From Dayton Nurseries, Norton
The friendly and knowledgeable folks at Dayton Nurseries south of Akron provided this helpful to-do list for gardeners. While we’re halfway through May, Mother Nature is about three weeks behind, so don’t sweat it. You’ll get everything done in plenty of time to sit back and watch everything grow.
Here’s the list and a suggested timetable from Dayton. Happy gardening, and enjoy the show.
MAY
The First Week of May
Spray dogwoods and large-leaf rhododendrons for borers.
- Plant gladiolus corms every 2 weeks until July 4th for continuous bloom
- Till under “green manure” crops that were planted in fall
- Watch weather to prevent frost damage by blooming azaleas
- Plant garden mum starts now for better winter survival
The Second Week of May
- Watch for hummingbird return
- Trim back Heaths (Erica) to shape
- Spray Dogwoods & large-leaf rhododendrons for borers
- Plant second batch of peas, sweet corn and beans for continuous harvest
- Apply Preen weed preventer after planting annuals, then water in
- Select annual flowers and vegetable plants
- Plant potatoes for winter storage purposes
Third Week of May
- Move tropical plants outside during a cloudy period to prevent foliage burn
- Plant garden with heat-loving vegetables and any remaining cool veggies
- Start spraying acephate on susceptible shrubs to kill bagworm larvae
- Plant frost-sensitive plants such as tomatoes and peppers
- Hill up first batch of potatoes when bloom appears
- Last Week of May
- Apply weed and feed to your lawn as directed
- Begin spraying cucumber, squash and melons for mildew
- Spray roses with Rose Shield for rose slug control
- May 30 – Last official frost-free date for Ohio
