May is the “doing” month in the garden, but by tackling these tasks now you can save yourself work in the summer. Here are a few tips to make your May gardening a little easier.
Spring Bulb Care
If you have been enjoying your spring flowering bulbs like hyacinth and tulips you know the work you put in planting last fall was worth it. Get a great display again next year by trimming off the spent flowers once they have faded. Be sure to leave the green leaves until they wilt and turn brown since the leaves are what helps replenish the bulb for next year’s blooms. Fertilize the area where the bulbs are planted this fall to ensure a colorful display next spring.
Plant for Spring Color
Rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias and forsythia are some of the very first shrubs and small trees to bloom once we kick winter to the curb. If you have been missing out now is the time to plant one of these beauties so you can enjoy the early blooms next spring.
Lawn
Many people have already had to mow their lawn at least once and all the rain this week will definately get things growing. If you haven’t already apply your Bonide Phase 1 lawn fertilizer and crabgrass control now is the time to do it. Other broadleaf lawn weeds like dandelions and plantains can also be treated now with Bonide Weed Beater Ultra. As with any lawn and garden products, be sure to follow the instructions on the label to prevent damage to your lawn and plants.
Prepare Your Gardens
Before planting this season, give your soil a boost by adding organic matter. Garden beds of all kinds can benefit from adding and working a few inches of organic matter into the soil before planting or around existing plants. By doing this you can improve drainage, increase moisture retention and provide nutrients which all lead to healthier plants. Many of the options include composted manure, mushroom compost, cotton burr compost and Fertilome Organic Garden Soil.
Be Patient
We all look forward to all of our plants coming to life again in the spring and it can be disappointing when plants don’t seem to be doing anything yet. Don’t give up hope. It isn’t unusual for some plants to take until almost June to show some signs of life, especially this year, so don’t cut back or dig up those plants too soon. Hydrangeas and hibiscus are notorious for showing up late to the party. In the next few weeks we will be able to see what is dead and can prune away any branches that have died back.
If you have questions about any of these topics or plants in your own yard take a few pictures and stop in or shoot us an email. Our knowledgeable staff can help you determine what is going on with your plants and get you going in the right direction with our expert advice.