Priscilla’s Garden To-Do List for May

Fertilize cutback shrubs (hydrangeas, butterfly bush, smoke tree, etc) with a slow-release organic fertilizer to jump-start growth and later bloom
Stake peonies early
Scratch in Pro Holly around broadleaf evergreens that are young or have off-color after winter
Fertilize blueberries and raspberries to encourage fruit production
Divide fall blooming perennials
Transplant perennials before they get too tall to handle easily; if this point has passed, cut them back as they will regenerate quickly
Edit spreading perennials that tend to run into other plants, such as bee balm, mountain mint, and coreopsis
Edit out non-blooming bulbs and make notes about fall ordering and replanting
Plant almost anything now, waiting to plant annuals and heat-loving vegetables after threat of frost abates in mid-month
Hold off on planting tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, beans, cucumbers, and squashes until the last week of May or first week of June when night temperatures will be warmer
Edge beds to keep grass from creeping in and to create broad, smooth curves
Mulch garden beds with a natural mulch (no dyed products, please) to retain moisture and suppress weeds