|
MAY
IN LAWNS:
- Seed lawns now, this is the second best time for seeding; the best is
Aug. 15 to Sept. 15 when soils are warm and there is less weed
competition.
- Apply another application of lawn fertilizer at the end of the month (six weeks after the early spring application).
- Apply post-emergence herbicides for broadleaf weed control (use liquid spot sprays or granular “weed & feed” products).
- Do not apply grub controls now; wait until June or July if necessary.
- Mow lawn at 2 to 3 inches. Leave clippings to return nutrients to the soil.
IN THE ORNAMENTAL GARDEN:
- Wait until the frost free date, May 15th to plant warm season flowering annuals, vines, herb, and vegetables.
- Continue spraying emerging perennials like peonies, phlox and roses to protect from fungal diseases like botrytis blossom blight, black spot and powdery mildew. Use systemic fungicides like Immunox or Infuse; or use contact fungicides like Chlorothalanil or Mancozeb, and re-treat after rain.
- Continue applications of fungicides to crab apples and hawthorns weekly through May for best control of Apple Scab & Cedar-hawthorn Rust.
- Continue to plant perennials, ornamental grasses and roses throughout the month.
- Prune spring-flowering shrubs and ornamental trees immediately after they bloom.
- Fertilize roses for the second time after the first flush of blooms.
- Monitor roses for insects and disease, especially black spot. Remove infected foliage and spray immediately with fungicides listed above.
- Continue to check peonies for botrytis blight, cage plants when 10” tall.
- Remove spent flowers from spring bulbs, but allow foliage to remain in the sun for another 6 weeks, apply a bulb fertilizer.
- Plant waterlilies and other aquatic plants when water temperature is 65 degrees.
IN THE EDIBLE GARDEN:
- Purchase a rain gauge, gardens need an average of 1 inch of water per week.
- Set out tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and herbs etc, after May 15th.
|
