May is the month when the garden truly wakes up — tulips fade, perennials surge with growth, and the promise of summer is just around the corner. It’s also the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and get things in top shape. Whether you’re working in ornamental borders, raised beds, or porch containers, this to-do list will help you prioritize key tasks to set your garden up for summer success.
1. Mulch for Moisture and Weed Control
Now that the soil has warmed and spring rains have done their work, it’s time to apply a fresh layer of mulch. Not only does mulch retain moisture during hot spells, but it also suppresses weeds and gives garden beds a tidy, finished look.
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Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around perennials, shrubs, and trees.
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Keep mulch a few inches away from plant stems to avoid rot.
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Try organic options like Coast of Maine mulches for added soil benefits.
2. Fertilize for a Nutrient Boost
Plants are entering their most active growth phase in May. Give them a helping hand with fertilizer tailored to their needs.
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Use Espoma’s organic fertilizers for annuals, perennials, and edibles.
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Apply balanced fertilizers to flower beds and borders.
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Feed container plants with a slow-release or liquid formula every 2–3 weeks.
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Don’t forget lawns—Jonathan Green’s lawn food helps maintain lush green growth.
3. Prune Spring Bloomers
Once early flowering shrubs have finished blooming, it’s time for a haircut.
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Prune back spring bloomers like forsythia, lilac, and azalea after their blooms fade.
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Cut out dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
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Shape the plant to maintain size and structure—pruning now avoids removing next year’s flower buds.
4. Divide and Transplant Perennials
Perennials like hostas, daylilies, and astilbes benefit from division when they become crowded.
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Choose a cool, cloudy day for transplanting.
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Water deeply after replanting.
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Add compost or Espoma’s Bio-tone Starter Plus to reduce transplant shock.
Bonus: Replanted divisions are a great way to fill gaps in the garden or share with fellow gardeners!
5. Prep and Plant Veggie Gardens
May is prime time for planting warm-season crops.
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Tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and cucumbers can go in once the risk of frost has passed.
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Use raised beds or containers with rich soil, like Coast of Maine’s organic compost blends.
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Stake or cage tomatoes early to prevent breakage.
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Consider companion planting—basil with tomatoes, marigolds with beans—to deter pests naturally.
6. Refresh Containers and Hanging Baskets
Containers offer instant color and versatility. Now’s the time to refresh or replant.
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Choose Proven Winners or custom-created hanging baskets for long-lasting summer impact.
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Use high-quality potting mix and feed regularly.
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Tip: Coordinate colors and textures for a designer-inspired look—mix thrillers, fillers, and spillers for impact.
7. Inspect and Adjust Irrigation
With warmer days ahead, consistent watering becomes more important.
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Test drip lines or sprinklers to ensure everything is working properly.
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Set timers or invest in moisture sensors to avoid over or under-watering.
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Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and disease risk.
Final Touch: Add a Pollinator Patch
Support bees and butterflies by planting pollinator-friendly perennials.
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Native plants like coneflower, milkweed, and black-eyed Susan are both beautiful and beneficial.
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Take advantage of pollinator programs—hint: Town & Country is offering a FREE 1-gallon pollinator perennial with a $50 purchase (use code pollinator25).
Let May Set the Stage for a Blooming Summer
The work you do in May sets the foundation for the entire growing season. With a little planning and the right tools, your beds, borders, and containers will thrive all summer long. Whether you’re mulching, fertilizing, or getting your veggie garden in gear, enjoy every moment in the garden this month—it’s where the magic begins.
