Syringa vulgaris (Common Lilac) To Do In May:
Finish mulching garden beds and applying organic fertilizers.
Continue treating for slugs with iron phosphate products like Sluggo.
Start staking and training climbing plants like clematis to prevent flowering stems from breaking.
Stake perennials such as peonies and delphiniums to prevent breakage of stems, especially if rainy or windy.
Continue to pull weeds before they go to seed. Pull or treat dandelions in lawns.
Shop for the remainder of your summer annuals and vegetables, although it is advised that you wait (if supplies hold out) on tomatoes, basil, coleus, New Guinea impatiens, zinnias and a few others until evening temperatures are above 50 degrees F. If you purchase tender annuals, you can keep them outside during the day and bring them into the garage at night until it is safe to plant them.
Deadhead rhododendrons as soon as they finish flowering.
Be careful to water if we suddenly have nice weather. As it gets warmer, the garden can dry out very quickly, especially new transplants.
Happy gardening. Cheers, Tim
