The siren call of the garden center is everywhere this time of year. They're bursting with beautiful flowers, lush perennials, and all the veggie starts your heart could desire. It’s tempting to dive in headfirst, but try not to go too wild before Mother’s Day. And keep in mind—May can still bring hail, so be prepared to protect any new plantings.
If you're one of those dedicated gardeners—hooray! It's finally time to plant!
Garden To-Dos for May:
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Prune: Focus on shaping your plants.
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Fertilize: Spring bloomers will appreciate a boost.
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Soil Prep: Before planting, mix in a good-quality compost to enrich the soil.
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Seedlings: Start hardening off any seedlings you’ve been growing indoors.
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Vegetables: Cool-season veggies can go straight into the ground. Warm-season veggies can be planted outdoors after Memorial Day.
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Lawns: In late May, feed your lawn with a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Keep weeds and insects in check. Mow regularly—but let your grass grow a little longer for deeper roots.
Learn & Grow:
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Sign up for a Water Wiser workshop to sharpen your watering know-how.
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Check your local garden centers online—many offer great classes and workshops to keep you inspired all season long.
Gardening is more than a lifestyle to me, it is my passion. After 25 years in landscape design, I still spend every moment I can nurturing my garden, watching it grow and sharing in my harvest. Whether it is vegetables or flowers, I hope I will encourage everyone of you to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, and get your hands dirty. Let's grow together. Happy Gardening!