Gardeners have been warned to complete one annual task before the month of May ends to ensure their gardens reach their full potential as the warmer months approach. Gardeners across the UK are busy getting their plants and flowers ready for the summer months when they will, hopefully, be in full blooms with colours that will make them feel like an exciting and welcoming space. However, there is one task they should do sooner rather than later. 

Experts have said that the month of May is an ideal time to plant up summer pots. This means that UK gardeners should choose, arrange and plant the flowers that they want in their 2025 summer displays over the next few weeks. Gardens can be made to be extrememely visually appealing when this is done and we are now in the window for completing this task. This is because we are past the period where there is a risk of frost and these flowers will be able to thrive and grow ahead of summer. 

The Royal Horticultural Society has shared its advice for potting up plants over the next few weeks before the month of May is out. They say that it is best to choose plants that respond well to deadheading and to select flowers that over a long period of time. 

Additionally, they should be tolerant to container cultivation. Suitable plants should be available in garden centres across the UK now. 

Examples of flowers that make for great additions for summer pots are Verbena 'Claret', Dichondra 'Silver Falls', Calibrachoa Million Bells series, Petunia Surfinia series and Salvia × jamensis 'Raspberry Royale', the RHS says. 

Meanwhile, annual bedding plants are also good candidates and include nasturtium and pot marigold, the society explains. It is also possible to use hardy perennial plants, which includes lavender. These plants can then be placed in the garden after. 

The RHS says to choose a focal plant such as a structural shrub or annual climber grown on a small tripod in the centre of the pot and surround it with a mix of upright bedding plants and some that trail over the side of the container, planting at least three of each. 

Gardeners should also combine plants that share similar needs to ensure the best growth. Some plants can tolerate some shade so they should be planted together, such as begonias and tobacco plants, while plants that need full sunshine should be planted together.