May To Do

Planting – Continue to plant container gardens, use larger containers and SoilMoist to allow less frequent watering.  Plant summer blooming perennials and annuals.  Choose heat-tolerant plants like purslane and bougainvillea for hanging baskets in full sun

Vegetable Gardens - Plant okra, cucumbers, pumpkins, basil, garlic chives, peppers and sunflowers from seed.  Container veggie transplants from the nursery in larger pots are okay to plant during May

Weeding – Be vigilant about pulling weeds early, make sure areas are mulched properly to prevent future weeds from germinating and help to retain moisture

Pruning – Pinch tips of coleus to prevent flowering and encourage bushier, fuller plants.  Remove spent blooms on spring and summer annuals to promote new blooms

Fertilizing – Fertilize flower beds and vegetable gardens with slow release organic fertilizers like Ladybug Flower Power or Micro-Life, containers can be fertilized with wate- soluble John’s Recipe or Hasta-gro

Water – deep root watering on trees, lawns and shrubs is best.  It encourages roots to move down into the soil where they will be less susceptible to moisture changes.  Avoid short periods of shallow watering, use a tree gator or soaker hose to aid in slow, deep watering.

Pests – Keep an eye out for pests as well as beneficial insects in your vegetable garden.  Pick off pests by hand, check for slugs and snails early in the morning or in the evenings when they are active.  Check your garden regularly; we have a broad range of organic pesticides to help your garden out.  Ladybugs are excellent for aphid control.

Orchids – Don’t let roots dry out on orchids kept outside.  Shady spots with filtered sunlight are best.

Birds – Change water regularly in bird baths and keep them full, fill feeders with seed when empty, clean after rainstorms to prevent soggy spoiled seed

Lawn -  Continue to water between rain events, apply molasses or compost to ensure healthy soil for healthy turf roots