it’s time to start thinking about sowing tender herbs like basil and coriander.

All hardy herbs and spices can be planted in May, including:

• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Parsley
• Chives
• Mint (in pots)

Sow indoors:

• Basil
• Coriander
• Lemon balm

Sow outdoors:

• Borage

What herbs and spices to harvest in May

Hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage can be harvested all year round, and regular harvesting from spring to autumn will encourage them to produce fresh new growth, ideal for cooking.

Herbs and spices plant maintenance in May

• Mint can be invasive, spreading vigorously by underground runners, so it’s best grown in pots.
• It is also essential to water herbs regularly during dry periods – if you experience any in May.
• The likes of coriander, dill, basil and wild rocket can be quick to bolt when overcrowded or in poor and dry soil. Keep your soil well fed and thin out where required.