MAY CLIPPINGS

PLANT OUT HALF-HARDY BEDDING PLANTS

after the danger of frost has passed. These come out of covered areas or greenhouses, so enable them to harden off or acclimatise to wind and weather by standing them out for a few days before planting in beds and containers.

TREAT POTTED AGAPANTHUS

to a slow-release fertiliser, or pot them on to a larger container. Older plants can be divided, by cutting between the growths using an old kitchen knife, before pulling them apart.

CUT SOME LATE-FLOWERING PERENNIALS

by about half, or stagger the cuts, leaving some stems long. This is known as the ‘Chelsea Chop’, because the RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in the third week of May. Plants should deliver compact growth and a longer flowering period.

PLANT SWEETCORN, FRENCH AND RUNNER BEANS

and both summer squash (marrows, courgettes and patty pans) and winter squash, including pumpkins. They all enjoy deep, rich soil and need protection from late frosts.

INSTALL A MAXIMUM/MINIMUM THERMOMETER

in the greenhouse and open doors and vents to prevent temperatures over 32˚C.
Consider lightly shading the south-facing side. Wetted sheep’s wool garden felt (chimneysheep.co.uk) under small pots helps prevent drying out.

DEAD HEAD SPENT TULIPS GROWING IN CONTAINERS

but leave them until their foliage has died down (plant them in a bed if the pot is needed). They rarely give as reliable a display in their second year, so dry bulbs off and replant in November to long grass under apple trees or in borders.