This Month

May

What's On in May

Cockchafer beetle on a flower

Cockchafer beetle, or May bug
(Melolontha melolontha)

Garden Tasks for May

  • Sow maize (sweetcorn), runner beans and french beans indoors/greenhouse in modules ready for planting when risk of frost has passed. Maize should be planted out as a block of at least 12 plants for good wind pollination.

  • Sow pumpkin, squash, courgette and cucumber, seeds under cover.

  • Plant greenhouse tomato plants in beds or growing bags.

  • Sow beetroot, chard, carrot, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and calabrese seeds directly into the ground.

  • Remove strawberry runners so that plants invest in fruit rather than offsets.

  • Prune spring flowering shrubs, such as Japanese quince (Chaenomeles) and forsythia once the flowers have dropped.

  • Plant out dahlia tubers after risk of frost has passed.

  • Harden off tender plants raised indoors or under glass.

  • Remember to check for birds nests before you start any hedge cutting or pruning.

JeffIf you think there is something that should be added to this month's events or to-do list, please let me know.
Maize seedlings

Maize seedlings (Zea mays)

For the Upper Nar area, there is usually a risk of frost up until the last week of April.

If you are buying seeds, remember UNG members get 50% discount at Dobies. See your email or the Community forum.