Your May Garden Checklist with Mike Darcy

The old saying of “April showers will bring May Flowers” is certainly hopeful for gardeners in the Pacific Northwest. With having one of the coolest and wettest springs in memory, seeing May flowers would be delightful. It seems as though most plants are 1-2 weeks behind their usual bloom and growth schedule. A Salem (OR), garden friend recently told me that his camellias were about two weeks behind their usual blooming time. However, gardeners keep moving forward without letting the rain be too much of a detriment, and plants may be behind their usual schedule, but they are still growing.

Hanging Baskets

May is the month when garden centers have their best selection of hanging baskets. Fuchsias are often used in hanging baskets, either as a fuchsia only basket or fuchsias mixed with other flowering plants. Most fuchsia baskets need some protection from the hot afternoon sun and giving them such a location will allow them to thrive. Often baskets feature plants that are either shade loving or those that like a sunny location. Keep in mind that these baskets have probably been growing in a controlled environment and may need some special care initially. Most baskets are going to need to be watered once a day and a water wand is very helpful. Consider fertilizing them on a weekly basis with a water-soluble fertilizer. With proper care, flower baskets will bloom all summer and into the fall.

Tomato Plants

Usually, tomato plants can be set out in the garden. Check the plant labels and select early, mid, and late season varieties to extend the harvest. Plant labels will give an estimate of days to harvest after planting. Most tomato plants are going to need some kind of support and there are various wire cages and structures for this purpose. If nighttime temperatures remain cool, consider using a plastic type wrap over the cages, be sure to remove it on sunny days. Tomatoes can also be planted in containers and whether in the ground or in pots, tomatoes need a location with full sun.

Rhododendrons

Once rhododendrons have finished blooming, remove the old flowers. Be careful not to remove the new growth which might initially be difficult to see. If the plant needs pruning, do it immediately after flowering. This information would also apply to azaleas.

Lilacs

Once lilacs are through blooming, remove the old flowers. Lilacs often grow more vigorously than homeowners expect and after flowering is a good time to do some pruning. Don’t be afraid of doing some major pruning if needed.

Slugs

With warm weather, slugs will begin munching on desirable plants. This is the time to use some kind of control measures to keep slugs at least somewhat under control. Always read and follow label instructions because some slug baits cannot be used around edible plants and some slug baits can be poisonous to dogs.

Roses

Roses should be actively growing, and this is the time to apply a rose fertilizer. There is a wide selection of rose fertilizers available and there are both inorganic and organic types. Briefly scratch the fertilizer into the soil around the base of the plant and then water.

May is also the month when many flowering annuals and perennials can be set out in the garden. While browsing the garden center, if you see a plant that you are not familiar with, think about giving it a try. It is always fun having something new in the garden. Sometimes it is a failure but often times it is a new discovery that can be planted again next year! Enjoy your garden! That’s what it is for!

MIKE’S GARDEN IS LOCATED IN OREGON’S WILLAMETTE VALLEY AND HIS ADVICE IS CONSISTENT WITH THE MILD CLIMATE THERE.

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