May....................................................Average Daily Temp:74-Average Rainfall:3.6
PLANT: Seeds such as zinnias, celosia, periwinkle (vinca), moss rose (portulaca) for late summer bloom. Plant bulbs such as caladium, in pots or in the ground, or, for faster results, choose rooted 4 inch pots. Continue to fill in flower beds with bedding plants such as begonia, salvia, dusty miller and verbena for sun/part sun; impatiens, coleus, hosta and caladium for shade. Keep newly planted material well watered. Pine straw pulled up around the roots will offer welcome shade, and reduce watering chores.
FEED: Azaleas and camellias 5-10-5 or special azalea formula. They should have two applications by June 1. For all other plants, slow release fertilizer (14-14-14) is recommended. The label will show its strength length. This type of feeding program is very convenient because one application, or two at the most, will suffice for the growing season. Supplemental watering-in of Miracle Gro or Peters Special, at half strength, is also very good and will produce strong plants and show-stopper blooms. Plants that are in full sun must be kept mulched. Hardwood mulch, pine straw 2 inches thick, or rotted sawdust or compost - all good, and should be replaced periodically.
WATER: This is the month when Mr. Sun lets us know who's boss. Plants that live in sunny areas - roses, camellia, azaleas, dogwood, etc. - all need extra attention because their roots are near the surface of the ground and will bake if not mulched and watered. Watering twice a week is not excessive.
BUGS AND SLUGS will attack plants that are warm, damp and delicious ... to the bugs. Spray lightly with malathion mixed with water according to directions on the package. Purchase special bait and apply according to directions to solve slug problem. There are many organic insect eradicators on the market, as well as on your kitchen shelf.
DEAD HEADING/CLEAN-UP: Seasonal flowers and roses - almost all blooms actually - will come again if you snip off the faded flowers, thus preventing seed formation. Do not leave the spent flowers in the flower bed. Gather and bag to throwaway.
This is one of the most beautiful times of the year for our city and county. Make notes of plants you really have success with, or want to incorporate in your garden next Summer. Plan new flower bed locations, but wait until Fall and Winter to prepare them for Spring planting.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com
FEED: Azaleas and camellias 5-10-5 or special azalea formula. They should have two applications by June 1. For all other plants, slow release fertilizer (14-14-14) is recommended. The label will show its strength length. This type of feeding program is very convenient because one application, or two at the most, will suffice for the growing season. Supplemental watering-in of Miracle Gro or Peters Special, at half strength, is also very good and will produce strong plants and show-stopper blooms. Plants that are in full sun must be kept mulched. Hardwood mulch, pine straw 2 inches thick, or rotted sawdust or compost - all good, and should be replaced periodically.
WATER: This is the month when Mr. Sun lets us know who's boss. Plants that live in sunny areas - roses, camellia, azaleas, dogwood, etc. - all need extra attention because their roots are near the surface of the ground and will bake if not mulched and watered. Watering twice a week is not excessive.
BUGS AND SLUGS will attack plants that are warm, damp and delicious ... to the bugs. Spray lightly with malathion mixed with water according to directions on the package. Purchase special bait and apply according to directions to solve slug problem. There are many organic insect eradicators on the market, as well as on your kitchen shelf.
DEAD HEADING/CLEAN-UP: Seasonal flowers and roses - almost all blooms actually - will come again if you snip off the faded flowers, thus preventing seed formation. Do not leave the spent flowers in the flower bed. Gather and bag to throwaway.
This is one of the most beautiful times of the year for our city and county. Make notes of plants you really have success with, or want to incorporate in your garden next Summer. Plan new flower bed locations, but wait until Fall and Winter to prepare them for Spring planting.
For organic maintenance, see Howard Grant, the Dirt Doctor at http://www.dirtdoctor.com