Richard Jackson's gardening jobs for May

Hi! There's so much happening in the garden right now, and with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show taking place this week, in May you really see gardening at its best!

Here are some of the jobs I'd recommend doing now:

Patio plants

The key to creating a spectacular patio display is remembering to water, feed, and dead-head your bedding plants.

• Water plants regularly to allow for May's warmer temperatures.

• Feed plants regularly with a high potash fertiliser to boost the number of flowers.

• Dead-head your plants once the flowers have finished to stop them from going to seed.

Lawn

Give your lawn a summer feed in May and you'll really see the difference later. By feeding your lawn now, not only will it be greener, it will put down a better root system - vital if we have any droughts this summer.

Kitchen garden

It's a really fun time in your kitchen garden at the moment because you can plant so many things. I like to put out runner beans, which are delicious and easy to grow. Rather than buy complete plants, it's better value (and just as straight forward) to grow runner bean seeds.

1. You can grow the runner beans in a wigwam of canes, or along a length of cane.

2. Plant the seeds about 1.5" deep.

3. I like to grow sweet peas with my runner beans because not only do they look pretty, the sweet pea flowers attract bees that help pollinate the runner beans flowers and ensure you get a better crop.

Something else you can grow is tomatoes - a fruit I'm mad about! Here's a handy tip: grow pots of basil next to your tomato plants to keep away whitefly - a common tomato pest. The herb's smell repels the whitefly, plus basil is a perfect at meal times.

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Comments

[maria trainor]

could you please tell me why most of my buzzie lizzys are dying?

[maureen moore]

Hello Richard,

I have bought many plants from you over the past few years, however, I bought the Peony Bushes/Trees which were the TSV earlier this year, they started to grow very well, even got large buds on them but sadly they didnt flower, what have I done wrong ? I have used your plant food and looked after them very well, can you help please.
I have a lovely display of lilies, they are stunning and smell lovely everyone has commented on them, and the crop is much bigger than last year, thank you for bringing them to qvc Richard.

[angela]

Dear Richard
I have a jasmine that grows wonderfully every year. (fiona sunrise). However, she never flowers!
I have read so much reading matter, followed all advice but still no flowers. She has her own corner of the garden in full sun and the foliage is spectacular.
Can you please help?

[Susan Bell]

Hi Richard
My Abutilon Jermyns doesn't seem to be doing very well. The leaves are turning yellow. It's in a large pot, multi purpose compost, used root booster, spray with Spray & Grow and I feed with Flower Power. What am I doing wrong? It was an expensive plant so I don't want to lose it.

Many thanks and kind regards
Susan

[Gloria]

hello richard
I have a mini Malus Domestica Apple Tree that grows to approximately 150cm.
I have it in a round wooden barrel 59 X 43cm deep on the patio.
It has blossomed but the tiny fruits seem to be falling off, could you please advise me as to what I am doing wrong.
Thank you.
May I also add how much I enjoy your programme I have picked up a lot of little ideas from you, and also the plants have always been excellent. I have just received the new blue bizzie lizzie and I can't wait to see it in all its glory.
cheers richard look forward to your next programme.
regards Gloria

[jocelyn barksby]

can you please advise me how I can keep cats off my garden we sick of pick up their mess!!!!

[Doreen Catchpole]

Richard

Awhile ago on one of your programmes a gentleman asked you if your' Flower Power' could be used in a feeder spray system. and what would be the quantity of Flower Power required. Is there an answer to this query? As I have a large garden and use your Flower Power, it would be more convenient to use my feeder sprayer.

[Paula]

Richard,
I bought sweet tomato today special value but was unable to collect parsel for few days. I watered plants before planting in bags and pouches. I placed them outside and they were healthy for few days. I used root booster and flower power but they all seem to be dying. I wanted to know what i've done wrong.

[Emma]

Richard

I have a standard ceanothus in a very large pot. Last year it flowered beautifully and this year it's started to lose it's leaves, and there are no flowers. Can you advise what might be causing this please?

Thank you.