May can never come quick enough for the gardener. It is the month from which there is no turning back, the growth rates soar and any chance to pick up a hoe on a sunny day and knock over a few weeds must be grabbed with both hands. It is also the month of blossom, tulips, cowslips, euphorbias and the first cuckoos, spring in all its glory. This year spring has come all at once because the temperatures went from very cold to very warm in a matter of days. The result has been one of the most spectacular springs in recent years.

However, it has continued to be very dry and we should not let this slip from our grasp. One way we can counteract the lack of moisture is to make compost, as much as we possibly can. All lawn mowings, weeds and anything organic must be composted. The resulting compost makes not only excellent plant food but also fabulous mulch and mulches are one of the key allies in the battle against drought. Just remember one crucial point - always mulch on to damp ground. It is vital to water around a plant or wait for a shower of rain before applying mulch.

Here are some important tasks to do at this time of year. Some you may have done already but its not too late to catch up with them now.

VEGETABLES
Open ground sowing of French and runner beans can proceed this month, by the time they are up most chance of frost should be passed. Potatoes should be ridged up against the frost and also to disturb weeds. Celery and celeriac can be planted out and later in the month it will be time to sow the slow growing winter brassicas such as purple sprouting broccoli.

FRUIT
Give raspberries a good mulching of compost but be careful of the new growth coming through at the base of the plants, this is next year's canes in the making. Don't be tempted to water strawberries, keep them dry to deter slugs and fungal diseases.

BEDS AND BORDERS
Keep hoeing in sunny weather and continue planting out. Mulch wherever possible. Plant out dahlias this month with a sturdy stake driven in before planting. Tie in sweet peas as required and watch for slugs. Deadhead all bulbs as required as this puts the energy back down into the bulb. Continue sowing half hardy annuals in the greenhouse and some like love in a mist in the soil.