With the temperatures rising in the month of May, it’s time to complete some gardening tasks – starting by planting some fruit trees to create your own produce.
May has begun with warmer temperatures, giving gardeners the perfect opportunity for gardeners to make the most of their outdoor spaces before the summer starts. A gardening expert has named the four fruits to plant this month.
Now that the weather has gotten warmer, it’s time to get ahead and complete some gardening tasks. If you’re looking to boost your outdoor spaces by creating your own produce, you might want to consider doing these simple tasks.
According to BBC Gardeners’ World: “Pot-grown fruit trees and shrubs, including fig trees, citrus trees and gooseberries, can be planted all year round. But May is your last opportunity to plant strawberry runners for a chance of a crop this year.”
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Strawberries
The expert shared: “Strawberry runners can be planted outside, and if you keep them well watered in the coming weeks, you should get a small harvest, especially from ever-bearing varieties, which fruit over a longer season.”
Between June and September, gardeners should net the plants, placing a straw or mats around them. Then, remove the netting, clear the straw and begin propagating.
Gooseberries
Gooseberries can also be grown and harvested. They explained: “Pot-grown gooseberries can be planted in May, but bear in mind that the plant may be flowering at this time, so you’ll need to water it regularly to ensure the crop doesn’t fail.”
During dry conditions, it’s recommended to take off any flowers. After planting, mulch around the base with compost to conserve the moisture in the soil.
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Citrus
The good thing about citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons is that they can be planted all year round. The experts explained that citrus trees grow beautifully when they’re sheltered and in direct sunlight. However, gardeners are being advised to remove the fruits from the baby plants, as they require more energy.
By planting these during the spring time, they tend to establish roots better, meaning that they’re likely to suffer during the colder months.
Figs
Although it’s recommended to plan them before May, according to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), planting flowers in May will lead to a harvest in the autumn.
They explained: “Figs grow best in a warm, sheltered spot in full sun. If you plant in the ground, use rubble or submerged paving slabs to restrict root growth, which helps promote fruit production.”
“Pot-grown plants should be well-watered and fed every couple of weeks with tomato food once the fruits start to appear,” they added.
By planting these four fruits, gardeners will have colourful plants all year round. Now that the summer season is around the corner, it’s best to get ahead and make the most of the sunny weather!