May is arguably the most beautiful month in the Hampshire garden — the season at its freshest, before summer heat and drought take hold. It is also the month when the final frost risk disappears and it becomes safe to plant out tender summer bedding. A productive May means a brilliant June, July and August.
May Planting Opportunities
After the last frost date (typically early to mid-May in Hampshire), a huge range of tender plants can go outside. This is also prime time for new turf laying and border planting.
- Plant out tender bedding — petunias, geraniums, begonias, verbena
- Dahlia tubers can be planted outside from early May
- Plant hanging baskets once frost risk has passed
- This is an ideal month for new turf laying
- Plant summer-flowering perennials for immediate impact
- Direct sow annual flowers — nasturtiums, cosmos, sunflowers
Lawn Care in May
May requires regular mowing — ideally every 5–7 days to keep the lawn looking its best. If the weather turns dry, raise the cutting height slightly to reduce stress on the grass. May is a good time to feed the lawn if April feed was not applied.
Maintenance Priorities
Keep on top of weeding — annual weeds set seed rapidly in May and each plant that seeds can produce hundreds of future weeds. Deadhead tulips and spring bulbs. Water all new plantings until they establish, particularly in the increasingly dry Mays Hampshire experiences.
A&T Landscapes is at its busiest in May — lawn laying, planting, maintenance. Book early to secure your slot. Call 07735 916029 today.