The list of garden chores and checks here are typically taken care of in the month of May in most areas. There are exceptions to this such as unexpected freezes and early heat waves. These tasks will need to be adjusted for different zones. In the United States check with the local Cooperative Extension Office for a more detailed list of what is needed in each zone.
Vegetable Garden
- Pull newly sprouted weeds from garden being certain to get the entire root.
- Sow the last of the warm-season crops such as bean, corn, cucumber, okra, pea, pepper, squash, sweet potato and tomato.
- Thin seedlings and take cuttings from spring greens and other cold-season crops. In very hot climates, this is possibly the final harvest from these vegetables for the early season.
- Fertilize all new seedlings with a compost tea solution. Mulch newly sprouted plants.
- Check plants for signs of beetles, grasshoppers, leafhoppers, spider mites, squash vine borers, stinkbugs and other pests.
- Check tomato plants for pests and disease such as blossom end rot.
- Mulch all plants with 3 – 4 inches of a healthy compost mix.
- Cultivate, feed and divide (if needed) perennial vegetables.
- Water all plants well and again when plants appear to be wilting throughout the month. It is very important that plants receive plenty of water during the month of May so they will have a good start. Roots will dry out quickly and should be checked often.
Herb Garden
- Cultivate new beds and mulch well to deter weeds later in the season.
- Make succession plantings of short-lived herbs to extend harvest period.
- Plant basil, mint, tarragon and any other warm-weather herbs desired.
- Sow or transplant perennial/hardy herbs such as; chives, fennel, lovage, marjoram, thyme. Perennial herbs may be divided this month if desired.
- Seedlings should be watered well throughout the month as they will put on a lot of new growth in May. In areas where the summer heat begins early, roots will dry out very quickly this month.
Fruit Garden
- Cut away any suckers from lower trunks of trees and bushes.
- Pick off and destroy caterpillars and other pests from trees and bushes.
- Spread 4 – 5 inches of healthy compost mulch around trunks of trees and bushes.
- Mulch strawberry plants with straw for a clean bed which keeps fruits from laying on the soil. Strawberry plants should be producing well in May and should be covered with netting to prevent birds from eating fruits.
- Plant cantaloupe and watermelon seed this month.
- Spider mites and thrips can be a problem in May. Check leaves for signs of these pests. A daily spray from the water hose will wash these pests away.
- Check plants often for signs of black sooty mold caused by insects such as whiteflies, mealybugs and aphids. Use homemade insecticidal soap to control the insects.
Slugs and snails continue their assault in the garden this month. It is a good idea to treat the soil for slugs before planting and to keep a close watch throughout the season for any and all other pests. This is as simple as walking through the garden every day or two and physically checking the plants for infestations.
Further Reading
Tasks for those in cooler climates can be found in this article; “Garden Tasks for May in Cold to Moderate Climates.” Also for warm climates; “Four Perennial Vegetables – A Closer Look” and “Heat Tolerant Lettuces.”
Jacqueline Cross - Ms. Cross is a freelance writer and when not writing or traveling and reading for research, she enjoys creating various gardens on her ...
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