May is the ideal time to get your home and garden ready for summer. The days are longer, gardens are growing quickly, and small jobs can make your property feel brighter, fresher and easier to enjoy.
Whether you live in a coastal home in Cornwall, a cottage on Exmoor, a family house in Devon or a village property in Somerset, these May home and garden jobs will help you make the most of the season.
Key takeaways
- Tidy gardens now before summer growth takes over.
- Refresh patios, paths and outdoor seating areas.
- Tackle simple DIY jobs such as paint touch-ups and repairs.
- Clean windows to bring more light into your home.
- Check gutters, fences and outdoor surfaces after winter.
1. Tidy the garden before summer arrives
May is a busy month in the garden. Lawns, hedges, borders and weeds can all grow quickly, so a little attention now can save time later.
Start with simple jobs:
- Mow the lawn and neaten the edges.
- Weed paths, patios and borders.
- Cut back dead or damaged growth.
- Add colour with pots, planters or hanging baskets.
- Support climbing plants before they spread too far.
Even a small garden, courtyard or balcony can feel more inviting with a few seasonal plants and tidy edges.
2. Refresh outdoor living spaces
Outdoor space becomes more important as summer approaches. You do not need a large garden to create somewhere useful and attractive.
Clean your patio, decking or seating area, then add simple touches such as:
- A small table and chairs
- Outdoor cushions
- Solar lights or lanterns
- Potted herbs or flowers
- A storage box for garden items
For homes in areas such as Bude, Barnstaple, Minehead and Launceston, outdoor areas can be a big part of everyday living, especially during warmer months.
3. Tackle simple DIY jobs
May is a good time to deal with minor repairs before they become more noticeable.
Useful DIY jobs include:
- Touching up paintwork
- Cleaning or repainting garden furniture
- Checking gates, hinges and fences
- Repairing loose handles or fittings
- Tidying sheds, garages and utility spaces
For older cottages or rural homes, take care with exterior repairs and seek professional advice where specialist materials or listed building rules may apply.
4. Let more light into your home
After winter, homes can feel much fresher with a few light-focused updates.
Try:
- Cleaning windows inside and out
- Opening curtains fully during the day
- Swapping heavy throws for lighter fabrics
- Adding fresh flowers or greenery
- Clearing clutter from window sills
Clean windows are especially worthwhile if your home has garden views, countryside outlooks or sea glimpses.
5. Check gutters, drainage and outdoor surfaces
Before summer, it is sensible to look over the practical parts of your home.
Check for:
- Blocked gutters
- Loose downpipes
- Moss on paths
- Damaged fence panels
- Worn exterior paint
- Slippery decking
- Cracked paving
Homes near the coast or in exposed countryside locations may need extra attention due to wind, rain and salt air.
Local insight: Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Exmoor
Homes across the South West often work hard all year round. Coastal properties in Cornwall and North Devon may need regular exterior checks, while rural homes on Exmoor can benefit from good drainage, tidy access and well-maintained boundaries.
In Somerset villages and Devon market towns, gardens, patios and practical storage areas are often important for family life. A well-kept outdoor space can improve daily enjoyment and support long-term property appeal.
A few well-chosen May home and garden jobs can make your property feel fresh, practical and ready for summer.
And if your seasonal refresh has made you think about moving, selling or letting, speak to your local Webbers office. Our teams across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Exmoor can offer friendly, practical property advice based on your area.
