Garden Calendar for May!

Be Patient!  Michigan has a last frost date of May 30th, so, we still may have some over night frost, which you will need to take extra precaution for tender plants.

 

Fertilizer

At the beginning of May, before buds set.  You may still use Dormant Oil Spray to control over-wintered pests and disease.

Fertilize Roses, Annuals, Containers, and Perennials if you have not already this season.

Annuals

Early May is the time to plant Pansies, Snapdragons, Stock, Dianthus and Petunias. 

Late May you should be able to start planting your annuals like Impatiens, Fuchsia, Salvia, Zinnias.  Depending on the weather!

Watch the weather forecasts, and protect your plants with a cloth if the night calls for frost.

Begin applications of Deer/Rabbit Repellant.

Begin watering as necessary.

Bulbs

Dahlias, Gladiolus, Begonias, Lilies, and Cannas can be planted at the end of the month.

Deadhead spring flowering bulbs, but allow foliage to remain until yellow.

Perennials

All perennials may be planted outside at this time. 

Divide early blooming perennials after they have finished flowering.

Divide late blooming perennials.

Set Plant Supports

Begin applications of Deer Repellant, Rabbit Repellant

Mulch perennial garden beds.

Begin watering as necessary.

Begin weeding.

Vegetables

May 15th the following plants can be planted:  Brussels Sprouts, Early Cabbage, Early Cauliflower, Leek, Lettuce, Onions, Strawberry Plants, Sugar Snap Peas.

May 30th the following plants can be planted:  Beans, Celery, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplants, Herbs, Kohlrabi, Melons, Peppers, Pickles, Squash, and Tomatoes.

Shrubs and Trees

Begin planting deciduous trees and evergreen shrubs.
Mulch Azaleas and Rhododendrons.

 

 

HOW TO PLANT SHRUBS OR TREES

 

TOP SOIL PLANT GUIDE     CLAY SOIL PLANT GUIDE

 

 

 

 

  1. Dig a hole no deeper than the root ball, but 3 times wider.
  2. Don't lift the plant by the trunk. Lay it down and slide it out of the container, or cut the container away from it.
  3. Place the plant in the hole, making sure that the soil level will remain the same Refill the hole with garden soil, eliminating any air pockets in the process. Roots should grow into surrounding soil.
  4. Create a temporary water basin around the plant with soil so that water will penetrate the basin area.
  5. Water thoroughly via a hose with water pressure on low. A sprinkler is not appropriate for this.
  6. Prune only diseased, damaged or broken limbs and stems. Old methods suggested pruning 1/3 of the plant, but current research dictates otherwise.
  7. Apply a 3" layer of organic mulch around the plant, keeping it at least 1" away from the trunk.
  8. Water often the first year until established.