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Welcome Spring: Essential Garden Tips for May 2025

Charlotte Brown on 28-04-2025

May is a truly magical month for gardens across the UK. The days are longer, the temperatures are rising, and everything from roses to runner beans is bursting into life. It’s the perfect time to get outside, roll up your sleeves, and give your garden the care and attention it deserves.

Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or just starting your gardening journey, May offers countless opportunities to refresh your outdoor space. Here are some essential tips and ideas to help you make the most of your garden this spring – and don’t forget to check out some brilliant products we've recommended to make your gardening even easier!

1. Plant Summer Bedding Plants

May is ideal for planting vibrant summer bedding plants once the risk of frost has passed. Think petunias, geraniums, marigolds, and begonias – all adding a riot of colour to beds, borders, and containers.

Tip: Use a high-quality multi-purpose compost to give your plants the best start. Consider investing in colourful hanging baskets to bring vertical interest to patios and porches.

2. Start Your Herb Garden

If you’ve ever dreamed of cooking with your own fresh herbs, now’s the perfect time to plant them. Basil, coriander, parsley, and chives thrive in the warmth of late spring.

Tip: Create a dedicated herb patch with a raised wooden planter or even a few terracotta pots on your kitchen windowsill. Herbs love good drainage and a sunny spot.

3. Lawn Care for a Lush Green Carpet

Your lawn should now be actively growing, so May is the time to give it some extra love. Regular mowing, feeding, and watering will keep it healthy and green throughout the summer.

Tip: Apply a spring/summer lawn fertiliser to encourage strong, vibrant growth. If your lawn is looking patchy, consider overseeding with a reliable grass seed mix.

4. Prep Your Patio and Outdoor Furniture

With barbecues and garden parties just around the corner, now’s the time to get your patio area ready. A good spring clean can work wonders!

Tip: Invest in a power washer for a sparkling patio in minutes. Refresh your outdoor seating area with stylish garden furniture sets and add a few outdoor cushions for extra comfort and colour.

5. Support Wildlife in Your Garden

As nature comes alive in May, it’s also a brilliant time to attract wildlife into your garden. Birds, bees, and butterflies are all looking for food and shelter.

Tip: Install a bird feeder or a bee house to create a wildlife-friendly haven. Native plants like foxgloves and lavender are fantastic for pollinators.

6. Stay on Top of Weeding

Warmer weather means weeds grow just as fast as your prized plants. Keeping on top of them now saves you a lot of trouble later.

Tip: Use a durable garden hoe to make light work of weeding. For stubborn invaders, consider a safe, eco-friendly weed killer.

7. Sow and Grow Vegetables

If you're dreaming of fresh homegrown vegetables this summer, May is the month to sow crops like carrots, beetroot, radishes, and courgettes directly into the soil.

Tip: Try a compact vegetable planter if you’re short on space or want to grow on a balcony. Remember to use organic vegetable seeds for the best results.