Gardening Tips for May
"The promise of spring is fulfilled with sprouting and blooming of May, and winter soon forgotten."
1st Week - Move or divide perennials, prune flowering shrubs. Now is the time to finish tidying the garden and prepare the garden beds to get planting done.
2nd Week - Work compost into your flowerbeds and gently work them over removing weeds as you "fork" along. Remove mulch from perennials; trimming any of last year's growth.
3rd Week - Work on preparing your vegetable garden. Expand or create flowerbeds.
4th Week - De-thatch lawns in spring; only when thatch layer is more than 3/4" inch deep. Aerate lawn with garden fork; gently pressing fork tips with foot in rows, about an inch apart to allow water and air to move freely through the soil. Mow lawn to height of 2 inches, leaving grass clippings on lawn.
Cities across Canada are taking steps to ban pesticide use on lawns, and scheduling summer water bans to leave turf dry and crisp during hot spells. Alternative ground covers are the way of the future.
Planting suggestions for May
Begin to arrange rock garden flowers like: Rockcress and Phlox to attract butterflies and bees. "Chicks and Hens", while "Creeping Jennies" are hardy ground cover 'fillers', low maintenance plants for the rock garden, and are safe to walk on. Pick up interesting clay pots and containers at your local garden centre to grow herbs in.
***Remember to check your planting zone for the best selections of a successful planting season.**
Happy Gardening Everyone!
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