The Victory Gardener’s
for the month of May

May is the month when most of us all head into our main gardening season.  It is during this month that most vegetables can be planted.

In the Vegetable Garden

• Set out tomato plants when evening temperatures stay above 50 degrees F.
• Melons should be planted as soon as all danger of frost is past.  Plant extra seeds in the hill and cull as necessary.
• Sow tender plants like lima beans, cucumbers, pumpkins, gourds, and squash after all danger of frost is past.
• Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts can also be planted now.
• Succession crops of radishes, lettuce and other greens can be planted for longer harvest times.
• Every couple of days, loosen up the crust on  cucumber,  squash, and  melons to help the seedlings to emerge and to help prevent dampening off.
• Rhubarb plants can use a heavy dose of composted manure.  spread around the plants and dig in well.
• Eggplants and peppers can be set out later in the month in the North and earlier in the South.
• Consider New Zealand Spinach as an alternative or adjunct to standard spinach.  It  does great in warmer climates and is a perennial in climates with milder winters.
• If you are a beginning gardener, don’t just plant bush beans.  It is not much more difficult to cultivate pole-type or climbers and you will be rewarded with longer harvest periods and greater amounts for the same garden space.  Check out our trellising ideas on our Bean Page.
• Witloof chicory can be planted early this month.  They will provide roots that can be used in the cellar for forcing in the Winter as a crop of ‘Belgium’ or ‘White’ Endive.
• If frost threatens, cover tender plants with straw, buckets, or old blankets.  Make sure not to crush the plants.
• Don’t forget to include kitchen herbs like thyme, parsley, sage, and mints.

In the Flower Garden

• Nearly all varieties of flower seeds may be sown in the garden at this time.
• Plants received by mail should be allowed to soak in water for several minutes and planted as soon as possible.
• Shasta Daisies, Forget-Me-Nots and other “clumping” plants can be divided.
• Dahlias should be divided and planted now.
• Plant annuals in between your waning tulip and daffodil bulbs.
• Do not remove daffodil foliage until after it yellows and begins to brown.
• Before your sweet peas fall over, make sure that you have provide some form of support.

Trees & Shrubs

• Now is the time to train evergreen shrubs like arbor viatae, hemlock, spruce and yew into shapes.
• Mulch blueberry plants heavily with sawdust.  Douglas fir works excellent.
• Mulching newly planted shrubs and trees with grass clippings, leaves, or peat to conserve moisture.  Newly planted roses, perennials, and fruit trees will also benefit from this practice.

Note:  This almanac page should be used as a general guideline of common garden tasks.  You should modify the list based on your specific geographic area.  For a very useful tool to aide in planning your garden, click here.

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