Things to do in May
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Fertilize:
Feed all spring-blooming shrubs after they have bloomed. Feed amaryllis after they bloom. Feed and mulch iris. Feed crape myrtle with 1/2 cup/sq. yd. of 3-1-2 ratio fertilizer beneath the branch spread.
Water:
Water annuals as needed. Mulch all bare soil to retain moisture.
Transplant:
Container-grown plants can go into the ground now.
Lawn Care:
Mow every 5-7 days, leaving the clippings on the lawn. Keep St. Augustine grass at 2 1/2" to 3" height. Apply 1/2’ to 1" of water as needed to wet soil thoroughly. Don’t water more often than every five days.
Diseases/Pests to look out for:
Check for aphids and spider mites. Look for tobacco hornworms, spider mites and stink bugs, especially in vegetable gardens. Spray peach and plum trees for curculio weevils. Spray blackspot-susceptible roses with fungicide every 7-10 days.
Prune:
Prune spring-flowering shrubs and trees after they bloom. Prune climbing roses and other "once bloomers" as soon as they finish flowering. Divide chrysanthemums and pinch tips for bushier growth. Pinch back leggy annuals to encourage branching. Deadhead plants to encourage blooming. Prune frost-damaged trees and shrubs. Remove sucker shoots from tomato plants to get earlier, larger fruit.
Things To Plant In May:
Flower Plants:
- Ageratum
- Ajuga
- Joseph’s Coat (Amaranthus)
- Balsam
- Wax Begonia
- Blue Daze
- Blue Cardinal Flower
- Boltonia
- Scarlet Bouvardia
- Calico Plant
- Chocolate Plant
- Cigar Plant (Cuphea Ignea)
- Cockscomb
- Coleus
- Columbine
- Copper Plant
- Coreopsis
- Cosmos sulphureus
- Dahlia
- Shasta Daisy
- Feverfew
- Geranium
- Gomphrena
- Hibiscus
- Hollyhock
- Impatiens
- Jacobinia
- Lantana
- Marigold (African, French and Mexican Mint)
- Nierembergia
- Penta
- Periwinkle
- Persian Shield
- Plumbago
- Phlox drummondii
- Portulaca
- Purslane
- Purple Coneflower (Echinacea)
- Rudbeckia Hirta
- Salvia
- Sedum
- Stokes’ Aster
- Sunflower (Helianthus)
- Wishbone Flower (Torenia)
- Yarrow
- Zinnia
Flower Seeds:
- Ageratum
- Balsam
- Castor Bean
- Celosia
- Cleome
- Cockscomb
- Coleus
- Coral Vine
- Cosmos
- Cypress Vine
- Dahlia (Dwarf)
- Echinacea
- Feverfew
- Four-o’clock
- Globe Amaranth
- Gourd
- Impatiens
- Linaria
- Nasturtium
- Marigold
- Moonflower
- Morning Glory
- Periwinkle
- Petunia
- Pinks
- Portulaca
- Scabiosa
- Sunflower
- Sweet Pea (perennial)
- Tithonia
- Torenia
- Vinca
- Zinnia
Bulbs:
- Acidanthera
- Amarcrinum
- Amaryllis
- phpidistra
- Caladium
- Canna
- Ginger
- Daylily
- Gladiolus
- Liriope
- Monkey Grass
- Neomarica
Vegetables:
- ALL Month: Amaranth, Jerusalem Artichoke (Sunchoke), Jicama, Malabar Spinach, Okra, Southern Pea, Peanut, Pumpkin, Sweet Potato, Tomatillo, Watermelon.
Herbs:
- Anise
- Star Anise
- Basil
- Bay
- Borage
- Bouncing Bet
- Caraway
- Catnip
- Chives
- Comfrey
- Costmary
- Cumin
- Fennel
- Fenugreek
- Scented Geranium
- Germander
- Horehound
- Horseradish
- Lamb’s Ear
- Lavender
- Lemon Grass
- Lemon Verbena
- Mexican Mint Marigold (a great substitute for French Tarragon)
- Monarda
- Oregano
- Perilla
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Santolina
- Summer Savory
- Winter Savory
- Sesame
- Sorrel
- Southernwood
- Tansy
- Tarragon
- Thyme
- Common Wormwood
- Roman Wormwood
- Yarrow
Fruit:
- Container-grown plants can go in the ground.
Courtesy of the Garden Guide for Austin & Vicinity, published by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, copyright 2000-2002.
Additional May Tips
To do for May 18th, 2013
To do for May 11th, 2013
To do for May 4th, 2013
To do for May 26th, 2012
To do for May 19th, 2012
To do for May 12th, 2012
To do for May 5th, 2012
To do for May 28th, 2011
To do for May 21st, 2011
To do for May 14th, 2011
To do for May 7th, 2011
To do for May 29th, 2010
To do for May 22nd, 2010
To do for May 15th, 2010
To do for May 8th, 2010
To do for May 1st, 2010
To do for May 30th, 2009
To do for May 23rd, 2009
To do for May 16th, 2009
To do for May 9th, 2009
