Summer Bedding
With the danger of frost soon to pass it’s time to start sowing and planting out summer bedding in tubs (milder areas) which, is best done at this time of the month, but wait till June in colder areas.
Why not also plant out stunning dahlias and cannas to add variety to your gardens appearance. If you’re a forward planner, between now and July you can also think about starting your own spring/winter bedding with wallflowers, Bellis Perennis & pansies in time for next year.
Dealing with unwanted pests
Keeping vegetables healthy and producing a good yield is just as important as with flowers, so keep an eye out for unwanted pests & diseases. Things to look for include: asparagus beetles, which should be hand picked off, flea beetles, which produce small holes on brassica seedlings, carrot root fly on carrots (use insect proof mesh to protect them), brassica downy mildew & grey mould, should be dealt with by picking off yellowing leaves promptly. Also look out for capsid bug & apple sawfly, blossom wilt, spur blight, cane blight and cane spot on hybrid berries, blackberries & raspberries (also raspberry rust and bud mite). The key is protection and maintenance, keep plants well watered to help growth & put up protection and control against birds, slugs and weeds through the summer months.
RHS Garden Wisley’s Activities for May half-term
Bring along the children this half-term 24 May – 1 June, to RHS Garden Wisley and enjoy the fun filled activities in store. See the competition entries for Budding Gardeners and vote for your favourite to win. Take part in crafting activities such as making native tree masks or building bug hotels, sowing and growing plants & bird of prey displays that are set to amaze all. Also join the daily Tree Huggers Trails where you can discover information about the oldest and tallest trees in the garden, so there’s plenty on offer to keep you going throughout the holiday.
Beekeepers Open Weekend
For something different RHS Garden Harlow Carr in North Yorkshire will be holding a special ‘Beekeepers Open Weekend’ event for all the family between 10am and 4pm, from 31 May- 1 June. The Ripon & Harrogate Bee Keepers association will be on hand to run a handful of demonstrations and skilled crafts such as honey extraction, candle & skep making, microscopy along with activities children can do with bees. You can also view and learn about the RHS Harlow Carr bees with demonstrations & talks, at selected times and located at the bee observation hive.
Listen to the latest RHS podcast
Listen to our latest podcast, where we offer seasonal information, you can hear tips on growing fruit and veg, and get up-to-the-minute help and advice.
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