Garden Notes for May 2023.

More and more is being talked about water as a resource and it is likely that at some point restrictions on water use will mean thinking hard about using this precious resource more efficiently. A local gardener who grows a lot under a poly-tunnel said that he finds the plastic 2 & 4 litre milk containers are an extremely good way of delivering water down to a depth of over 12”. The secret is to put the container in the ground having first made a small hole in the bottom of the container. Then fill it with water, and screw the cap back on. The water will then gradually filter out and keep the roots moist, which is where it does most good. Plants that will need this attention include runner beans, sweet peas, tomatoes and courgettes.

May is a good month to divide primulas and polyanthus after they have flowered, move any that are badly placed (in full sun for example). Plant out sweet peas sown last autumn, and sow some more at the base of the supports to keep a succession going.

Remember that frost is still a threat, so be careful about planting out tender plants, especially in exposed areas of the garden. Better to wait until June. Sow biennials like Canterbury bells and Sweet William. Fast growing hardy annuals such as calendula, clarkia, cornflower, and nasturtium can also be sown, but do it early in the month.

In unheated greenhouses or coldframes, now is the time to sow basil, calabrese, summer cauliflower, French and runner beans, kale, lettuces, parsley and sprouting broccoli. Put up supports for runner beans and late peas, but make sure that they will not shade out sun-loving neighbours. Remember to continue to earth up potatoes to protect them from frost and to encourage more tubers. It is also the way to stop the tubers from going green. If they become exposed to sunlight, that’s exactly what they will do.

Sow courgettes and marrow at a minimum temperature of 18ºC. Keep potting-on tomatoes as they outgrow their pots until they are in the final growing spot.

Direct sow beetroot, winter cabbage and maincrop carrots

If a frost is forecast, protect the flowers of strawberries with fleece.

The Horticultural Society will be having their Plant Sale on Saturday 13 th May in the Village Hall. This is an opportunity to replenish those plants that did not survive the winter. Doors open at 10 a.m. and plants are sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Supplies are limited so a prompt attendance is strongly recommended.