May is here, and it is the perfect time to get outside and do some gardening.
I want to take a minute to re-cap April. April started out warm and with some rain. We then had some cold nights in early April that gave us freeze and frost warnings in the area. The second half of April has been warmer, with little rain and ending on a colder streak. But, no frost. It’s a good thing that we did have cooler days lately in April since we are now considered to be in a moderate drought situation. Our rivers, reservoirs, and lakes are full. Our ground moisture is drier at this time which is not the best. We did get a good soaking the last weekend of April that was well-needed. Our soil temperature as of May 1st is still cool at 60 degrees.
APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS!!
This phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” was written in England in the 1500s. And it is still popular today. So, is it true that the rainfall in April brings on the flowers in May? The quick answer is YES. Flowers need plenty of moisture to grow, along with warmer air and soil temperatures.
HERE ARE A FEW GARDENING AND LANDSCAPE CHORES FOR MAY
- Now that it is May, I think we are safe to plant our summer vegetables and herbs.
- Think about planting more flowers—especially those attractive to bees and butterflies. Also, plant flowers around your vegetable and herb gardens to attract our beneficial insects. Think about planting Lavender, Catmint, Heliotrope, Agastache, Zinnia, Cleome, and others to support our bees.
- It should be safe to move house plants outside. Here is an important tip: to avoid sunburning the foliage, first, move the houseplants outside in the shade for a few days. Let the plants get acclimated to the new environment. After a few days in the shade, you can move the plants into more sun.
- Now is the time to feed all spring-blooming shrubs and trees such as Azaleas, Dogwoods, Rhododendrons, Camellias, Pieris, etc. A suggested plant food is ESPOMA HOLLY TONE.
- Hummingbirds are here! Now is the time to put out a clean hummingbird feeder. In addition to a hummingbird feeder—think about planting some flowers that hummingbirds are attracted to: Agastache, Monarda, Tropical Hibiscus, Penstemon, Tropical Mandivilla, Lobelia, and others.
- Plants that support our butterflies—plant Buddleia, Cosmos, Monarda, Butterfly Weed, Purple Coneflowers, Yarrow, and others.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!