May is a wonderful month in the garden. Everything is starting to burst into life, the days are longer, and there’s a real sense that summer is just around the corner. It’s also one of the busiest months, so it’s a case of rolling up your sleeves and making the most of it.

One of the key things to keep in mind early in May is the risk of late frosts. It can catch you out, so if you’ve got tender plants or newly planted bedding, keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to protect them overnight if needed.

Once we’re past that point, it’s all systems go. This is the perfect time to plant out summer bedding such as geraniums, petunias and marigolds. Hanging baskets and containers can be filled now too, bringing instant colour to patios and doorways.

Lawns will be growing quickly, so regular mowing is important. I always say little and often is the best approach, keeping the lawn neat without stressing the grass too much.

Weeds will also be making themselves at home, so staying on top of them now will save you a lot of effort later. A quick hoe on a dry day works wonders and keeps things manageable.

In the vegetable garden, May is a busy sowing month. You can plant out tomatoes, courgettes and runner beans, and continue sowing carrots, lettuce and beetroot. It’s an exciting time as you start to see everything taking shape for the months ahead.

Don’t forget to support climbing plants early, whether it’s peas, beans or sweet peas. It’s much easier to put canes and supports in place now rather than trying to do it once they’ve started growing strongly.

If you’ve got shrubs that have finished flowering, such as spring varieties, give them a light prune to keep them tidy and encourage healthy growth for next year.

Most importantly, take a moment to enjoy it. May gardens are full of promise, colour and fresh growth, and there’s something very satisfying about seeing all your hard work coming together.

As always, if you’ve got any gardening questions or tips of your own, I’d love to hear from you.

Happy gardening,

Harold