Tasks for May
Fuchsias will be growing strongly this month.
Cuttings and new stock can be acquired. Spray against pests. Feed plants and pinch out growing tips for bushy growth. Greenhouses need some form of shading this month and plants should be turned regularly to promote even growth. Take precautions against any late frosts.
Now is the time to acclimatise your plants to their life outside. Bring them out of the greenhouse, or where ever you have been keeping them for the winter whenever possible. If the weather is reasonable leave them out for longer periods, but be careful if there is a cold spell, some varieties will burn if they get too cold. Marinka is a good example of this happening. Towards the end of the month it should be warm enough for you to leave them outside permanently. Plants in pots or baskets will need to be watered every day, even if it has rained. Heavy rain will not water them. Feed either with quarter strength daily, or full strength once a week, with Miracle-Gro. Now more than ever check plants for pests and spray accordingly, using the manufacturers guidelines.
