May Gardening Tips

You may not need a reminder of what to do in the garden in May because it is all staring you in the face every time you walk through your garden. However, here are some suggestions of what you might not want to overlook. Don’t panic! The season has just begun.

• This year treat yourself and your garden to at least one special new plant.
• Water, water, water, as often as daily for new plants and almost all plants in pots. The rest of the garden generally needs one inch of water every week – whether from rain or from the gardener. Remember to water deeply, not superficially, because deep watering encourages deeper roots and more drought-resistant plants.
• Weed regularly, and not just because they’re unsightly, either. Weeds rob water, light and nutrients from the plants you DO like.
• Plant spring and summer annuals such as marigolds, cosmos, verbenas, zinnias, begonias, vincas and so many more.
• Plant bulbs like elephant ears, dahlias and caladiums.
• Do your vegetable garden prep if you haven’t already. Plant summer vegetables like peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers, and if needed amend soil with Coast of Maine Lobster Compost and turn it in gently.
• If you haven’t done it already and if they need it, prune your spring-flowering shrubs and trees as they finish blooming. Mature, full-size shrubs usually need renewal pruning at least every other year.
• Keep a watch out for cucumber beetles, aphids, cabbage worms, cutworms, scale, slugs & snails and any signs of fungal diseases (leaf spot, mildew, rust…).
• Mow your lawn to 3″ to 4″ high and let the clippings stay on the lawn to provide Nitrogen to the soil (and the turf). Rake heavy thatch as it will kill grass under it.

Flowers

• Leave the foliage of spring-blooming bulbs until it turns yellow.
• Give everything a good feeding. We recommend Dr. Earth, Holly Tone and/or Fertilome Tree and Shrub fertilizers.
• Divide crowded perennials and share.
• Stake tall perennials.
• Feed blooming roses with Dr. Earth Rose & Flower Fertilizer.
• Mark bulb plantings that will need to be divided in the fall.

Houseplants

• Repot houseplants in new soil. Fertilize regularly with Bonide 10-10-10 Houseplant Fertilizer.

Trees & Shrubs

• Plant Plant Plant! May is a great time to plant trees and shrubs as varieties are abundant!
• Plant or transplant trees and shrubs before the heat of summer.

Fruits

• Finish planting new citrus trees and berry bushes for a late harvest.