While snowstorms may be possible in May, there is no holding back the growing season now.
Spring bulbs trumpet a welcome to the new season. Pussy willow is flowering, with forsythia not far behind. Migratory birds are heading north as gardeners head back outdoors.
It is time to sharpen the shears, lather on sunscreen, grab a hat, and get to work in the garden:
Weeds: Now is the time for eviction! Take advantage of moist soil while their roots are not established. Get them and other unwanted plants roots OUT. Like brushing your teeth, weeding must be done often. Every weed removed now will save you 10 later.
Insects, mites, fungus, and pests: Rosemary oil is more effective than Neem Oil when combating a whole host of garden pests. Rosemary is natural and used throughout the season. And it is not harmful to bees. It is effective at repelling deer, because of its strong, woody scent. Kwanzan cherry tree trunks can be overwhelmed by scale. Roses, peonies, phloxes, and others can be devastated by fungus. Best to start spraying when plants are dormant to control insects, mites, and fungi.
Roses: Prune shrub roses back hard, within two feet or so of the ground. Make angled cuts about ¼ inch above outward-facing buds. This prevents disease by allowing water to run off, promoting a V-shaped habit that is ideal for air circulation and good looks. Roses are heavy feeders and benefit from periodic applications of a slow-release organic fertilizer. It is best to start now while they are dormant, or just breaking dormancy.
Perennials: Follow the season’s signs rather than the calendar. Watch for dandelions to bloom and daytime temperatures to regularly reach into the 50s. That’s when pollinators and other insects come out of hibernation, making it safe to cut back last year’s stems and seed heads. Cut them all close to the ground, being careful not to slice through sprouting growth. Break the debris into small pieces as mulch around your plants, or add to the compost pile.
Divide and transplant perennials: Lift plants out of the soil with a spade. Many times, the plants will loosen up and divide when lifted. You can try pulling them apart with your hands or loosening them with a fork. For hostas and other firm clumps, divide with a shovel. Hold off on dividing May or June blooming perennials until the fall.
Compost: Add compost to planting holes. Also, cultivate compost around the bases of roses and hydrangeas. Keep adding to the compost pile to ensure a season-long source of black gold to enrich your plantings.
Bulbs: Start clipping dead flower heads to drive energy back into building bigger bulbs. Let the leaves turn yellow before cutting.
Visit garden centers: When you’re stumped and looking for inspiration, head to the garden center. You will rarely leave empty handed. Just don’t forget to leave some vacancies in your beds for annuals and tender perennials.
Once the season starts, it’s hard to stop moving, but it’s just as important to take time to enjoy the show. Appreciate the blooming beauty; stop obsessing about what needs to be done. Remember, this is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself. The season has just begun.
