On those perfect, just right May days, we’re content to putter in the garden because the actual work has already been done and the fruits of our labor are vying for attention as they show off their splendor!

There are only a few maintenance chores and selective seedling plantings to take care of this month.

1. Perennials

It is risky to transplant or divide perennials this late. They might survive the accelerating heat, but will be cantankerous and not reward you with blooms since they didn’t get a chance to get rooted well. However, after the first blooming on your established perennials, cut them back about halfway to encourage a repeat show.

2. Annuals 

Pull up cool-season annuals like snapdragons, pansies, violas, and delphiniums. Replace with warm season favorites like zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, begonia, pinta, verbena, and coleus.

3. Vegetables

Plant your summer vegetables like tomato, pepper, eggplant, melon, squash, southern peas, green beans, corn, and okra. I like planting marigolds as a natural insecticide between rows of veggies.

Continue a prevention regiment on all your garden by spraying with your home-made concoctions and organic remedies, keeping an eye out for mites, aphids, and fungus/blackspot. If you prefer, your local nurseries will have in stock pre-mixed insecticides and herbicides in their organic sections. I recommend any of the products put out by Garret’s Juice. Invest in a good quality sprayer attachment for your hose which will automatically mix the correct proportion of medicinal spray to water.

Above all, open your garden gate and invite your neighbors in to share your bountiful harvest!

What will you serve your guests fresh out of the garden?