Article: May Chores in the Garden

Created on: Monday, June 09, 2003

• Shear spring-flowering shrubs after they bloom.
• Prune needle evergreens putting out new growth; cut "candles" in half.
• Service sprinkler system, check hoses, sprinklers, sharpen tools.
• Move annual flats from indoors to cold frame.
• Fertilize lawns with a high nitrogen fertilizer or organic fertilizer, apply broadleaf weed control and grub control.
• Fertilize roses, raspberries, blueberries and grapes.
• Plant seeds of lettuce, beets, spinach, carrots, beans, corn and second crop of radish.
• After weeding, spread granulated Preen®™ pre-emergent weed preventer for season-long control
• Lay perforated plastic mulch in the vegetable garden to control weeds while allowing water to reach the soil.
• Set plant supports like tomato cages at the time of planting, eliminating the need to tie up plants after they've grown out of control.
• Garden in containers to save time amending soil, weeding, stooping over, and watering only where needed. Herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, peppers, onions & most flowers can be successfully grown in containers.