Spring has finally sprung, and with the days growing longer and warmer, visions of a blooming summer garden can finally dance in your head. But before you settle back and admire those vibrant blooms in your mind’s eye, there’s some important groundwork to be done. Here at Genesis Gardens, we believe May is the golden month for passionate gardeners – a time to get busy and lay the foundation for a truly spectacular summer display.
Why May Matters
May offers a unique window of opportunity in the UK gardening calendar. The harsh frosts of winter have passed, and the soil is starting to warm up, making it ideal for planting a wide range of summer favourites. Additionally, the days are lengthening, providing vital sunlight for young seedlings to thrive.
Seize the Sowing Season
For a vibrant summer display, May is the perfect time to sow seeds directly outdoors. Here are some summer stars you can sow this month:
Half-Hardy Annuals: These beauties, like cosmos, sunflowers and marigolds, provide a long season of colour and can be sown directly into prepared beds.
Tender Annuals: Think tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes! While these can be started indoors earlier in the year, May is the ideal time to harden them off and transplant them outdoors once the risk of frost has completely passed.
Biennials: For a floral display next year, May is prime time to sow forget-me-nots, foxgloves, and wallflowers.
Planting Power
It’s not just about sowing seeds – May is also the perfect time to plant out any pre-grown vegetables, herbs and bedding plants you might have nurtured indoors. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Harden Off Tender Plants: If you’ve been starting seeds indoors, May is the time to gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions (harden them off) before transplanting to their final positions.
Spacing is Key: Check the recommended spacing on plant labels and ensure you plant your seedlings or young plants at the appropriate distance to allow them to grow healthily and productively.
Support Systems: Don’t forget to provide support structures for climbing plants like peas, beans and runner beans.
Clearing the Decks (and Beds!)
Whilst planting takes centre stage in May, clearing and tidying are also really important. Here’s what to tackle:
Deadheading: Remove spent flower heads from spring-blooming perennials to encourage further flowering and prevent them from setting seed.
Weeding: Regularly weeding throughout the month will prevent unwanted plants from competing with your desired crops for water and nutrients.
Composting: Don’t throw away those weeds or spent flower heads! Add them to your compost bin to create nutrient-rich compost for future use in your garden. Get our complete composting guide here.
Transformational Projects: Plan Ahead for Summer
Dreaming of a complete garden overhaul or a stunning new patio area? Whilst May is a time for planting and nurturing, it’s also the perfect month to start planning for more significant landscaping or hardscaping projects. Here’s what to do:
Contact Professionals: Whether it’s building a raised bed, installing a water feature, or completely redesigning your outdoor space, May allows ample time to get quotes, discuss your vision with trusted garden design and landscaping companies and schedule projects for later in the summer.
Gather Inspiration: Browse gardening magazines and online resources, and visit garden centres or show gardens to gather inspiration for your dream garden project.
Embrace the May Magic!
May is a whirlwind of activity for passionate gardeners, but the rewards of a flourishing summer display are well worth the effort. By dedicating yourself to sowing, planting, and nurturing this month, you’ll be laying the foundation for a breathtaking summer garden that will bring you joy all season long.
Need a Helping Hand?
At Genesis Gardens, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, sustainable gardens that thrive throughout the seasons. If you’d like some expert advice on planting for a spectacular summer or require assistance with a larger landscaping project, don’t hesitate to contact us today! We offer a range of design, planting and maintenance services to help you achieve your dream garden.