WHITE FLOWER FARM - GARDENING TIPS After a non-winter, an early start to spring, and an absence of rain, we're not entirely sure what the month of May will bring. But there are some predictions we feel safe in making.
BigNews.Biz - May 02,2012 - WHITE FLOWER FARM - GARDENING TIPS
After a non-winter, an early start to spring, and an absence of rain, we're not entirely sure what the month of May will bring. But there are some predictions we feel safe in making.
May is time to:
• Stop and smell the Lilacs. Cut some for bouquets. Deadhead after bloom, when it's also time to do any pruning that might be needed.
• Plant tender annuals, such as Dahlias, Petunias, Impatiens, Coleus, Fuchsias, and more. We used to plant these out on Memorial Day weekend, when we were confident the last frost had come and gone. But over the last couple of years that deadline has moved to earlier in May, although it's always good to keep an eye on the forecast for a cold snap with nighttime temperatures dipping below freezing.
• Keep planting perennials. Finish dividing any fall bloomers, and water as needed until they settle in.
• Plant Tomatoes. The best-loved harvest of summer can safely go in the ground here in Connecticut late in the month. We like to use our Organic Tomato Fertilizer, which helps to produce strong plants and prevent blossom-end rot. Erratic water supply contributes to this rot, so we like the "ounce of prevention" approach, especially when the season starts out dry as ours has.
• Plant Basil. Another heat-lover, this essential seasoning will find its way into salads, sauces, and pesto all summer long.
• Harvest Spinach and other early greens that don't like the heat. Enjoy fresh salads or sautes, and make room for warm-season Beans, Squash, and Cucumbers.
• Deadhead spring bulbs as they finish blooming but don't remove foliage just yet. Allow the leaves to mature so they feed the bulbs for next year's display.
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