May is usually one exquisite month in the Midwest. It becomes our reward for shoveling through months of Arctic blasts and staring at a monochrome landscape. Days get warmer and everything starts to come alive! Even though we want to plant everything as early as possible, keep in mind that May 15th is the average last frost date in the Chicago area. Many prudent gardeners feel that it is safer to wait until after Memorial Day to plant cold-sensitive plants—so don’t rush those heat-loving tomatoes, basil, peppers and summer squash, as they prefer a warmer soil. However, there is plenty to enjoy—let May appeal to all of your senses. Eye candy… Get lost in the confetti of pink, white and rosy-red crabapple blossoms. Aaah… Breathe in the fragrance of spring—newly, mown grass. Feel… the dirt is getting warm now. Listen… Tune into the chatter of songbirds vying for a place at the bird feeder. Relax… Prioritize your chores because gardens shouldn’t be all work and no fun!
1. After spring bulbs have finished flowering, allow the foliage to yellow and dry out before removing it. This process allows the energy to go back into the bulbs for larger and healthier flowers next spring. If you don’t like the 'messy' factor, now is the time to consider planting Hostas or other perennials that will grow up around the bulbs. Every spring, this leafy growth will help to camouflage the bulbs’ dying foliage.
2. Although April is a good month to plant shrubs, so is May. The cooler weather is perfect for transplants and water is usually more plentiful and consistent than during the summer months. Try to plant on a cool and cloudy day. Water deeply at planting and at least one-inch per week after that—depending on rainfall. To keep soil cool and moist, spread a few inches of mulch around the shrub. Avoid rot and/or pest problems by keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
3. When the crabapples are flowering outdoors, make sure to cut a few branches for the inside of your home. The contrast of delicate blooms against tall, dark branches look like sculpture in a large vase! For longer-lasting flowers, cut branches in the cooler part of the morning when the buds just start to open. Make a slice in the bottom of each woody branch to allow for more water intake. Change water periodically.
4. When the spring sun warms the soil, peony shoots begin to grow quickly. When they reach from 3- to 5-inches tall, it’s time to place the peony cages or supports. The cages will hold up stems that flop over from high winds, pelting, spring rain or heavy blossoms. If the plants are too tall already, you can use half-circle cages that will slide around from the sides of the peony bush.
5. Before planting your mature seedlings or new annuals into the garden bed, it’s best to ‘harden off’ these new plants by gradually getting them used to their outside environment. First, place plants outdoors in the shade for a few hours and bring them back inside at night. Gradually move them into part-shade for a longer period. Always keep plants watered and bring them inside at night to avoid colder temperatures. Plant in ground after all danger of frost has passed.
6. Keep your hands in good shape. Avoid dry and cracked skin by using waterproof, garden gloves when you plant. Gloves also protect hands from bacteria and infection that might result from nicks and cuts.
7. Make your garden more bird-friendly. Plant native shrubs or flowering plants that will attract specific types of birds. Hummingbirds love red or pink tubular flowers. Migrating orioles are attracted to ‘orange’ bird feeders filled with sugar nectar and fresh, orange halves. Finches snack on Coneflower (Echinacea) seeds in autumn. Since birds are attracted to the sound of water, add a fountain or ‘bubbler,’ and they will come around to drink or bathe.
8. Plant summer- and fall-flowering bulbs this month. Elegant, summer bloomers such as Asiatic and Oriental lilies, canna and calla lilies, dahlias and tuberous begonias will be greatly missed in summer, if you don’t dig them in now.
9. Fertilize roses with 20-20-20 fertilizer when you begin to see flower buds.
10. Enjoy yourself!
For this and more gardening tips, visit http://www.pasquesi.com/expert-advice/maintenance-tips/789-finallyits-may.html#sthash.FphksaD3.dpuf
