Annuals from seeds are best planted this month. Started plants can be planted
outside. Fertilize regularly to keep them healthy and blooming.
Dahlias and Gladiolus can be planted outdoors. Use soil and bulb dust to protect them
against insects and diseases.
Geraniums and Fuchsias, both upright and hanging, may be planted outside. If you have
over wintered them indoors, set them outside during the daytime for a few days before
leaving them outside so they don't suffer shock.
Planting a few perennials in bloom each month will insure continuous flowers in your
yard.
Vegetables seeds and starts can be planted now. Plant bush beans every two weeks for
a continuous harvest. Planting both early and late sweet corn will also extend the
harvest season.
Pruning
Prune spring flowering shrubs after they finish blooming. Remove spent flowers, also.
Broadleaf and needleleaf evergreens are best pruned or sheared just before or just
after their spring growth. Pines can only be sheared at the soft candle stage,
usually during May or June, when the needles are just emerging from the candles.
Spraying
Continue to spray for leaf spot diseases as long as rainy weather continues.
Spray rhododendrons in late May for root weevils if the leaves have notches on the
edges.
Fertilizing
Give a second feeding to bulbs, rhodies and azaleas when they have finished blooming.
