A gardening expert has shared the three essential jobs all households should complete in their gardens this May, along with one common mistake to avoid. May is a busy time for gardeners, and getting ahead on these tasks can ensure a vibrant summer display.
1. Mow Your Lawn Properly
If you are not participating in "No Mow May," or if you want a quick trim before storing the mower, now is the perfect time to cut your grass. However, avoid cutting it too short. Adam Kirtland, the gardening expert, recommends using a middle setting on your mower. This gives the grass the trim it needs while allowing air to circulate, promoting fuller and more vigorous growth. He also advises reseeding any bare patches while you are at it.
2. Fill Gaps in Borders
Spring blooms like daffodils and hyacinths are fading, leaving empty spaces in borders and containers. Adam suggests filling these gaps with summer flowers such as dahlias. Plant the tuber into the ground, ensuring the stem remains above the soil surface. Water thoroughly, and the plant will reward you with spectacular blooms throughout the summer.
3. Perform the "Chelsea Chop"
The "Chelsea chop" is a technique that encourages more flowers later in the season. For plants like Geum that are currently in bloom, cut the faded flower stems right back to the ground. This may leave the plant looking sad for a couple of weeks, but it will produce more flowers at the end of summer. Apply this method to tulips as well to improve their chances of returning next year. Other plants that benefit from the Chelsea chop include sedum, asters, chrysanthemums, helenium, rudbeckia, echinacea, nepeta, penstemon, hardy geraniums, and campanula if they become leggy.
The expert emphasizes that avoiding the common mistake of cutting your lawn too short is crucial. By following these three tasks, you can ensure a beautiful and healthy garden throughout the warmer months.
