Meadow View Greenhouse & Garden Center

May in the Garden Everything West

I love Spring! I love the way it looks and the way it sounds and the way it smells. Walking the dogs is such a treat every morning because I can see what has begun blooming or grown taller or sprouted overnight. Every day there is a noticeable change in the scenery. Since the early heat wave has shifted all the plants into fast forward, there is much to be done.

*We are past the average last frost date. This means it is pretty safe to plant everything now. I am not, however, going to promise you that you will not have to cover your plants up anymore this season. We have had frosts in May.

*You can still plant trees and shrubs. Be prepared to water if the rain stops. We all got out of the habit of watering last year with the abundant rain.

*Speaking of water, I should give you a refresher course in watering. Many established plants actually lost root mass over the past year because the ground was so wet. This means you may have to water some older plants as well as new plants, especially if we go back to our normal drought conditions. Remember, slow and deep is better than quick and shallow. Sprinklers are good for grass and shallow rooted plants, drip irrigation or hand watering is better for larger plants.

*Now is the time to shape up those spring blooming trees and shrubs. Prune them within 4-6 weeks after they stop blooming so that you won’t cut off any buds. If you are not going to prune, deadheading will let the plant put more energy into growing, instead of producing seeds.

*If you still haven’t fertilized your trees and shrubs, now is a good time. There are many types of fertilize, so ask if you have any questions.

*Watch for signs of fungus on plants that are susceptible. With the damp winter we have had, I am already seeing lots of fungal problems. Treat with a systemic fungicide, or start a treatment regime soon.

*You should also start looking for signs of problem causing insects. Systemic insecticides are great for plants like azaleas, euonymous, and Alberta spruce that are susceptible to critters.

*Perennials can be fertilized now.

*Stake tall perennials before they start flopping. Old panty hose make great plant ties if you cut them into strips. They are strong, but flexible.

*Start deadheading perennials and annuals to continue your bloom season.

*Pinch back plants that tend to be leggy to encourage a bushier plant. Zinnias, salvia and petunias will flop less and bloom more if regularly pinched.

*Don’t cut back bulb foliage until it turns yellow. They are storing up energy for next year’s bloom.

*You can still sow seeds of fast growing summer annuals like sunflowers, and vegetables such as squash and melons.

*If your garden is like mine, you have a profusion of weeds. They should be pulled up or sprayed before they take over, then you need to put down a pre-emergent such as Preen to prevent new seeds from germinating. Don’t forget, however, that Preen will also prevent flower and vegetable seeds from germinating.

*Don’t forget the birds!  Keep feeders full and birdbaths clean. Most birds are feeding hatchlings and appreciate the help.

*Mulch can be put down and old mulch should be “fluffed” if it has formed a crust.

That’s it for your to-do list this month. We get plants and merchandise almost every day this time of year, so I encourage you to come in and see what we have new. Don’t forget to check our website, meadowviewgreenhouse.com, for other information.

Now go on out and play in the dirt!