UK households told to plant this one summer flower in gardens this May

An expert has shared their spring gardening tips to create a blossoming garden in time for summer

Households in the UK are being urged to plant one specific flower in their gardens this May to get a beautiful display in time for summer. With the weather picking up across the country, May is the prime time to head outside and get your spring gardening jobs done.

According to a wildlife and gardening expert, May is all about keeping on top of your garden maintenance, intentional planting, and supporting wildlife during one of the busiest times of the year in the gardening calendar.

James Ewens at Green Feathers has revealed the essential jobs to tick off this month for a thriving summer garden, including the best time to plant sunflowers.

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“Spring is in full swing, and now is the perfect time to enjoy our gardens and start making the most of them – whether for relaxing, just pottering around, being green-fingered, hosting family and friends, bird watching, or doing some spring summer gardening,” explains James.

“May is when gardens really come into their own,” explains James. “Everything is growing fast, lawns need regular care, and it’s a fantastic time to plant flowers and vegetables that will reward you throughout the summer months.”

James explains that being proactive in May doesn’t require an exhaustive list, a few simple jobs can support our gardens and the wildlife in it: “You don’t need to overwhelm yourself with jobs in May, with a handful of key tasks – like watering, planting, mowing and supporting outdoor creatures, you and your wildlife friends, are all set for a thriving summer outside.”

What to plant in May

According to James, May is one of the best months for planting as the risk of frost is slim and the soil is starting to warm up. May is the perfect time to fill beds, borders, and containers with colourful summer flowers and start growing your own food.

“May is ideal for creating edible gardens; you can sow vegetables outdoors like beetroot, carrots, lettuce, potatoes, and spinach just in perfect timing for BBQ season – cheers to that! Don’t forget seasoning, May is ideal to grow herbs like basil, parsley and chives,” he says.

“Sunflower season is upon us – thank goodness – and May is the best time to plant sunflowers. Sunflowers are one of my favourites, they’re not only gorgeous, but beneficial for birds and pollinators, too.

“Start them in plants to protect them from pesky slugs, and once they’re a sturdy 30cm, they can be in the ground ready to pop out in August time.”

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Looking after wildlife

May is critically important for wildlife due to warmer temperatures, a key time for pollinators, and many birds nesting and breeding.

“Keep bird feeders replenished with nutritious food like high-fat suet balls and sunflower seeds, and ensure birds have a consistent supply of replenished water to bathe and hydrate,” advises James.

“Bonus points if you have a nest box for bird populations, providing bird families with a safe haven in your garden is not only crucial for their survival, but extremely rewarding.

“If you need to tidy your garden, focus on light maintenance instead: tying in climbing plants, removing dead stems, or trimming small areas where you are certain no nests are present to ensure you’re not disrupting or harming wildlife.

“Supporting wildlife during nesting season helps maintain healthy bird populations and keeps gardens full of life and activity.”

No Mow May

No Mow May is a nationwide initiative that urges homeowners to pause mowing for the entire month of May. It is an easy but potent way to support wildlife and give nature a few weeks of breathing space to thrive.

“When you stop mowing, wildflowers like clover, daisies and dandelions are free to bloom, providing essential food for bees, butterflies and other pollinators that are considered endangered in the current climate,” James explains.

“To make your lawn even more wildlife-friendly, you can consider planting more wildflowers, starting by gently raking the lawn to remove any dead grass or cuttings. This helps prevent nutrient buildup, which can stifle the growth of native species. A little prep goes a long way in supporting wildlife.”