5 THINGS TO DO IN YOUR GARDEN THIS BANK HOLIDAY

Chelsea Flower Show may be cancelled, but May is arguably the best month in the gardening calendar. So why not make the most of those lighter, brighter days and get your outside space primed for summer with our top gardening tips.

A green gardening book likes in the soil next to a trowel

1. TIDY AND CUT BACK SPRING PLANTS

Now's the time to remove faded spring bedding, such as forget-me-nots and wallflowers, and prune back spring flowering shrubs to encourage next year's growth.

2. SOW ANNUALS FOR COLOUR IN AUTUMN

With the days now longer and warmer and the risk of frost diminishing, you can start to sow seeds directly, ready for a beautiful display come autumn. Try California poppies, zinnias or even an annual meadow.

A pair of gardening scissors sits on top of a book of flowers.

A selection of garden images including pink and green hydrangas

A white wrought iron chair with a pale pink cushion.

A selection of garden images including pink and green hydrangas and a white wrought iron chair with a pale pink cushion.

3. PLANT OUT SUMMER BEDDING

After the last frost, it's time to bring out your summer bedding plants and tender annuals, but make sure you acclimatise them in the garden before you plant them in their final positions.

4. START SUCCESSIONAL PLANTING OF GLADIOLUS BULBS

Add structure, colour and elegance to your border by sowing gladiolus bulbs in succession – you can still buy bulbs from online retailers such as Amazon and B&Q, while many local nurseries are now offering delivery and collection services.

5. PLANT OUT AND SOW VEGETABLES

You can now start to harden off tender young plants like tomatoes, while French beans, carrots, sweetcorn, squash and pumpkins seeds can all be sown directly. Sow in succession so you have a harvest throughout the summer.