May Calendar

For Hot climates

· ►Trees and Shrubs

o Lure May beetles off shrubs by putting out white buckets of water, lit with flashlights, at night.

o Spray insecticidal soap to control spider mites on crotons, azaleas, and camphor trees.

o Spray insecticidal soap to control whiteflies and black sooty mold.

o Prevent spider mites and thrips by spraying water on leaves daily.

o Prune seed heads from crape myrtles to encourage summer flowers.

· ►Annuals

o Emphasize shade plantings for summer enjoyment.

o Deadhead flowers as needed to promote extended bloom.

o Weed, water and fertilize as needed.

o Watch for signs of pests and diseases.

o Cut flowers early in the morning for longer lasting arrangements.

· ►Perennials and Bulb

o Apply summer mulch to conserve soil moisture as hot weather arrives.

o Deadhead or cut back perennials after flowering to promote plant vigor and rebloom.

o Deadhead spent bulb plant blooms to prevent seed formation.

o Weed, water, fertilize and deadhead as needed.

o Watch for signs of pests and diseases.

· ►Roses

o Spray for black spot and mildew as needed.

o Watch for spider mites and spray as needed.

o Fertilize established bushes with granular complete fertilizer.

o Control weeds with shallow cultivation or by hand pulling.

o Water deeply once or twice weekly in hot, dry weather.

o Above 85ºF, dilute fungicidal sprays by 1/3 to avoid burning the foliage.

· ►Vegetables and Herbs

o Now is the last chance to plant hot weather vegetables like okra, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes.

o Plant hot weather herbs like basil and rosemary.

o Watch for spider mites, squash vine borers, and stinkbugs.

o Water thoroughly, using a low volume irrigation system. Soak soil 8-12 inches deep and don't water again until plants show slight signs of wilting.

· ►Tomatoes

o Be aware that new fruit set will be minimal in high temperatures.

o Check irrigation system to be sure it's working properly.

o Watch for spider mites and blossom end rot. Pick off any leaf-footed stinkbugs or apply a recommended insecticide.

o Fool birds with Christmas tree balls. One peck at the decoys and they will leave the real tomatoes alone for awhile. Harvest fruit when pink.

· ►Lawns

o Fertilize lightly if lawn has lost some color and is not growing well.

o Dethatch Bermuda grass lawns.

o Start Bermuda grass from seed if night temperatures are above 65ºF. Start Bahia grass from seed through July.

o Watch for fungus diseases such as brown patch, pythium blight, gray leaf spot, helminthosporium, and rust.

o Watch for insect damage.

o Apply post emergent herbicides to control weeds in Bermuda grass.

· ►Patio and Container Plants

o Monitor plants daily for water needs and pest control.

o Pinch back straggly growth and deadhead as needed.

o Pot heat-hardy annuals such as marigolds, periwinkle and zinnias.

o Pot shrubs such as chenille plant, croton, and hibiscus in tubs for summer color.

Source: Reader’s Digest 1001 Hints & Tips For Your Garden