Get Your Garden Ready for Summer Entertaining:
Key Jobs to Tackle in May
As the days get longer and warmer, May is the perfect month to get your garden in shape for summer gatherings. Whether you’re planning barbecues, family get‑togethers or simply want a relaxing and appealing outdoor space, a little preparation now will ensure your garden looks its best all season.
These are the key jobs to tick off in May that will ensure your garden is summer-ready, so that you can sit back and enjoy it when the hot weather arrives!
Give Your Lawn a Fresh Start for Summer
A well‑kept lawn instantly elevates your garden, and May brings ideal growing conditions making it the perfect time to revive tired grass.
- Mow regularly to encourage thicker, healthier growth (unless you are following No Mow May)
- Trim lawn edges for a clean, defined look
- Repair bare patches with seed or turf
- Apply a spring/summer feed to boost colour and resilience
- Water deeply during dry spells to support new growth (subject to water restrictions)
A reliable mower is essential at this time of year. If your mower is struggling after winter storage, pop it to our showroom for service or repair – booking is only needed for ride-ons or collections.
For larger lawns or occasional use, you can also hire a mower from us – ideal for one‑off tidy‑ups or if you’re waiting on repairs.
Shape Hedges and Shrubs (With Wildlife in Mind)
Neatly trimmed hedges and shrubs create structure and instantly make your garden feel more polished. May is the perfect time for light shaping, but always check for nesting birds before cutting.
Quick wins:
- Lightly trim evergreen hedges
- Shape shrubs to open up space and improve airflow
- Remove winter damaged or diseased growth
- Avoid heavy cutting until any nesting birds have gone
Refresh Patios, Paths, and Decking
Outdoor entertaining means guests will be moving around your garden, so now’s the time to make hard surfaces safe and attractive.
Quick wins:
- Remove moss and algae to prevent slipping
- Clear weeds from between paving slabs
- Sweep and wash decking
- Pressure wash patios for a bright, clean finish
Reclaim Overgrown Areas
Every garden has a corner that gets ignored until guests are due. May is the ideal time to tackle it before growth becomes unmanageable.
Quick wins:
- Strim long grass and rough patches
- Cut back brambles and overgrown shrubs
- Remove dead plants and debris
- Add mulch to borders for a tidy, finished look
A strimmer or brushcutter makes clearing overgrown areas fast and efficient. Chat to us about our range in-store, or what we have for hire.
Prepare Garden Furniture and Outdoor Features
Once the greenery is sorted, it’s time to focus on the elements that make your garden welcoming.
Quick wins:
- Clean and oil wooden furniture
- Wash outdoor cushions and parasols
- Check BBQ burners, gas bottles, and accessories
- Add solar lights or lanterns for evening ambience
- Refresh pots and planters with summer bedding
These finishing touches make your garden feel ready for guests.
Make Sure Your Garden Machinery Is Summer Ready
Finally, with mowing, trimming, and tidying all increasing in May, it’s important to ensure your equipment is in top condition.
Quick wins:
- If you haven’t already, book a mower service before the summer rush.
- Sharpen blades for cleaner, healthier cuts
- Replace worn spark plugs, filters, and belts
- Get repairs sorted early to avoid mid season breakdowns.
Our Tadley workshop handles servicing and repairs for all major garden machinery brands, helping you keep your equipment running smoothly all summer long.
