Row by Row Episode 249: Gardening in May
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May has to be one of our busiest months in the garden and if you're in the warmer growing zones, it is probably the same for you. Harvesting has started and we are already reaping the benefits of growing our own food. It is also one of the toughest on pests, tonight we're discussing everything you need to stay on top of this month in your garden. Fertilization, pest control, succession planting, and much more is on the agenda tonight! Let's grow together and get dirty!What Should You Do in May?
- Know your garden zone.
- Stay on top of pests!
- Stay on top of fertilization.
- Stay on top of weed pressure.
- Think about sccession planting.
- Have watering systems in place.
- Have flowers for pollinating insects.
Zones 9 & 10
Weather is very warm, and everything should be planted and growing by now. Start planning your succession planting schedule if you haven’t already. May is an ideal month for those across the U.S. to plant all your favorite annual and perennial herbs.- Direct sow herbs: dill, cilantro, chervil, fennel, & parsley
- Take cuttings, 3 to 4 inches long, of marjoram, rosemary, sage, & thyme from last year’s growth to propagate new plants.
- Divide and replant mint & thyme that has overgrown pots or has become straggly in the garden.
- Set out basil seedlings when the danger of frost has passed. Set seedlings 12-15 inches apart and water well in the early stages until the plants are established.
Zones 7 & 8
It is quite warm here in May. Harvest your garlic and onions, and harvest your potatoes at the end of May.- Sweet Potatoes (when soil temp reaches 70°F). They are best planted at least 4 weeks after the last frost date has passed. Some varieties need as much as 4 months of temperatures over 75°F. The hotter the weather and climate is, the better they grow.
- Melons
- Corn (if the corn is long-season, mid to late May is the last chance to plant these from seed to have them ready for harvesting before the last frost)
- Beans
- Cucumbers (The ideal temperature for seed germination for cucumbers is over 60°F.
- Eggplant
- Tomatoes (nightshade- invest in trellis, cages, and/or Florida weave)
- Peppers (nightshade)
Zones 5 & 6
If your weather is mild, you can get away with still planting a few cool season crops.- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Melons
- Squash (Summer & Winter)
- Cucumbers
- Potatoes
- Beans
- Herbs
- Okra
- Sweet Potatoes
- Corn (10 days before your last threat of frost). Seeds take about 10 days to germinate so they will be protected in the soul from the frost. Soil needs to be above 55°F.
- Flowers (marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, nasturtium)
Zones 3 & 4
Cool season crops can be started outdoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost.- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Cauliflower
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Kale
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Beets
- Spinach
- Cucumbers (end of May)
- Winter squash (end of May)
- Beans (pole and bush)
- Corn (when soil is above 55°F).