As the Irish countryside bursts into colour and the last frost fades away, May marks a crucial time for garden enthusiasts. The longer days and warmer temperatures provide the perfect opportunity to sow, plant, feed, and prepare for a stunning summer display. Whether you're tending to a vegetable patch, caring for your lawn, or reviving ornamental plants, here's your ultimate guide to gardening in May in Ireland—with eco-friendly product tips from Ecoworm to boost your success.
Flower Garden Tasks
Plant Summer Bedding & Annuals
Now is the perfect time to plant summer bedding like petunias, begonias, lobelias, and geraniums. These vibrant additions will create a colourful display from now until early autumn.
Top Tip: Mix slow-release fertiliser into the soil and water plants with Ecoworm Soil Extract for a strong root system and long-lasting blooms. This organic liquid fertiliser is packed with natural microbes that nourish flowers from the roots up.
Deadhead & Prune
Prune back spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia and flowering currant after flowering. Also, deadhead fading blooms to encourage new growth and prolong flowering time.
Vegetable & Herb Garden
Sow & Plant Veggies
May is ideal for sowing:
- Lettuce, radish, beetroot, carrots – direct into the soil
- Courgettes, pumpkins, beans – start under cover and transplant later
After transplanting, water well with Ecoworm Sapropel Extract, known as “magic in a bottle.” This nutrient-rich fertiliser made from freshwater lake sediments enhances soil structure and stimulates plant growth naturally.
Plant Fresh Herbs
Sow herbs like basil, parsley, coriander, and chives in containers or raised beds. These can thrive in sunny corners of your garden or even windowsills.
For a growth boost, add a diluted dose of Ecoworm Soil Extract every two weeks.
Lawn Care & General Maintenance
Mow the Lawn (But Not Too Short!)
Start mowing weekly if the weather is dry, but avoid cutting too low—especially in shady areas. A height of 2.5 to 3 inches helps retain moisture and fend off weeds.
Feed & Restore
May is the month to feed your lawn and treat bare patches. For a natural option, use Ecoworm Soil Extract across the lawn. It promotes microbial activity that improves root development and strengthens grass against stress and drought.
Garden Cleaning & Tool Maintenance
Clean your greenhouse, pots, seed trays, and garden tools to prevent disease buildup. Skip the harsh chemicals—opt for Ecoworm Potassium Soap instead. This biodegradable, plant-friendly soap can be used to clean tools, surfaces, and even help manage aphids and other soft-bodied pests when diluted and sprayed on plants.
Pest Management & Wildlife Support
Keep an Eye Out for Slugs & Aphids
Warmer weather brings slugs, snails, and aphids. Use copper tape, crushed eggshells, and nighttime patrols to deter slugs.
For a natural pest control solution, mist affected leaves with diluted Ecoworm Potassium Soap. It’s tough on pests but gentle on plants—and completely free from synthetic pesticides.
Support Pollinators
Choose plants like lavender, foxglove, calendula, and cosmos to attract bees and butterflies. Healthy soil also supports strong nectar production—another reason to use Ecoworm Soil Extract regularly.
- Watering & Sustainability Tips
Collect Rainwater
Install a water butt to capture rainwater for irrigation—plants prefer it over tap water. Pair this with organic feeding using Ecoworm Sapropel Extract to cut down on chemical use and improve sustainability.
Other May Must-Do’s
- Divide perennials like hostas and primroses to rejuvenate flower beds.
- Harden off seedlings by placing them outdoors during the day and bringing them inside at night for about a week.
- Plant up hanging baskets now—but keep them in a sheltered spot until risk of frost passes.
- Watch for late cold snaps, and be ready to cover tender plants with fleece.
Why Go Organic This May?
Using organic solutions like Ecoworm products not only helps your garden thrive but also protects the environment and encourages biodiversity. From feeding your vegetables to cleaning your tools, these natural alternatives support a healthy, balanced ecosystem in your backyard.
Ready to Grow?
May is your month to sow, grow, and glow. Stay on top of these gardening chores, and your Irish garden will reward you with a vibrant, productive summer. Don't forget to check out Ecoworm's full range of organic gardening products to give your plants the best possible start this season.