May Ornamental Calendar

0
373

  • Weeks 1-4: Apples, crabapples and hawthorns susceptible to rust disease should have protective fungicidal sprays applied beginning when these trees bloom.
  • Weeks 1-4: Pinch azaleas and rhododendron blossoms as they fade. Double flowered azaleas need no pinching.
  • Weeks 1-4: If spring rains have been sparse, begin irrigating, especially plants growing in full sun.
  • Weeks 1-4: Fertilize azaleas after bloom. Use a formulation which has an acid reaction.
  • Weeks 1-2: Canker worms (inch worms) rarely cause permanent damage to ornamentals. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) if control is deemed necessary.
  • Weeks 1-2: Don’t remove spring bulb foliage prematurely or next year’s flower production will decline.
  • Week 1: Continue monitoring pines, especially Scotch and mugo, for sawfly activity on new shoots.
  • Week 1 Begin planting gladiolus bulbs as the ground warms. Continue at 2-week intervals.
  • Week 1 Plant hardy water lilies in tubs or garden pools.
  • Weeks 2-4: Scale crawlers are active now. Infested pines and euonymus should be treated at this time.
  • Weeks 2-3: Plant summer bulbs such as caladiums, dahlias, cannas and elephant ears.
  • Week 2: Begin planting warm-season annuals.
  • Weeks 3-4: Begin fertilizing annuals. Continue at regular intervals.
  • Weeks 3-4: Trees with a history of borer problems should receive their first spray now. Repeat twice at 3-week intervals.
  • Weeks 3-4: Bulbs can be moved or divided as the foliage dies.
  • Week 4: Pinch back mums to promote bushy growth.

Gardening Calendar supplied by the staff of the William T. Kemper Center for Home Gardening located at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri.(www.GardeningHelp.org)

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here