MONTHLY MAINTENANCE TIPS – May

Here is a list of helpful maintenance tips for the month of May. Please note that the below information is specific to the North Texas area and as always, any feedback you have is most welcome!

 

WHAT TO PRUNE / TRIM:

• Continue to prune flowering shrubs and vines (as soon as they are fully bloomed)
• Continue to prune trees and shrubs once they have greened by removing dead and damaged branches and reshaping the new growth
• If you planted mums, pinch them back weekly to promote new growth

WHAT TO PLANT

May is a great time to plant pretty much anything that is approved for your plant hardiness zone!

• Spring and summer annuals – readily available at the local nurseries.
• Summer herbs
• Summer vegetables
• Herbs
• Summer perennials
• Groundcover
• Trees
• Shrubs
• Roses
• Sod

 

WHAT TO FERTILIZE

• Flowers – annuals and perennials
  • Matthew Murrey Design recommends the following products:
    • Super Thrive
    • Garrett Juice
• Vegetables and herbs
  • Matthew Murrey Design recommends the following products:
    • Super Thrive
    • Garrett Juice
• Lawns

 

SPECIAL ITEMS

• Treat your garden for fleas and ticks, especially in areas with high people and pet traffic. More Info
• Begin summer weekly mowing routine if you have not already.

 

WATERING GUIDELINES

As temperatures begin to heat up, you can begin to water your yard on a more regular schedule. Be sure to monitor your soil to be sure you are not overwatering. The best watering method is to water deeply and infrequently.

For newly planted trees and shrubs, be sure to saturate the root ball at least twice per week as temperatures begin to rise. Continue this practice throughout the summer.

 More Info.

 

MORE HELPFUL LINKS

• Aggie Horticulture: Proper Pruning Guide
• Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Planting Guide
• USDA Plant Hardiness Map

 

*Please follow the instructions on seed packages and containers and/or refer to the Farmer’s Almanac for all herbs and vegetables.