May in the Garden...

• 1 Tidy and clear the lawn of debris, leaves and vegetation, even dead grass can be raked away to make room for new growth to access the sunlight
• 2 In dry weather water early and late to get the most out of your water, collecting and recycling water where possible
• 3 Remember to open greenhouse vents and doors on warm days, damp down greenhouse on hot days to increase humidity and deter red spider mites
• 4 Harden off half-hardy plants, leave them outside during the day and bringing them back under cover at night for 7 to 10 days before planting outdoors
• 5 Start planting out summer bedding towards the end of this month in warmer parts of the country
• 6 Plant up your outdoor pots and summer hanging baskets, but keep them in a greenhouse or porch for a few weeks to establish, before putting them outside
• 7 Start sowing runner, dwarf and climbing French beans digging in a good amount of compost or well-rotted farmyard manure to encourage growth
• 8 Check plants regularly for pests paying close attention to shoot tips as well as the underside of leaves which can attract various pests