Planting:
Spring has sprung, and May flowers are blooming! It’s a good time for planting. Keep an eye on soil temperature for planting warmer weather veggies and seeds. (For tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc. make sure it’s consistently above 70˚F unless you have a greenhouse to protect them.) You can start a lot of seeds indoors right now, as well as some outdoors. Check out this handy list of what to plant in May. Visit the nursery- we’ve got fresh herbs, veggies, perennials, shrubs, hanging baskets and more!
Fertilizer and Mycos
Beginning with well-balanced fertilizer is key to starting your garden off with good plant health. When planting transplants, use an appropriate fertilizer, and apply it to the bottom of the planting hole taking care to mix with a bit of loose soil. For most plants, applying Mycorrhizal fungi in the planting hole can be very beneficial. The plant sends signals out to any mycorrhizal fungi in the area and the spores respond by growing hyphae in the direction of the signal. If a spore is able to find the root of the plant, the hyphae will penetrate the root and begin to grow structures that allow for the plant and the fungi to exchange resources.
Pest Management
The changing of seasons means abundance of growth, but it also means that pests are beginning to emerge in force this time of year. Prevention is key to future problems, and the earlier the start the better. Learn more about how to manage different types of problems when Dealing with Garden Pests. Another part of IPM is the use of Beneficial Insects in the garden!
Monitor for spotted wing drosophila (SWD) near plants that bear soft fruit such as blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. We have traps available in our garden department.
Right now is a good time to use our OMRI listed Bio-Turf fertilizer to help keep your lawn green and lush. Check out more tips on Natural Lawn Care.