Every month, we offer tips and hints for the budding gardener - what to do, how do we do it, when to do it - to give you that little bit of extra help everyone needs. Our resident gardening expert, Jim Smith from West Sound Radio, will advise on what needs to be done now, and what preparation is required for what you will need to do soon.

By following our advice, based on over 40 years in the horticulture business, you should find not only your fingers, but your neighbours, turning green!

It's as easy as A, B, C and best of all it's FREE!

This month's tips - May

	This is the month when weeds often become a problem. Parts of the garden left vacant for a season or more will be full of weeds such as dandelions; pull or dig those that are starting to self-seed.
	In paths, drives and patios, remove isolated weeds with a spot weeder or Pathclear Gun.
	Continue to harden off bedding plants and beware of late frosts which can destroy all your plants in one night; be prepared to use temporary protection.
	Don't be tempted to plant out tender bedding plants before the latter part of this month or even early June as you could lose them, particularly here in the west of Scotland. (Hardy species, such as pansy, viola, snapdragon, dianthus and sweet peas can be planted earlier).
	Daffodils and narcissi will finish flowering during May; these can be dead-headed and this will make the garden look tidier. Don't tie the foliage in knots, but always allow it to die down naturally so that the feeding will return to the bulb, adding strength for next year.
	Clip winter-flowering heathers as soon as they finish blooming.
	Earth-up early potatoes to protect the foliage if frost is forecast.
	If you only want a few tomato plants for your greenhouse you don't need to bring them on from seed as they can be purchased from the nursery.
	If you have a grape vine in a small greenhouse it is important to keep the rapid growth within bounds. Stop the tips of fruiting shoots once they have produced two leaves beyond the developing bunch and stop non-fruiting shoots at just one leaf.
	Scarify the lawn to remove dead material and encourage new growth by allowing light and air into the grass. An electric lawn rake is less tiring!
	Plant up your hanging baskets and keep them frost-free in the greenhouse or have them planted up at Sunnyside. You should aim to have your basket ready to hang up at the end of May.

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