Monthly Garden Chores – May

We are actually getting a few sunny days around here–and my depleted vitamin D levels are started to rebuild.  Since all of my plants can be moved outdoors throughout the month, I’ll be pretty busy planting this month.  {Make sure to check your last frost date first before you move your seedlings out.}

Seeds I’m Starting Indoors this Month

Other than continuing my sprouts, everything will go outdoors now.  Wahoo!

See the full list of seeds I’ll be planting this year

What I Plan to Transplant Outside this Month

• Beans {direct sow}
• Cumin {direct sow}
• Zucchini {direct sow}
• Sunflowers {always brings the birds in at the end of the season}
• Pumpkins {direct sow}
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Dill {Gotta have it to can my pickles and dilly beans!}
• Squash {direct sow}
• Strawberries
• Flowers
• Sunflowers
• Ornamental Corn
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Ornamental Millet
• Basil

Plants and/or Bulbs I Plan to Purchase this Month

• Heirloom Tomato Plants {I usually buy several plants from the Seattle Tilth sale}
• Brussels sprouts

What I plan to Harvest This Month

• Swiss Chard
• Radish
• Spinach
• Microgreens
• Sprouts
• Over-wintered potatoes
• Basil
• Mesclun Lettuce
• Endive
• Bok Choy Leaves
• Oregano

Houseplants, Indoor Bulbs and Outdoor Bulbs

Houseplants should be on a regular feeding and watering schedule now.  If you plan on putting your houseplants outside for the summer, make sure to acclimate them slowly.  Start by placing them outside in the shade for only a couple of hours a day.  Don’t leave them out over night until late May, early June.

Spring bulbs that were forced should be deadheaded and then allowed to die back completely.  If you want to force them again next year, they will need to experience a freeze.  So move the pot outdoors and allow it to sit until December or January {continue watering occasionally}.

Trees and Shrubs

This is a good time to prune evergreens.  Also, watch for a huge array of bugs on the trees and work with your local nursery to, well, nip it in the bud.  Losing a tree to an infestation stinks.  If you haven’t pruned the roses, make sure to do it this month.

Weed and Pest Control

Weeding is the name of the game this month.  Weeds will be fighting for prime real estate in your garden and yard, so make a habit of a daily pulling or they can take over and become a massive chore.

Lawn Care

It’s time to start mowing the lawn regularly–I’m sure the HH is sooo excited.  Ha.  Watering lawn deeper/longer with less frequency encourages deeper roots which equals happy grass.  Thatching is also a good idea in May, it will help remove some of the dead grass, making room for new growth.

These garden chores are based on my Zone 8a Seattle/Tacoma WA location. Find your garden zone HERE.