Marvellous May! Our outdoor spaces are springing into life in such a welcoming way.  The warmth has returned to the soil, the laziest of hibernating plants have been jolted into life and the bare branches are smothered in fresh, young foliage. It's a time to look forward to a long succession of flower, colour, sunshine and showers and many happy hours gardening and here are just a few ideas of where to start . . .

1. Prune spring-flowering Clematis, such as Clematis armandii and alpina after flowering to neaten shape and maintain good plant health.  Treat yourself to a new summer flowering Clematis that is perfect for growing up an obelisk in a container on the patio.  Clematis Daiyu, Esme, Chantilly, Ice Blue, Kingfisher, Rebecca to name just a few.

    

2. Deadhead your tulips to give them the best chance of repeat displays next year.  By deadheading, all the plants energy will be put back into the bulb rather than into seed, giving them a boost for next year.

3. May is a great time to plant new shrubs and trees.  Keep them well watered in warm periods during the first year when the roots are establishing. Click here for summer flowering trees and shrubs.

        

4. Deadhead Camellias, Azaleas and Rhododendrons and prune to shape if necessary after flowering has finished.

        

5. Give your perennials with tall stems (such as Delphinium) or heavy flowers (Paeonia)  good support before they get too big. Stake, support and tie in where necessary.

6. Treat yourself to some fresh new perennials for an extra pop of colour this summer .  .  . Delphium, Lupin, Echinacea, Achillea, Alstromeria, Geum, Sanguisorba, Nepeta, Penstemon, Salvia, Monarda, Aster, Phlox, Campanula, Erigeron, and Geranium to name just a few!.

      

7.  Start feeding your containers and nutrient hungry plants, such as Clematis for healthier and bigger displays.  Go organic this year with a natural fertiliser liquid made from 100% plants.  PlantGrow Natural Fertiliser Liquid is organic, vegan and pet safe and is best watered directly around the base of the plants.

8. Think about planting up summer hanging baskets and containers when the risk of frosts is over.  Ideal for adding a vibrant splash of colour and height to the front and back of your garden. If you haven't planted your own baskets before, then check out our easy guide. If time is short however, we have a range of fully planted baskets available now.

    

9. Start hardening off tender plants ready for planting out towards the end of the month.

10. Grow your own tomatoes this year.  Come along to the Plantery at the end of the month and pick yourself up a Grow Bag and one of our favourite varieties, such as Gardener's Delight or Sungold. 

11. Get sowing :)  Beetroot, Radish, Carrots, Spinach and other salad leaves can now all be sown directly outdoors on a little and often basis to ensure continual supply. Pumpkins, courgettes and squashes towards the end of the month (or now if keeping inside for a few weeks).  Check out our fantastic range of KINGS seeds here.

12.  Protect the environment and wildlife by setting beer-traps for slugs instead of using pellets or use PlantGrow's  slug and snail barrier, which is 100% environmentally friendly.

13. Harvest Aspargus spears when approx 15cm tall, cutting below soil level.

14. Keep lawns looking great by regular cutting with blades set at a medium to high setting. Apply nitrogen-rich lawn feed, re-seed bare patches.

15. Give perennials, such as Monarda, Rudbeckia and Veronicastrum the 'Chelsea Chop.  This will encourage shorter, bushier growth with more flowers later in the season. 

   

16.  Prune spring flowering shrubs, such as Forsythia and Ribes after flowering has finished to maintain health and good shape.

17.  Make your outdoor space a magnet for butterflies and other pollinating insects by adding a few nectar-rich flowers.  Click here for plant suggestions.

18. Watch out for red lily beetles on lilies and asparagus.  The best time to catch them is in the early evening.

19.  Plant up a herb pot and enjoy using fresh herbs in your kitchen all summer long.  Plant with Sylvagrow compost and some horticultural grit to improve drainage, and place in a nice sunny position.

20. It's nearly time to plant out Dahlias.  Start hardening off your plants, ensuring they are brought under protection if a late frost is forecast.  Dahlias are perfect for giving the WOW factor to containers and borders.  Check out our full range here, before they get snapped up!

      

21.  Keep a keen eye on new shoots (especially roses) for aphids and treat with sb invigorator where necessary.

22. Sow hardy annuals now, such as Nasurtium, Nigella or go for an Annual Mix or why not create a wildlife haven by adding some wildflowers into an area of grass that can be keep long.

23. Treat yourself to some fresh air in the sunny outdoors.  Visit Langthorns, treat yourself to a selection of Chelsea favourites, and why not combine with a NGS garden visit or local outdoor pub lunch.