It’s time to plant and prepare your garden for summer. Check your irrigation systems, get rid of those pesky weeds that sprouted after April’s heavy rains and plant heat loving subtropicals, vegetables and herbs.
Here are some May gardening tips to keep your yard bountiful and blooming.
Plant a Garden
With a lot of us trying to save money, stay out of crowded spaces and have more time outdoors, this is a perfect time to start a garden. You’ll have fresh veggies and fruit at your fingertips for months to come. This is the time to plant warm-season crops like beans, corn, cucumbers, melon, peppers, pumpkin and tomatoes. They like the warm soil this time of year and needs lots of sunlight. Want color and edibles in your garden? Try planting edible flowers.
For information on planting a garden, go to Master Gardener Association of San Diego County and click on Resources. Sunset also publishes a good guide called “Sunset Western Garden Book of Edibles.”
Water and Mulch
As temperatures warm and days get longer, make sure your plants are getting enough water. Check new seedlings and transplants often. They need frequent, shallow watering for the first few weeks while they are establishing roots. Water established plants less often, but more deeply so their roots will grow deeper. Irrigate mature trees in a circle starting about one-third of the distance between the tree’s trunk and the outer edge of its branches, its drip-line. Water from that point out beyond the drip line by a few feet. It’s best if the water penetrates at least two feet deep into the soil.
Add mulch were needed. Try to keep 3 to 6 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs and established plants, but don’t take it right up to the trunk. The mulch will help keep the soil moist and keep weeds at bay.
Plant Citrus
This is a good time to plant oranges, lemons and limes. If you live in a warmer area, you can also try grapefruit and tangelos. Look for varieties that do well in your area and plant them in well-draining soil. Keep them well-watered while they are getting established. Once established, water when the soil 2-inches below the surface is dry.
A lot of information for May Gardening Tips 2020 comes from the Master Gardener Association of San Diego County. They are a great resource for all of your gardening needs including planting, pests, vegetables, and water use. They even have a free hotline where you can get your home gardening and pest control problems answered.