May Tips: Transplant and Fertilize.
Posted in Monthly Reminders by oscar on Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Container grown plants can be transplanted in the ground now.
Fertilize all spring-blooming shrubs after they have bloomed.
Mow every 5 – 7 days and leave the grass clippings on the lawn so that they will break down and add valuable nutrients to your soil. Apply 1/2″ to 1″ of water every 5 days to deeply wet the soil and develop a stronger, healthier turf. Daily lawn sprinkling encourages shallow roots and can promote disease, so evaluate your turf watering habits. Watering turf less often for longer periods of time is better! Consider better suited turf varieties such as Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s Habiturf, Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, or Zoysia. Topdress your lawn and landscape with compost. Just half-inch over the lawn and a half-inch to one inch in flower beds and around shrubs and trees gives plants the nutrients, organic matter, and microorganisms they need and helps the soil to retain water better. Prune your spring-flowering plants, such as climbing roses, shrubs, and trees, after they’ve flowered. Prune any frost-damaged trees and shrubs as well. Remove sucker shoots from tomato plants to get the earliest and largest fruit possible. Mulch all bare soil areas. Using two to three inches of mulch will help with weed suppression, moisture retention, and cooler soil. In weedy areas, get control by pulling weeds first or use a natural weed killer. Check your plants for signs of pest* problems. If a pest is causing damage to your plant: 1. Identify the problem/pest correctly. 2. Choose the least toxic strategy. Watch for symptoms of disease*, especially during warm, wet weather. High humidity and damp soil can lead to diseases. Fungal and bacterial spores can be spread by splashing water. *If you are unable to identify pests or diseases on your own, collect a sample in a closed container and take it to your local nursery or the county extension office for proper identification. CONSIDER THIS (Source: Natural Gardener Website)
“The average daily temperature in Austin in May is 85°F, and we typically get about 4.5” of rain. Sound great, doesn’t it? If only we could have an “average year” every year! Collect rain water! Even in a dry year, we typically get at least a little rain in May, so why not save it for later in the summer? An average home uses over 50% of its water to maintain its landscape. A rain barrel can very quickly pay for itself – and plants love rainwater”
and the crew Tips Sources: Travis County Master Gardeners Association Garden Guide, 4th Edition Natural Gardener Website
TAGS: 2nd fertilization St. Augustine grass, apply turf builder, mulch, treat for fleas and mosquitoes
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