PBOG’s Garden To-Do List for May

PBOG’s Garden To-Do List for May

• Finish planting bareroot stock such as roses, raspberries, asparagus, and fruit trees

• Keep transplanting and dividing late summer and fall-blooming perennials

• Plant containers with frost-resistant varieties

• Plant trees, shrubs, and perennials

• Finish pruning and fertilizing roses

• Prune hydrangeas and scratch in an acid-loving fertilizer to promote bloom

• Topdress winter damaged broad-leaved evergreens with compost and a bit of acid-loving fertilizer to promote strong new growth

• Scratch in bulb fertilizer around bulbs as bloom fades

• Deadhead tulips, daffodils, and grape hyacinths

• Snowdrops and Winter Aconites can be lifted and divided while “in the green” – with foliage intact

• Make notes about where to add more bulbs next fall

• Weed out cool-season weeds when you spot them – do not let them go to seed

• Plant early vegetables such as lettuce, greens, kale, chard, and herbs

• Edge beds with a half-moon edger, creating broad curves or straight lines depending on your style

• Begin mulching in early May when soil is starting to warm up to help preserve moisture and suppress weed seeds

• Set up peony hoops or stakes early to keep these beautiful plants upright

• Remove winter deer protection – fencing, garlic clips, or burlap – around May 1