After an exceptionally dry spring, there are a few things to pay close attention to in your garden this month—especially when it comes to watering, pest control, and planning for later in the season.
Watering Soft Fruit
Soft fruits – such as strawberries, raspberries, blackcurrants, and loganberries –typically prefer a wetter spring followed by a warm, dry summer. Since spring has been drier than usual, it’s important to water them regularly. Aim to give them a thorough soak twice a week. A light sprinkle won’t be enough—if they don’t get enough moisture now, you may end up with a poor harvest later.
Recovering from Late Frosts
Some gardeners may have lost courgette plants in the unexpected frost a week or so ago. Don’t worry—there’s still plenty of time to re-sow and start again. Courgettes grow quickly in warm conditions.
General Plant Care
If you’ve already planted a lot, now is the time to protect your efforts:
- Weed regularly – catching them while they’re small saves a lot of time later.
- Water well – at least twice a week, especially in dry weather.
- Pots may need daily attention – keep soil moist but not soggy. A good rule of thumb: treat your plants like yourself—they need their thirst to be quenched, not soaked.
Tomatoes: Side-Shooting and Watering
Side-shooting your tomatoes is key to healthy growth. Look for small shoots growing in the ‘armpits’ between the main stem and leaf branches—pinch these out so the plant puts energy into fruit, not foliage. Water well twice a week, giving a deep soak. Let the surface of the soil dry out between waterings to avoid rot.
Annual Flowers: Encourage Growth
If you’ve planted cosmos or other annual flowers and they’re already flowering but still short, pinch off those early blooms. It might feel harsh, but it encourages the plants to grow taller and produce longer-stemmed flowers later in the season.
Now is also a good time to do a second sowing of annuals—cosmos, sunflowers, snapdragons, and dahlias. These will provide a fresh flush of blooms into late summer and autumn.
Pest Control in Dry Conditions
The dry weather has also brought an uptick in pests—greenfly, moths, and more. In small gardens, hand-picking bugs in the evening can be effective. For greenfly on roses, mix a little gentle washing-up liquid (like Ecover) with water in a spray bottle. Spray the insects, then rinse them off carefully using a watering can or hose. Roses will also appreciate plenty of water now to encourage long stems and abundant blooms.
Planning for Late Autumn and Winter
There’s a brief lull in sowing during May, but by the end of the month, it’s time to think ahead. Start planning and sowing for late-autumn and early-winter harvests—leeks, Brussels sprouts, and red cabbage (think Christmas dinner!) If we’re headed for a dry summer, getting these in early will give them time to establish.
You can still sow carrots and parsnips as well—just keep them well watered and free of weeds. And if you’ve raised plants indoors, be sure they’re planted out by the end of May and supported as they grow.