May/June Gardening Tips

Harmful insects become more active as the weather warms. Watch for chinch bugs, trips, scale, mites, caterpillars, and an army of other bugs. But be cautious with the insecticides because as along with the bad bugs are some the beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. Indiscriminate or overuse of insecticides tend to throw off the natural good-bug/bad-bug balance in your garden. 

Yellowing of new growth on gardenias usually indicates a micronutrient deficiency but some yellowing of older leaves is normal.

May and June are the months to consider heavy pruning of many plants including trees which may be a threat during the upcoming hurricane season. Prepare for hurricane season by checking trees for damaged or weak branches and pruning if needed. When fertilized and watered, if required, they will come back and produce dense, bushy growth during this month despite the pruning.  If you are still hoping to plant a traditional vegetable, herb or annual garden this month, these are your best bets:

Vegetables:   Cherry Tomatoes, Collards, Cowpeas, Lima Beans, Malabar Spinach, Mustard, Okra, Peanuts, Pumpkins, New Zealand Spinach, Snap Beans, Southern Peas, Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Turnips, Yams, and Beans.

Herbs:   Basil, Chives, Dill, Sage, Savory, Sweet Marjoram, Mexican Tarragon, Mint, Rosemary, and Thyme.

Flowers:   Balsam, Begonias, Blue Daze, Celosia, Coleus, Cosmos, Cockscomb, Four-o'clocks, Hollyhocks, Impatiens, Marigolds, Moon Vine, Morning Glories, Ornamental Peppers, Periwinkles, Petunias, Portulaca, Purslane, Salvia, Sunflowers, Wax Begonias, and Zinnias.

Bulbs:    Agapanthus, Blood Lilies, Caladiums, Canna, Crinums, Daylilies, Gladioli, Gloriosa Lilies and Spider Lilies.

Lawn Care:  Encourage healthy growth and discourage insects, weeds, and diseases by mowing correctly.