Jobs in the Garden May 2025

Essential Gardening Jobs for May in the UK

May is a transformative month in the garden, with warmer temperatures and longer days encouraging plants to thrive. With summer just around the corner, it’s time to focus on planting, maintenance, and keeping on top of rapid growth. Here are the key gardening tasks to complete in May:

1. Lawn Care

• Mow the lawn regularly, lowering the cutting height to achieve a neat finish.

• Feed the lawn with a general-purpose fertiliser to encourage lush growth.

• Edge the lawn for a crisp, tidy appearance.

2. Planting and Sowing

• Plant out summer bedding plants like petunias, marigolds, and geraniums after the risk of frost has passed.

• Sow biennials such as foxgloves and wallflowers for next year’s display.

• Direct sow vegetables including carrots, beetroot, spinach, and salad crops.

• Harden off tender plants like tomatoes, courgettes, and cucumbers before planting them outside.

3. Pruning and Deadheading

• Deadhead spring flowers like tulips and daffodils but leave the foliage to die back naturally.

• Prune early-flowering shrubs such as forsythia and chaenomeles to maintain their shape.

• Trim back any overgrown perennials to keep them in check.

4. Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly hoe or hand-weed to keep unwanted growth under control.

• Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Remove invasive weeds like bindweed and ground elder before they spread.

5. Greenhouse and Indoor Plants

• Ventilate greenhouses during the day to prevent overheating.

• Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and whiteflies.

• Start feeding container plants and hanging baskets with liquid fertiliser to promote healthy blooms.

6. Supporting Wildlife

• Provide fresh water for birds and pollinators.

• Leave some wild areas to encourage beneficial insects.

• Plant nectar-rich flowers like foxgloves, lavender, and alliums to support bees and butterflies.

7. General Maintenance

• Install stakes and supports for climbing plants such as sweet peas and runner beans.

• Keep garden furniture clean and ready for summer use.

• Regularly water newly planted flowers and vegetables, especially in dry weather.

May is a wonderful time to enjoy the garden, with new growth appearing daily. By keeping up with these essential tasks, you'll ensure a thriving and beautiful outdoor space throughout the summer months. Happy gardening!