Hello, fellow gardeners! It's that wonderful time of the year again when the weather starts to warm up, the flowers are blooming, and everything seems to burst with new life. As the temperature rises, we can spend more time in our gardens, enjoying the fruits of our labour and the beauty of the season. If you haven't started your gardening projects yet, no worries — we've got some handy tips to help you make the most of your garden this May at Hilltop Garden Centre near Clacton-on-Sea in Essex.
Plant Summer Bedding Plants
May is the perfect time to plant summer bedding plants in your garden. These plants are a fantastic way to add vibrant colours and textures to your garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers. Here at Hilltop Garden Centre, Caroline has been planting up a selection of hanging baskets using our quality summer bedding plants, including a selection of (very) locally grown annuals, so pop in and have a browse -you're sure to find the right plants for your space and budget.
When planting, make sure you choose good-quality compost and ensure your plants are well-spaced to allow for growth. Our RocketGro BlackGold Container & Basket Compost is the perfect mix for potting up bedding plants in pots, containers, hanging baskets and planters, and what's more, our 40 litre bags are currently on offer for just £6.99 or 2 bags for £13!
Tip: Remember to water them regularly, especially if the weather is dry, and be wary of planting out too early in the month incase of a late frost. If you're not sure which plants to choose, our team is always on hand to offer gardening advice and ideas.
Plant Peonies, our Plant of the Month!
Peonies are our plant of the month at Hilltop, and there's a good reason why. These vibrant, sweet-scented beauties can transform any garden into a sea of colour and fragrance. Despite their delicate appearance, peonies are hardy and can thrive in UK gardens with proper care.
To grow peonies successfully, plant them in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They prefer rich, loamy soil so consider using our RocketGro Multi Purpose Compost with added John Innes, for the best results. Plant peonies at the same depth as they were in their pots and ensure they have plenty of space to grow. With the right care, they will bloom beautifully throughout May. Pop in to Hilltop Garden Centre and take a look at our range of Peonies.
Prune and Deadhead Plants
May is the time to prune and deadhead your plants to encourage healthy growth and prolong flowering. Deadheading is simple — just remove any faded or dead flowers using a pair of secateurs. This encourages the plant to produce more blooms and keeps your garden looking tidy.
For shrubs and bushes, light pruning can help shape the plant and encourage new growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging the plants. If you're unsure about which plants to prune, our team at Hilltop Garden Centre in Clacton on Sea can guide you.
Plant Perennials
May is the perfect time to plant perennials. Why? Well, the weather is warming up, the risk of frost is passing, and your garden is ready to burst with new life. Perennials like Foxgloves, Echinacea, and Hollyhock are excellent choices for adding colour, texture, and height to your garden.
These plants are hardy, meaning they'll return year after year, growing more vibrant each time. Foxgloves bring dramatic spikes of flowers, Echinacea offers bold, daisy-like blooms, and Hollyhock adds a touch of cottage-garden charm. All are ideal for UK gardens and attract bees and butterflies, enhancing your garden's ecosystem.
At Hilltop, we are currently offering perennial multi-buys at £4.99 each or 3 for £12, making it easier than ever to create a beautiful garden that flowers year after year. What's more, this month we're giving away a free Perennial worth £4.99 to our Rewards Club members when they spend £10 or more in-store! Join our Rewards Club here and don't miss out on our freebies ever again.
Control Garden Pests
As the weather warms up, garden pests can become a problem. Keep an eye out for aphids, slugs, and snails, which can damage your plants. There are organic ways to control pests, such as using companion planting or introducing beneficial insects like ladybirds. Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves strategically placing different plant species together to enhance growth, deter pests, and improve overall garden health. By understanding which plants have mutually beneficial relationships, gardeners can create a more harmonious and productive garden. For example, planting marigolds alongside tomatoes can help deter harmful insects, while beans can add nitrogen to the soil for neighbouring plants. Companion planting not only fosters a more balanced ecosystem but also reduces the need for synthetic pesticides and fertilisers, contributing to a more sustainable and organic approach to gardening.
However, if you need more robust solutions, we have a range of pest control products at Hilltop Garden Centre Essex. Our team can recommend the best options to suit your garden and ensure the safety of pets and children.
Cosy Up Your Outdoor Living Space
With the warmer weather, it's time to get your outdoor living space ready for family gatherings and barbecues. Clean and set up your garden furniture, and consider adding some outdoor lighting for evening entertainment, such as our vintage searchlight electric heater, on sale this May for just £261 - a saving of £88! Adding container plants to your patio or deck can create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Don't forget to check out our garden centre with a cafe for a refreshing break while you shop for your garden needs. We have everything you need to make your outdoor space inviting and comfortable, from furniture to lighting and everything in between.
We hope these tips help you enjoy your garden this May. If you have any questions or need more advice, visit Hilltop Garden Centre. We're here to help make your garden bloom brighter. Happy gardening!
