As spring arrives and the weather warms up, many people are spending more time outdoors, working to get their gardens in top shape for the summer. Whether you are aiming for blooming flowers, vibrant and nourishing vegetables, or a lush, green lawn to host barbecues, there are several tasks that need to be done this month to achieve these goals.
Gardening expert Michael,has revealed the five most important tasks that should be completed in May and June. According to Michael, now is the perfect time to tie the new shoots of climbing plants like wisteria and clematis to their supports.
May is also the right month to harden off plants that have been raised indoors. This process allows plants to adapt to harsher outdoor conditions without going into shock. The aim is to “thicken and alter” the plant’s leaf structure and increase leaf waxiness, the Royal Horticultural Society explained.
Another important task is to rid your garden of pests by going on regular slug and snail hunts. As we move into June, it is time to plant out summer bedding in pots, borders, and hanging baskets.
Michael also emphasized the importance of getting your lawn ready for summer. “This is your last chance to get your lawn in shape, so if you’re going to do it, aerate, scarify and over-seed now,” he said. “You could also add a lawn fertiliser, which will green up your lawn and encourage leafy growth.”
Scarification is the process of removing thatch and moss from the lawn, which can inhibit airflow around the grass. Before starting, it is recommended to mow the lawn to make the process easier. Then, gently pull a flexible spring-time rake over the lawn multiple times while criss-crossing your way across the garden.
After this, scoop up the materials and begin the aeration process. To do this, take a garden fork and plunge it into the ground about four-to-five inches deep, then pull it back a little. Repeat these steps every six inches across the garden. The holes can be left open or filled with horticultural sand for better drainage. For larger lawns, a mechanical aerator can be considered.
Finally, it is time to over-seed your lawn to ensure a lush and healthy appearance for the summer months.
