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Mississippi Master Gardener

May

Planting

  • Plant Crape myrtles when plants are in color.
  • Plant annuals and perennials early in the month, keep well watered.
  • Set out Chrysanthemums.
  • Continue planting Gladiolus. Can also plant Calla lilies, Ginger lilies, Tuberose, and Cannas.
  • Take Hydrangea cuttings and let root in coarse sand.
  • In the shade plant: Impatiens, Coleus, Sweet Alyssum, Lobelia, and annual Dianthus.
  • In the full sun plant: Verbena, Periwinkle, Ageratum, Marigolds, Zinnas, Petunias, Wax Begonia, Clematis, Four-o'clocks, and Portulaca.
  • Vegetables that should be planted this month: Cucumbers, Tomato, Pepper, Squash,Peas, Beans, Eggplant, Corn, Okra, Parsley, Watermelons, and Cantalope.

 

Pest Control

  • Keep an eye on garden pests and diseases: red spiders, thrips, aphids, lacebugs, lacewings, mealy bugs, caterpillars, slugs, snails, mildew, fungus, and crown rot.

 

Pruning

  • This is the last month to prune Azaleas and Camellias as new buds are formed in June.
  • Gardenias can be pruned by bringing a bouquet inside to beautify the house.
  • Cutting bouquets regularly will keep your plants pruned and prolong the blooming season. Cut in early morning or late afternoon and put into water immediately.
  • Remove seedpods from bulbs and irises, they sap the plants strength.

 

Mulch

  • Mulch layer helps maintain moisture, and can protect roots from extremes in temperature.

 

Miscellaneous

  • Water deeply during weeks that it does not rain.

 

Home Accent

  • Repot house plants during their active growing period: April through September.
  • May is a good month to repot and divide overcrowded ferns.

 

In Bloom

  • Confederate Jasmine, Gardenias, Begonias, Impatiens, Salvia, Geraniums, Roses, Hydrangeas, Magnolias, Azaleas, Clematis, Phlox, Sweet William, Deutzia, Honeysuckle, Golden-rain tree, Pomegranate, Mock Orange, and Weigela.