GARDENING IN WALES

Gold Affiliates Wanted!

May:- General Tasks.

Thin out and Stake Herbaceous Perennials: it is usually a mistake not to prune or thin out herbaceous perennials, especially with such plants as delphiniums and Michaelmas daisies. Retain only the sturdiest shoots and cut off the rest. Stake to bamboo before they become too long and floppy. Lean stakes outward from clump slightly to catch later growth.

Thin out Rose Growth: Pinch out young shoots that could 'crowd' the centre of the plant later on. Spray with nicotine, malathion, derris or lindane. If the leaves have already folded use menazon.

Keep a Watch for Greenfly: They will probably appear this month. Don't let them get a hold or it will be much more difficult if the leaves curl.

Kill Slugs: Use proprietary treatments or make your own by mixing 1oz. metaldehyde with 3 lbs. bran. Place this in small heaps where slugs have been feeding.

Use Lawn Sand on Weedy Lawns: Or sulphate of ammonia ( spread evenly, but not more than 15g / m²) or a proprietary brand. Repeat as necessary.

Thin out Chrysanthemum Growths:

Plant Aquatics: May is the best month for this.

Feed Plants in Full Growth: Herbaceous plants that are growing freely will benefit from one or two more applications of a quick-acting fertilizer and some soakings with weak liquid manure.

Make Liquid Manure: with a small bag of manure, suspended from a stick in a tub or bucket.

Enjoy your garden!

 Last Updated: June 23, 2008