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In
the Vegetable Garden
May
is when most all of us head into the main garden season. During this month
most vegetables can be planted.
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Set
out tomato plants
when evening temperatures stay above 50 degrees F.
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Melons
should be planted as soon as all danger of frost is past. Plant
extra seeds in the hill and cull as necessary.
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Sow
tender plants like lima
beans, cucumbers,
pumpkins,
gourds, and squash
after all danger of frost is past.
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Broccoli
and Brussels Sprouts
can also be planted now.
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Succession
crops of radishes, lettuce
and other greens can be planted for longer harvest times.
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Every
couple of days, loosen up the crust on cucumbers, squash, and melons
to help the seedlings to emerge and to help prevent dampening off.
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Rhubarb
plants can use a heavy dose of composted manure. spread around
the plants and dig in well.
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Eggplants
and peppers can be set out later in the month in the North and earlier
in the South.
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Consider
New Zealand Spinach
as an alternative or adjunct to standard spinach.
It does great in warmer climates and is a perennial in climates
with milder winters.
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If
you are a beginning gardener, don't just plant bush
beans. It is not much more difficult to cultivate pole-type
or climbers and you will be rewarded with longer harvest periods and
greater amounts for the same garden space. Check out our
trellising ideas on our Bean
Page.
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Witloof
chicory can be planted early this month. They will provide
roots that can be used in the cellar for forcing in the Winter as a
crop of 'Belgium' or 'White' Endive.
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If
frost threatens, cover tender plants with straw, buckets, or old
blankets. Make sure not to crush the plants.
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Don't
forget to include kitchen herbs
like thyme, parsley, sage, and mints.
In
the Flower Garden
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Nearly
all varieties of flower seeds may be sown in the garden at this
time.
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Plants
received by mail should be allowed to soak in water for several
minutes and planted as soon as possible.
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Shasta
Daisies, Forget-Me-Nots and other "clumping" plants can be
divided.
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Dahlias
should be divided and planted now.
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Plant
annuals in between your waning tulip and daffodil bulbs.
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Do
not remove daffodil foliage until after it yellows and begins to
brown.
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Before
your sweet peas fall over, make sure that you have provide some form
of support.
Trees &
Shrubs
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Now
is the time to train evergreen shrubs like arbor viatae, hemlock, spruce
and yew into shapes.
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Mulch
blueberry plants heavily with sawdust. Douglas fir works
excellent.
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Mulching
newly planted shrubs and trees with grass clippings, leaves, or peat
to conserve moisture. Newly planted roses, perennials, and fruit
trees will also benefit from this practice.
Other
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