May is here, and with it comes longer days, unpredictable weather and the countdown to summer.
Itâs a month of surprises. So, youâre contemplating wearing shorts in the garden? Bold move. You might want to bring your down coat just in case.
Sun or snow, May is a busy month for gardeners.
1. Plant warm-season vegetables, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.
After the last frost date (usually mid-May), itâs safe to plant these heat-loving crops outdoors. Beans, squash, corn, cucumbers and melons also can go in the ground, as they prefer warmer soil and weather.
2. Direct-sow cool-season crops.
If you havenât already, peas, carrots, lettuce, spinach, radishes, beets and other cool-season crops still can be direct-sown early in May.
3. Harden off seedlings.
If youâve started plants such as tomatoes, peppers and other warm-season crops indoors, May is the time to start hardening them off. Gradually introduce them to the outdoors by placing them in a sheltered spot for a few hours each day, increasing the time outside over the course of a week or two.
4. Prepare soil.
Amend your soil with compost or organic matter if needed. After winter, soil can be compacted, so now is a good time to loosen it up.
5. Spring-blooming bulb care.
Deadhead spent blooms on tulips, daffodils and other spring flowers to promote growth. Leave foliage in place until it dies back. Apply a balanced fertilizer.
6. Plant flowering annuals and perennials.
Itâs the perfect time to plant annuals such as petunias, marigolds and zinnias, as well as perennials such as daylilies, coneflowers and lavender. Mulch around newly planted flowers to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
7. Fertilize.
Vegetables, lawns (if you havenât already), flowers and shrubs all benefit from a balanced fertilizer. Feed vegetable plants with an organic fertilizer or compost. Flowers and shrubs benefit from a slow-release fertilizer for a consistent, longer-lasting boost.
8. Weed and mulch.
Make sure to stay on top of weeds this time of year. They are competing in the 2025 Weed Olympics for the gold medal in âfastest growingâ and âdeepest rootsâ categories. Hand-pull weeds; use a hoe or keep a dandelion digger tied to your wrist. This tool will be a trusted friend before the medal ceremony.
9. Watering.
Early morning or late evening is the best time to water, as this will help avoid evaporation in the heat of the day.
10. Plan for frost protection.
Although May is warmer, late spring frosts are possible, especially in the first half of the month. Be prepared with row covers, frost blankets or cloches to protect tender plants if needed.
11. Donât forget to have fun.
Submit gardening questions to [email protected] or call 719-520-7684. The in-person help desk is open 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Register for upcoming classes at epcextension.eventbrite.com.
