How to Take Care of Your Plants in May
May signals that we’re well and truly into spring, an exciting time for everyone as it means better weather is more frequent! We can finally say goodbye to the dark mornings and hopefully begin looking forward to pleasant weather to enjoy. For many people, spring also means you can start working in the garden again if you haven’t already.
Whether you’re an avid gardener, or you’re just looking forward to restoring your flowers after the cold winter weather, now is the time. Mary indicates the time of year when your garden can really come back to life, but not without some important jobs to complete first! If you’re wondering how to nurture your garden this month and into the rest of spring, let GetPotted.com help give you some guidance, from general garden maintenance to looking after your plants!
Planting new flowers
If you’re eager to start planting new plants for your garden, May might just be the month you’ve been looking for. Hardy plants that work well all year round are suitable to plant now, but you might benefit from sowing them in pots or planters. If you live in a milder area, you can sow them directly into your garden!
It may be worth mixing your seeds throughout your flowerbeds for a more natural and interesting look. For new plants, why not choose sweet peas? Spring is also the perfect time of year to plant herbaceous perennials such as geraniums.
May is also the time of year when you should think about planting your summer plants; preparation is key when it comes to gardening! Make sure you prepare your soil first. If you have any bulbs that were in the house over winter and have now finished flowering, now is the time to plant them into the garden; be sure not to disturb the roots!
Keeping your garden tidy
Any gardener will know that making your garden look beautiful isn’t just about planting; you also need to look after your creations! Cutting back existing plants is important to keep your outdoor space tidy and encourage new growth.
Cutting off old leaves of your existing plants can expose the flowers and remove the chance of any disease among your plants. You may also want to look at dividing clumps of perennials, particularly those that have become too big for their space in the garden. Plants can often lose their shape or flower poorly if they aren’t allotted enough room!
General garden maintenance
Attending to your plants regularly can ensure they continue to carry on into the spring, providing your garden with that extra burst of colour and excitement. Keep your eye on the weather, as bulbs coming up in your planters may need some protection from the rain as they emerge.
It is also worth noting that even in early spring, plants can dry out. Be sure to check whether they need watering, particularly if they are sheltered by parts of your home. Aim to keep your containers moist, not wet. Depending which plants you are including in your garden this year, you may need to install supports; it is better to do this earlier rather than later.
Disclosure: This is a collaboration post.