MAY

1. Finish preparation of planting beds. 2. Continue to cultivate planting beds and carefully remove young weeds. 3. Dig and divide early-blooming perennials after flowering. 4. Lift, divide and replant late summer and fall-blooming perennials. 5. Set supports for floppy plants, vines and vegetables. 6. Mow lawns regularly to keep grass at 2½ inch height. 7. Begin watering program as necessary. 8. Begin weeding Aerate and moisten compost pile to speed decomposition. 9. Mulch azaleas, rhododendrons, and other ericaceous ornamentals with acid mulch. 10. Mulch planting beds Deadhead bulbs but allow foliage to remain until yellow to nourish bulbs for next year's display. 11. Look for pests and other problems; spotting early can mean less chemical controls. Note: slugs and caterpillars can be removed manually. 12. Begin application of deer repellents. 13. Move self-sown annuals and perennials to desired locations. 14. Sow seeds of corn, cucumber and melon directly in the garden. 15. Harden off tomato, eggplant and pepper transplants before planting out at end of month. 16. Complete planting deciduous trees and shrubs, weather and soil conditions permitting. 17. Continue to plant and transplant summer annuals and summer-flowering bulbs such as gladiolas and dahlias. 18. Plant caladium and tuberous begonias in shady spots. Complete reseeding bare lawn areas. 19. Pinch back late summer and fall-blooming perennials. Continue to prune all plant material to remove any diseased, dead, weak or crossing branches. 20. Prune early spring-flowering shrubs after blooming. 21. Wait to prune evergreens, hedges and other shrubs until late spring into early summer. 22. Begin deadheading and fertilizing roses. 23. Fertilize needle evergreens with acid type fertilizer. 24. Fertilize bulbs as they finish blooming. 25. Fertilize annuals and container plants. 26. Fertilize lawns in late May. © BOTRESEARCH USA 1998-2008 INDEX