May/June Gardening 

Summer has arrived in Soperton Gardens and the sun can be dangerous to gardeners.  Be sure to use sun screen with at least an SPF15 when outside. 

Maintenance chores now require more attention than planting, although there is still some to do, and some seeds that can be sown. 

Started plants of tender annuals may still be set out in May.  These come in handy for filling gaps and bare spaces left by the passing of flowering bulbs.  Petunias are useful, for example, for planting over bulbs that are to be left in the ground rather than lifted and stored for the summer.  However, do not remove foliage from bulbs prematurely; doing so will weaken the plants.  Allow the foliage to wither naturally. 

Successive sowings of annuals made now and later will provide bloom all season.  Zinnias may be seeded until July, marigolds well into June.  If you plant hollyhock seeds now, you will get fine blooms next summer.  Dahlias planted in late May or early June give better results than earlier-set-out plants or tubers.  They will produce their finest blooms in September and October. 

Other tuberous and bulbous plants that may be set out at this time are fancy-leaved caladiums, cannas, gloriosas, tuberoses, and gladioli.  Make plantings of the latter every two weeks. 

Fertilize roses with 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer in late May and again in late June. 

Humid weather often brings fungus problems to the garden.  Powdery mildew and black spot show up on the leaves of plants.  Powdery mildew looks like a heavy sifting of flour on the leaves, shoots and flower buds of plants.  These diseases will weaken the plant; so use an appropriate fungicide to help control fungus problems. 

Slugs are also a big problem in my garden at this time of year.  The following is an easy way to control them without using pesticides.  Use a container, such as a coffee can or whipped margarine container, that has a fitted lid.  Set the container in the soil near the plants so that the top is flush with the ground.  Fill the container with an inch or more of beer.  Cut a two or three inch hole in the lid and put the lid on the container.  Slugs are attracted to beer; and they will crawl into the container and drown.  Each morning, check the container and dispose of any drowned slugs.  Replace the beer every three days. 

DEADHEAD..............DEADHEAD...................DEADHEAD 

No, I am not calling anyone names.  Deadheading is the process of removing old flowers from summer annuals and perennials to extend the flowering time by preventing seed production in flowers.  This is such an important gardening chore; it will prolong your garden's blooming season.  I rather enjoy this task in the early morning hours with that second cup of coffee. 

You may need to revitalize petunias about this time.  Cut the plants back several inches after the first bloom.  If you cut the plants back periodically throughout the summer, they should remain attractive well into the fall, provided you keep them well-watered and fertilized. 

Crepe myrtles are beginning their fantastic show!  Check these for signs of powdery mildew mentioned above.  If  infected, you will need to spray with an appropriate fungicide.  This may need to be repeated throughout the growing season. 

Here is a fun thing to do...grow moss on a cement statue or flower pot.  Paint it with buttermilk or yogurt; place the item in a shaded location and mist with water once a week.  It will look as if it has graced your garden for years. 

See you outside.