gardening

The garden in May

April in the garden

Laura Allison Gardening March 2011

Laura Allison August column

Monteviot - a gem of a garden

June 2010

Gardening April 2010

Laura's column Sept 09

Laura's column July 09

It's happening at Woodside

Laura's gardening column April 09

Let's go eat some worms!

Laura's column August 08

Laura's column - July 08

Borders Organic Growers

The garden in May

What a wonderful start to May, but don't be fooled into planting your bedding without protection. We could still get a frost right up to the end of the month.

*garden centres will be stocking up a wide range of bedding. Plant up pots and hanging baskets but fleece or move into an unheated glasshouse at night.

*it is a good time to plant ornamental grasses as new roots are produced only in late spring and early summer. Planting them helps to establish the plants quickly.

*spring bulbs have now mostly finished flowering. Dead head but don't cut off the leaves. It is better to let them die naturally as they will continually feed the bulb.

*continue to weed beds. Mulching is a good task as it keeps weeds at bay and helps the soil retain moisture.

*towards the end of the month plant out tomatoes, courgettes and cucumbers into growbags, but remember to water and feed regularly with a high potash fertiliser.

*now is the time for all you pumpkin lovers to sow seeds for Hallowe'en. Try a giant variety and perhaps you could enter it into the local flower show.

Have a great May and happy gardening!

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