Practically anything that can be grown in our area can be planted in May. A notable exception is the spring flowering bulbs, which are planted in fall.
But even tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils can be planted in May if potted bulbs that had been kept in cold storage over winter are available.
What Greenhouses And Nurseries Offer
Some greenhouses and nurseries now offer these plants, which otherwise would not be in the garden unless bulbs had been planted last fall.
Do-it-yourself planting of shrubs and trees is becoming more popular every year.
Nurserymen, often so swamped with work that they cannot get all planting done, are encouraging do-it-yourself planting.
Important Correct Planting Techniques
Amateurs should earn that there is more to correct planting than sticking the roots into the ground.
For one thing, it is important to know the soil is the right kind and that the plant is in the right place.
Do not put sun-loving plants in the shade, nor vice versa. Instead, dig a good-sized hole, large enough to accommodate the roots spread out naturally.
Remove sandy or clayey soil (making an oversized planting hole) and replace it with good topsoil to allow the plant to grow vigorously until its roots reach the poorer soil beyond.
Other Main Points For Planting
Other points which can be mentioned only briefly here:
- Pruning, reducing the top to make a better balance with the roots and improve the plant’s structure
- Anchoring the plant carefully with granular, not lumpy soil
- Water immediately so that roots never suffer from lack of moisture
- Pines, spruce, firs, and yews should be planted or transplanted before they start to grow. There is a greater risk of injury if their winter buds start growing before they are transplanted.
April Is The Best Springtime
Although April is the best springtime to start a lawn, many are started successfully here in May.
Chemical lawn-weed killers can be used effectively on established lawns in May but should not be used on new grass.
Be sure you know what the weed killer is used for and apply it carefully and accurately.
May Is A Good Month For Perennials
May is a good month to plant most perennials; exceptions are irises, lily of the valley, bleeding heart, and peonies.
Daylilies, Shasta daisies, and chrysanthemums may be divided now. Don’t let tulip blossoms scatter petals on the ground.
Petals on the ground may become a source of infection for the plants. Spent blooms should be removed so seed pods will not form.
Spray With Malathion
When the lilacs bloom, spray evergreens with pine needle scale, a small, white-scale insect that infests pines and spruce.
Spray with malathion (emulsion concentrate) diluted according to the directions on the bottle. Repeat in 10 days to get the late hatch.
44659 by Robert A. Phillips