May Garden To Do List

DeborahBirge
SLGC President
Fort Bend County Master Gardener

Here’s your May to do list, adapted from the Texas A&M AgrilLife Extension.
UPKEEP: Check mulch levels, replenish to 3-4” deep to deter weeds and retain soil moisture.
INSECTS: Check tender growth for pesky insects. Many insects can be washed off with a strong spray of water or soapy water spray. Most importantly, know what you are killing before you grab the insecticide. (see below). Avoid all weed and feed products.
TREES/SHRUBS: Fertilize and prune lightly. Do not prune Live Oaks. Here’s a pro-tip, all trees should be given 3 years to repair after major pruning.
LAWN: Begin watering only if your footsteps leave prints in the grass. Overwatering produces weak grass and fungal diseases. Here are some great ideas on water efficiency: Mow frequently to control weeds. Check this link for more ideas: https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/drought/efficient-use-of-water-in-the-garden-and-landscape/
VEGETABLES: Mulch and control soil moisture. Pull onions as the tops fall over and allow to dry before storing. Plant okra, southern peas, sweet potatoes, eggplant, pumpkin, cantaloupe, watermelon, summer squash, and peppers. Side-dress tomatoes with slow-
release fertilizer or use a foliar spray. Watch for stink bugs and leaf-footed bugs. Mosquito netting or row cover makes a great exclusion material.
FRUIT TREES: Top-dress with compost. Water deeply every 10 to 12 days. Trees holding fruit need more moisture than bare trees.
ROSES: Watch for black spot and remove diseased leaves. Remember to destroy these leaves to stop continued infection. Prune climbing roses as they finish the spring bloom.
TROPICALS: Maintain soil moisture. Mulching will help. Most tropicals will appreciate afternoon shade (3pm) starting in June.
WILDFLOWERS: Collect seeds for sowing this fall and spring.
LINKS FOR ADDITIONAL INFO: https://citybugs.tamu.edu/factsheets/landscape/sapfeed/
https://landscapeipm.tamu.edu/ipm-for-ornamentals/pests-of-ornamentals/
https://landscapeipm.tamu.edu/what-is-ipm/ipm-concepts/pest-identification/good-bug-bad-bugs/beneficials/