Gardening Tips for May in Bolton-le-Sands
May is a busy, high-growth month in Bolton-le-Sands, marking the transition to summer, though in Northern England, it is crucial to wait until mid-to-late May—around the time of the Chelsea Flower Show—before planting out tender crops to avoid late frosts.
Here are tailored gardening tips for May in the Bolton-le-Sands.
Planting and Sowing
- Tender Vegetables (Late May): Once the frost risk passes, plant out tomato plants, courgettes, runner beans, French beans, and squashes.
- Direct Sowing Outdoors: Sow carrots, beetroot, lettuces, radishes, spring onions, turnips, and swiss chard directly into well-prepared soil.
- Flowers: Plant out dahlia tubers, cannas, and gladioli. Sow hardy annuals directly, such as nasturtiums, calendula, and cornflowers.
- Hanging Baskets & Pots: Plant up summer bedding like petunias and geraniums, but keep them in a greenhouse or sheltered spot if cold nights are forecast.
- Herbs: Plant out hardy herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Sow basil and coriander in pots to keep indoors or in a greenhouse.
Garden Maintenance & Tasks
- Protect Against Pests: Slugs and snails are highly active in damp weather; use eggshells, copper tape, or natural nematodes to protect young plants.
- The “Chelsea Chop”: In late May, cut back early perennials like Aubrieta and Alyssum to promote a compact shape and second flowering.
- Support Plants: Put in supports for tall perennials (peonies, delphiniums) and climbing plants (sweet peas, clematis) now, while they are still manageable.
- Deadhead Bulbs: Remove faded daffodil and tulip flowers, but leave the foliage to die back naturally to nourish the bulb for next year.
- Water Wisely: Water newly planted items and containers regularly. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wasting water and reducing fungal diseases.
Lawn Care
- Regular Mowing: Mow once a week as grass growth speeds up. Set the mower blades to a higher setting to avoid stressing the lawn, particularly if it is dry.
- Repair Patches: Early May is the last good chance to re-seed bare patches in your lawn.
- No Mow May: Consider leaving a patch of lawn unmown to encourage pollinators.
