May is the moment to prep gardens for summer. Here are easy, practical steps, including plant choices that help bees and butterflies.
With warmer weather already making an appearance and summer officially arriving next month, May is a crucial time for homeowners to get their gardens in shape ahead of summer.. From simple maintenance jobs to easy upgrades, the work done now can make all the difference in how your outdoor space looks and functions in the months ahead.. Christopher Murphy MBE, founder of Dunster House, garden building specialist, shares six garden jobs to get done in
May to ensure your garden is at its peak during the summer months.. Garden jobs to get done in May Deep clean patios, decking and fencing Algae, grime and mildew can build up on patios, decking and fencing over the winter months, leaving some with a less-than-attractive green hue.. As the weather steadily improves and time in your garden increases, it’s a good idea to give these surfaces a deep clean to set up your
surroundings for summer.. You’ll need a stiff brush or pressure washer, a suitable outdoor cleaner, and protective treatments for wood or stone.. Start by clearing debris, then wash surfaces thoroughly, paying attention to joints, ridges and corners where dirt can easily accumulate.. Once dry, apply a sealant or wood treatment to protect against summer weather and heavy use.. Refresh and upgrade garden buildings After a long, cold winter, refreshing your garden buildings with a new
coat of paint or stain is one of the simplest ways to upgrade their appearance and extend their lifespan.. You’ll need exterior wood paint or preserver, brushes or a roller, and basic prep tools like sandpaper and a cleaning solution.. Start by clearing and cleaning surfaces, removing any dirt or flaking paint, then lightly sand the surface to create a smooth base.. Once prepped, apply a fresh, weatherproof coating evenly, choosing a colour that complements
your garden’s style or helps expand the space if you have a small garden, such as soft natural greens, light neutrals or cold greys.. Once the exterior is dry, enhance the interior with simple additions such as shelving for organisation or lighting to make the space more practical.. Support wildlife and pollinators Bees, butterflies and other pollinators are essential not only for biodiversity but also for improving flowering and crop yields in your garden.. To
support them, opt for pollinator-friendly plants such as lavender, alliums and wildflowers, which provide rich sources of nectar and pollen throughout the season; however, if you have pets or young children, make sure you research the toxicity of the plants you choose before adding them to your garden.. Some highly toxic plants to be aware of include: Foxgloves Lily of the Valley Oleander Hydrangea Wisteria Rhododendron Azalea It’s also beneficial to include a shallow water
source for wildlife such as birds, hedgehogs and bees.. The RSPB advises changing the water daily and cleaning containers weekly to help prevent the spread of disease.. Sow summer harvest vegetables and fruit Sowing in May allows crops to take full advantage of warmer soil and longer daylight hours, leading to better yields.. Prepare seed trays or garden beds, quality compost, and appropriate seeds for the season.. Vegetables such as runner beans, French beans, courgettes,
carrots, beetroot, lettuce and sweetcorn all thrive at this time of year.. For fruit, consider strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and even melons in warmer or sheltered spots.. Follow packet, or label (if you are buying plants), instructions for spacing and depth, water consistently, and protect young seedlings from pests, such as slugs and birds.. Start your lawn care Early lawn care sets the foundation for a thick, healthy lawn that can withstand summer use.. From May,
aim to mow weekly, but never remove more than a third of the blade height at a time, as cutting too short can stress the grass and encourage weeds.. Apply a seasonal feed, address any bare patches, and aerate compacted areas if needed.. Consistent lawn maintenance now prevents patchiness and improves resilience, giving you a plush lawn throughout the summer.. If you’re taking part in No Mow May, consider leaving some areas of your lawn
to grow longer to support pollinators, while maintaining high-traffic sections as needed.. This balanced approach allows you to boost biodiversity without compromising the usability of your outdoor space.. Improve shed and garden building ventilation Sheds, summer houses and greenhouses can be highly versatile spaces, whether used for storage, hobbies or relaxation.. Improving ventilation helps you get more consistent use out of them throughout the year by creating a more comfortable and balanced environment inside.. Good
airflow plays a key role in regulating temperature, preventing spaces from becoming overly warm in direct sunlight, while also helping to reduce moisture build-up during cooler or wetter conditions.. With the right ventilation in place, these structures can remain practical and enjoyable to use across changing seasons.. Simple measures are often effective, such as adding vents or making better use of windows and doors to encourage natural cross-ventilation.. In greenhouses, roof vents and automatic openers
can help manage temperature more efficiently, while shade netting in greenhouses can provide additional comfort and plant protection on particularly warm days.. Start by ensuring existing airflow points are clear, then build on this with additional ventilation where needed to maintain a steady flow of fresh air.