Gardener's May

Gardener's May

It's the most inspiring month of the year for a gardener. Awakening buds and flowers give us energy to grow more plants. The sight of a freshly raked and mowed lawn is more than satisfying and charges us up for the coming work days. As the name of the month suggests - May - it's primarily the month of flowers. Not only plants bloom, but also shrubs and fruit trees. So let's start gradually - what needs to be done in the garden. Any delay in caring for plants in May affects yields of either flowers or fruits. Write to us on Facebook about how your garden work is going, what interesting plants you're growing, or what's blooming beautifully and always brings you spring joy. I personally love blooming magnolias and always look forward to their stunning flowers in spring.

Bulbs

Bulbs - we remove seed heads from faded spring bulbs (daffodils and tulips). We dispose of damaged and virus-infected tulips. We check summer bulbs before planting in the bed. We throw away moldy and dried bulbs. After May 15th, we plant bulbs and tubers of gladioli, lilies, and hyacinths in selected locations. From more delicate bulbs, we plant tiger flowers, dahlias, and begonias in warm spots - which are better planted in beds at the end of May.

Perennials, Annuals and Flowering Plants

Perennials and annuals - annuals and perennials are the most rewarding plants for a quick flowering planter effect. We plant pre-grown seedlings in planters or beds. In the second half of May, we plant biennials. It's the most suitable time to plant planters and pots. You can combine flowering and evergreen plants. You can decorate stairs, window sills, terraces, and corners. There's a large selection of flowering plants to choose from. You can select according to color shades, flower sizes, appearance, or the range of color varieties in one type - for example, Statice. Design and create the most beautiful combinations. In case of severe drought, water even rock garden plants, perennials, and flower beds. In May, we also treat roses with spray against black spot. Plant pre-grown water lilies in garden ponds.

Strawberries

Strawberries - need to be hoed and weeded more regularly. If you don't grow strawberries on black textile, support the fruits with plastic baskets under the strawberries, or wood wool, or mulch. After strawberries finish flowering, give them generous watering. We provide regular watering to strawberries after flowering until the fruits ripen. We remove new strawberry runners only if we won't be using them for propagation.

Tomatoes

We plant pre-grown tomatoes in beds. We plant them deep in the soil and at an angle. This way they root better. Immediately after the plant is established, we tie tomatoes to supports and pinch out side shoots from the leaf axils.

Vegetables

Vegetables in the garden bed - vegetables that we prefer to sow only after 15th May include tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and pumpkins. Also peas, beetroot and cauliflower. Thin out the sprouted root vegetables. Sow carrots for later harvest. Some vegetables can be harvested in May - including lettuce, radishes and spinach. From the greenhouse, we transplant pre-grown celery, basil and marjoram to the beds. We plant cold frames, greenhouses and polytunnels with pre-grown cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, aubergines and peppers from seeds. In warm weather, don't forget to ventilate plants in greenhouses and cold frames. In May, also hill up the soil around potatoes in rows.

Weeds in the garden

Weeds in the garden are an endless marathon. In favorable weather and sufficient soil moisture, remove weeds from paths and walkways. Loosen and lightly water the beds before weeding. Regular loosening of the surface soil is effective in long-term weed control. Soil crust harms plants. Clay soils are particularly prone to soil crusting. Watering the beds during this sprouting period is best done with settled water that has been warmed by sunlight. To keep beds weed-free, preventively mulch.

Lawn

Lawn - mow regularly, i.e. once a week, and remove cut grass with a rake or the mower's collection basket. After mowing, treat the lawn to generous watering and fertilizing. Remove weeds from the lawn before they flower and set seed. Weeds can also be controlled with chemical sprays. Place mown lawn without chemical treatment on the compost. Never lime the compost - mineralization would suppress the decomposition of the compost.

Trees and shrubs

Freshly planted trees can now be tied to stakes. The soil around them has finally settled. Use raffia string for tying. If some of your trees haven't budded - we can dig them out of the ground, trim the roots and soak them in a bucket of water for two days. Then replant. Water the trees thoroughly. If you're growing lilacs and cherry blossoms, gradually remove their faded inflorescences. If hedges have already finished flowering - forsythia and kerria, perform their thorough shaping cut. Spray plums and apple trees against sawflies. Protect pome fruits against scab. On faded peach trees and other stone fruits, prune shoots to three buds. If you've just now decided not to plant climbing roses but grapevine around your new pergola - you can still plant it at the beginning of the month.

Conifers

Conifers - pinch young soft shoots on dwarf pines. We can plant balled conifers into the soil, which we thoroughly fertilize and water. Sow conifers thoughtfully. Conifers are distinctive garden dominants.

Indoor Plants

Indoor plants - water regularly and fertilize sufficiently. For plants you won't be repotting this year, add a fresh layer of soil. Do this by loosening the compacted top layer of soil in the pot, remove it down to the plant's roots, and add fresh soil. You can take indoor plants outside into daylight, spray them down and let them summer outdoors. Don't expose them to strong winds and direct sunlight. May is the ideal time for sowing cactus seeds.

If you regularly battle pests in the garden, place traps and baits carefully so you don't endanger beneficial species as well. If you have bird nests in your garden, ensure peace and quiet for their nesting.

Treat yourself to fresh chives with every meal. If you often cook mashed potatoes, don't forget to liven them up with fresh spring herbs - try using cream instead of milk.

Author: Hana Michalíková