May is one of the busiest months in the garden, as summer approaches. Planting out bedding and regular lawn mowing can begin as the temperature increases but be sure to protect seedlings from any overnight frost.

• Earth up potatoes by drawing soil up around the stems to create a ridge. As the stems continue to grow, repeat this process. This will protect early shoots against frost damage but also ensure that the potatoes that are growing are not exposed to light, which will turn them green.

• Deadhead tulips and daffodils & apply Vitax Organic Liquid Seaweed to encourage a good display next year. Allow foliage to die down naturally.

• Tie in new shoots of climbing plants such as clematis and wisteria to their supports. Put plant supports in place for herbaceous plants before they are too tall.

• Plant out Summer bedding after the last frost and remove faded Spring bedding and add to your compost bin.

• Harden off tender plants grown indoors but bring them back indoors overnight to protect from frost.

• Prune Spring flowering shrubs after flowering, to keep them compact.

• Liquid feed plants in containers with Tub and Hanging Basket feed every two to four weeks. Pot on plants showing signs of being root bound. Check for vine weevil in the rootball (creamy, orange-headed maggots).

• Inspect lilies for the scarlet lily beetle and gooseberries for sawfly. Both can strip a plant in days. Spray with Provanto.

• Protect new growth from slugs and snails.

• Apply Evergreen Complete to fertilise lawns and control moss and weeds. Neudorff Cleanlawn is a good organic alternative lawn fertiliser and mosskiller. Lawn seed can still be sown with good results.

• Protect carrots with enviromesh to prevent carrot root fly.

• Put up codling moth traps in apple trees.

• Sow spring bedding such as wallflowers & pansies from now onwards, for spring bedding next year.