Warm weather means greening up and, no matter where the gardener lives, May is a gardening month.
The sun is warming stones (and compost piles). It’s also warming the earth itself in many climes.
In Zones 6 through 11, last frost date has already passed. However, last frost date for much of the world (Zones 2 through 5) is upon us and it’s time to start getting some plants in the ground. (Zone 1 includes the Artic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere, and last frost date there is June 15. Of course, first frost date there is July 1, providing a tiny window for summer gardening.)
If you live in Zones 2 to 5, it’s time to:
- Plant warm weather crops now.
- Sow melon and squash seeds. Don’t put in the ground until the last part of the month to discourage pests like squash bugs and borers.
- Begin pinching back annuals and perennials to make more blooms
- Prune evergreens now
- Prune stone fruit blooms (cherry, almond, peach, nectarine, plums) at bloom time. This will produce larger, more succulent fruit.
- Stake tall perennials.
- Remove azalea galls. These are fungal and will turn white and explode spores. Prune the azaleas before they turn white.
- Clean and maintain your garden tools.
- Attend gardening seminars. Many nurseries sponsor lectures, presented by plant experts, master gardeners, plant pathologists or other knowledgeable persons. They are generally free, or at minimal charge.
