Your Gardening To-Do List

May 13, 2021 | Posted by: Kelleway Mortgage Architects

Do you want your garden to be the envy of the neighbourhood? Then May is a great time to begin your gardening to-do list. Here are some helpful tips and ideas for getting started on a garden that shines all summer long!

Plant Annuals and Perennials

This is a great time to start planting annuals and perennials in your garden. Some good choices are cosmos, marigold, nasturtium, sunflower, sweet alyssum, and zinnia. For the best results, it is ideal to pick an overcast day for initial planting to avoid heat shock. Be sure to keep all new plants well-watered until they have settled.

Start Summer Veggie Seeds

Plant your veggie seeds now! Beans, corn, cucumbers, and squash can all be sown directly in the soil (ideally when evening temperatures are around 10 degrees Celsius). Tomatoes love the sun and are very hardy; but be sure to provide trellis support! Plant all veggies in a bed of compost (4” - 6” deep) to ensure a healthy start and remember to keep new sprouts moist to avoid heat damage.

Spice it Up

Now that the frost has passed, it is also a great time to plant seasonal spices. Basil, dill, rosemary, marjoram, cilantro, and fennel are great options for planting this time of year. They require a bright area with 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and well-drained soil to flourish. Even better? Plant them in a container on your windowsill or porch so you can easily snip of fresh herb!

Lawn Mower Care

Lawn mowing season is just around the corner and now is the perfect time to tune up your lawn mower! Get your blades sharpened, change the oil, and update the spark plugs to keep your mower riding smooth all summer.

Lawn Maintenance Routine

Establish a lawn maintenance routine that includes watering your grass and garden, applying fertilizer, and weed unwanted and unruly foliage. It’s best to water your plants in the late afternoon or early evening to cut down on evaporation. This also allows your garden several hours to take up the water into their systems, without battling the sun