A month full of promise for gardening in May. Temperatures are rising, the days are getting longer and nature is fully awakening from its winter hibernation. This is the time to prepare your garden for a lush summer. Although there are numerous tasks to accomplish, the main emphasis this month is on weeding and planting new crops after the Ice Saints.
The Importance of Weeding
With the emergence of warmer days and abundant sunshine, weeds are also beginning to grow in abundance again. May is the month par excellence when weeds take a big growth spurt due to the ideal combination of warmth and humidity. This means that weeding is now more important than ever. If you control weeds now, you prevent them from taking over later in the season and crowding out your carefully planted flowers and vegetables.
Weeds compete with your plants for nutrients, water and sunlight. If you don’t remove it in time, your crops weaken and are less productive. In addition, weeds provide hiding places for pests and diseases. So a weekly tour of your garden to weed out weeds is essential.
Sneeboer: The Best Tools for Weeding
Weeding weeds is a lot more enjoyable and efficient with garden tools from Sneeboer. We offer a wide range of top-quality hand-forged garden tools. Whether you opt for a sharp hoe, a practical weed cutter or a versatile hoe, Sneeboer has it all. These tools are designed to get the job done easily while relieving your body, making gardening an enjoyable experience.
Ice Saints: The Green Light for Plants
Another important aspect of gardening in May is to wait for the Ice Saints before putting certain plants in the ground. The Ice saints, a period that usually falls between 11 and 14 May, marks the end of the chance of night frosts. This is a crucial time for gardeners, as young plants and seedlings are very vulnerable to frost damage.
After the Ice Saints, it is safe to plant frost-prone plants – such as tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and annual flowers like petunias and geraniums. It is also the ideal time to plant summer-flowering plants such as dahlias and gladioli. By waiting until after this period, you give your plants the best chance to develop well without the threat of cold nights.
Getting started with planting and care
Now that the danger of frost has passed, you can start planting your summer crops with enthusiasm. Make sure you prepare the soil properly. Loosen it with a rake or fork and enrich it with compost or other organic fertiliser. This will ensure your plants get a good start with enough nutrients and good rooting.
Another thing we highly recommend carrying out in May is mulching. What is mulching? Find out from the experts over at Sloane & Sons Garden Benches.
Sneeboer: The best garden tools for plants
For planting, Sneeboer offers a range of specialised tools that any gardener will appreciate. For small transplanting jobs, the freshening spoon is ideal. For transplanting young plants and flowers, use the transplanting shovel. For bigger jobs, there is the transplanting spade. These tools are not only functional, but also durable and ergonomically designed. This allows you to work with ease and precision. This is just the tip of the iceberg of what Sneeboer has to offer in terms of garden tools.
Don’t forget to enjoy!
Although there is a lot of work to be done in May, it is also a month to enjoy the first fruits of your labour. The first flowers begin to bloom and the garden fills with life. Take time to enjoy the peace and beauty of your garden. Also use these moments to plan and dream about the months ahead.
With the right care and attention in May, you will lay a solid foundation for a thriving and productive garden that will provide enjoyment all summer long. So put on your gloves, grab your gardening tools and enjoy the satisfaction gardening has to offer in this beautiful month.