Things to do in the garden this May
Annuals, Perennials & Bulbs Gardening To Do
Watch out for late frosts and protect those tender plants.
Annuals and bedding plants can be planted outside at the end of the month due to the chilly weather we have been having.
Direct-sow hardy annuals at the beginning of this month.
Prune back spring-flowering perennials. Pruning encourages plants to bloom a second time
Remove spent flower of tulips, daffodils and other bulbs. Be sure to leave the foliage untouched. This seasons foliage helps put energy back into the bulb and enables them to multiply.
Lift and divide overcrowded clumps of daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs.
When the last hard frost is no longer a threat, plant summer blooming lilies and dahlias. When planting summer bulbs, ensure water flows towards them by leaving a slight dip in the soil above the tuber.
Water early and late to get the most out of your water.
Closely monitor your greenhouse temperatures and air circulation as the temperature can vary from cold at night to boiling hot in mid-afternoon. You can purchase shade cloth to put on the roof, which cuts overheating substantially.
Begin bringing plants out of the greenhouse and slowly accustom them to direct light. Do this over a period of time, ideally at first giving them an hour of morning sun and increasing daily.
When temperatures are warm enough (towards the end of the month) it’s okay to plant basil. Basil likes to be hot a dry, it’s common for basil to die from being over watered! Once it has grown taller and stronger, it can tolerate more water.
Seeds Gardening To Do
Seeds to start indoors or in the greenhouse: cucumber, winter squash, melons.
Transplant outside: cabbage, cauliflower, artichokes, fennel & anything else you have grown inside.
Seeds to direct sow: Broccoli, corn, parsley, turnips, arugula, carrots, cilantro, kale/ collards, kohlrabi, scallions, spinach, swiss chard, beets.
Lawn Care Gardening To Do’s
Mow your lawn weekly. Keeping it longer encourages better root development.
When cutting your lawn, choose the highest setting on your mower. Never less than 2”, preferably 3”. This creates lush, thick, carpet, shades the roots and keeps them healthy.
Avoid skimpy, frequent watering’s. This encourages shallow root growth resulting in an unhealthy lawn. Water in the morning – evening water is wasted and creates dark, unhealthy conditions.
Check out our Spring Lawn Care Guide
Monitor for pests. As the weather warms they can take hold quickly! Pay close attention to new growth and buds. Check out our article on Lawn Pests
What’s in bloom This May?
Perennials
Trees & Shrubs
