May 2026

The weather hasn’t been very springlike. We’ve had frosts almost every morning in the last week of April. It’s been more like March. One bonus with the cold temperatures. The magnolias, forsythias, and cherry trees have lasted much longer,  looking so beautiful. As well as all the early spring bulbs.

Until nighttime temperatures stabilize into the 50’s, it’s too early to plant most annuals and some vegetables. Perennials are ok though. Our last frosts are usually early May, but the weather has been very unpredictable lately. Listen to the forecasts for the next few weeks.

Don’t be tempted to buy tender plants that we often see being sold now in the big box stores. It’s way too early for soft stemmed impatiens, begonias, and fuchsias. Also, tomatoes, cucumbers, squashes, eggplants, peppers, beans and basil. In a week or two, any greens, I like lettuce, kale, and spinach. Plus, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, celery, radishes and parsley will be good as long as they are hardened off. What is hardened off mean, some of you may ask? Exposing your new plants to outside temperatures, wind, and sunlight. This is accomplished by putting them out for a few hours every day in good weather. Not too hot, too cold, or windy . Usually, a sheltered location is best.  They will then become accustomed to the outside atmosphere they’ll be growing in soon.

What else can we do?   If you are a fan of using mulch, it should be put down after you fertilize your landscape.  The advantages of using launch are, it keeps down the weeds, helps conserve moisture, will eventually decompose and humus to your soil. Also, It will make your landscape look more beautiful. Make sure you buy the right kind of mulch. Aged hemlock is what I buy. It’s not died and on the finer side. Not big chunks of wood chips. I like the dark brown type.  The red mulch you often see, is dyed, and very bright.  Which makes you focus on the mulch color, not your plantings. Of course, your choice is up to you.

Our annual plant sale is only a few days away (May 9th). Your plants should be dug now and looking great in their pots. A light dose of water-soluble fertilizer would be good now too. Like Jack’s 20-20-20. The first number is nitrogen. The second number is phosphate, and the third number is potassium. A basic formula for good growth. Or organic Neptune‘s harvest fertilizer is also excellent.

Good luck. See you at the plant sale.  Carole.  Photos: front garden all mulched, spring arrangement with a nest of eggs.