Burpham Gardening Club News – May & June 2023

Written by John Boon (Burpham Gardening Club)

The golden rule for this month is to be on guard for a late frost, do not plant out tender bedding plants until the end of the month, otherwise when a sharp frost appears you will be making an expensive return visit to the Nursery or Garden Centre.

The golden rule for this month is to be on guard for a late frost.

Dahlia plants and tubers should not be planted until at least the middle of the month.
Allow Forget-me-nots to set seed before pulling up.
Spray Roses with a systemic insecticide to control Blackspot and Greenfly.

Sweet Peas should be tied to supports as they climb.

Sweet Peas should be tied to supports as they climb.
There is still time to sow Courgettes and Squash, two seeds to a pot for planting out later, sow the seed standing on its edge for better germination.

Make small successional sowings of Salad Crops.

French and Runner beans can now be sown outdoors.
Leeks and Purple Sprouting should be sown for harvesting next winter.
Pinch out the tips of Broad Beans to control Blackfly.
Plant out Tomatoes towards the end of the month, remove side shoots from all types except Bush and small fruited varieties.
Make small successional sowings of Salad Crops.
Continue to mow the lawn frequently, apply a Spring and Summer dressing just before rain is forecast

Prune Spring flowering shrubs such Forsythia and Philadelphus, Magnolias should be left until they are in full leaf.
Fast growing Annuals such as Calendula should be sown where they are to flower.
Pinch out the leading shoots of Chrysanthemum, Helianthus and Fuchsia to encourage bushy growth.
Dead head Delphiniums and Lupins to encourage a second flush of bloom.
Complete the planting of Summer Bedding plants, Cannas, Dahlias and Gladioli.
Early Potatoes which have come into flower are ready for lifting.
Sow French and Runner Beans for a late crop.