This document printed from the University of Illinois Extension Moultrie-Douglas Unit at http://www.extension.uiuc.edu/moultriedouglas/
Notes From Vicki
Well here we are in the month of May. We have all waited for this, chomping at the bit to get outside and dig in the dirt. No more looking the pages off of our flower and garden magazines, and waiting for spring to arrive. So here are some helpful things to do in the month of May along with some helpful tips from your helpful U of I extension office and Master Gardeners.
TREE'S AND SHRUBS
Pinch azalea and rhododendrom blossoms as they fade. Fertilize azaleas after they bloom. Use fertilizer for acid loving plants. Prune spring flowering shrubs lke lilac, forsythia, flowering almond immediately after they bloom. Early May monitor pines, especially Scotch and Mugho for sawfly larvae (worm like) activity on new shoots.
TIPS
Red and silver maples,willows,poplars, and elms can clog septic lines with their roots. Plant well away fom water lines and sewers.
FLOWERS
Plant tender annuals and herbs near the end of the month. When peonies reach 10 inches tall stake or surround with a peony hoop to keep them standing nice and tall. Allow spring bulb foliage to yellow and wither to produce food for the next year. Plant tropical water lillies and lotus when the water temp. is over 55 degrees. Mid to late May plant gladioli, calla lilies, cannas and tuberous begonias. Pinch top 1 to 2 inches of new growth on chrysanthemums to encourage full bushy plants
VEGGIES
Mid May plant sweet corn, snap beans, summersquash and New Zealand spinach
TIPS
4 OR 5 layers of newspaper serve as an effective mulch in the garden. Cover it with shredded bark or sawdust to reduce the white glare and prevent it from blowing away
