May15th

The unseasonably warm weather and lack of measurable rainfall these past weeks makes it feel like summer instead of spring. It's hard to believe that there is still the possibility for frost until May 15th. After this date it is considered safe to plant the tender annuals, such as tomatoes, peppers, eggplant and impatiens.

A week before planting, the seedlings can be set outside in a sheltered location to harden off. Gradually get them acclimated to the outdoors during the day, bringing them in at night for the first few days. Try to plant them into the garden on a cloudy day or late in the day to avoid the strong sun. Water them well to give them a good start.

Tomatoes are one of the few plants that benefit from being planted deeply. Plant them so that only the top few sets of leaves are above the ground and a good root system will develop along all of the buried stem. Plan to set out supports for the tomato plants soon after planting. Cages and stakes are the usual choices. Cages made from tomato-aid wire provide the best support for tomato plants. Use the graduated ring style tomato cages for peppers and eggplant.

All the heat loving vegetables can be planted this month as the soil warms. Cucumbers, melons, okra, and squash can be planted by seed or previously started seedlings. Beans and corn are best planted by seed. Sweet potatoes, an easy and fun crop to grow, are planted as small plant starts called slips.

Vegetables that usually produce an abundance of fruit all at once, such as beans and cucumbers, can be planted in succession. Plant small rows or sections every two weeks to stagger the harvest over a longer period of time.

The summer blooming bulbs such as begonias, gladiolas and cannas can be planted outside now. Planting gladiolas over two week intervals will extend the bloom time throughout the summer. Seeds of sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds and cosmos can be sown outside this month.

As the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths finish blooming, remove the spent blooms before they set seed. It is important to let the foliage remain until it has turned brown. The leaves provide the food for the bulb to develop flowers for next year.

Roses can be fed once a month from May till July. Use a fertilizer with an analysis of 5-10-5 or one marked specifically for roses. Keeping rose plants, especially the hybrid teas, free from pests and diseases usually requires a regular spray program. Several products are available for spraying on roses. A highly effective spray can be made by mixing a tablespoon each of horticultural oil, insecticidal soap and baking soda in one gallon of water. The mixture can be sprayed on the plants every 5-7 days to control insects and diseases.

Once the danger of frost has passed the houseplants can be brought outside for the summer. Keep them out of direct sun to prevent burning of the foliage. The plants will benefit from the brighter natural light and increased humidity.

The lawn can be fertilized in May. And since the weeds are now in active growth, weed killers can be applied. Step 2 of the 4-step lawn programs will do both. Weed killers can also be applied separately as a liquid for individual weeds or as a granular for a more widespread infestation.

Since we are already experiencing summer-like conditions, it is appropriate to mention strategies for coping with drought. The first being the importance of mulch. Mulch will keep the soil around plants at a cooler temperature and reduce the amount of soil moisture lost to evaporation. Shredded bark mulches are excellent in the shrub and flower borders. Untreated dry grass clippings are a fine choice for the vegetable garden. Mulch will also keep competition from weeds down.

When an inch of rain a week is not expected, supplemental watering may be necessary especially for new plantings. Water early in the day to allow the foliage to dry before dark. And water slowly and deeply to a depth of 6 inches, rather than frequently for short bursts. This will encourage plants to develop deep root systems, which help them survive periods of drought.

Have you have ever wondered what to do with the extra produce you pick from your garden that you and your family and friends can't eat fast enough? The local food bank will gladly take your donations to fill their pantry. Hillsborough Social Services helps over 50 families to make ends meet by providing them with food from their food bank. The Belle Mead Farmer's Coop is providing the opportunity for gardeners to help by participating in the "Plant a Row For the Hungry" program. Contact the Coop for details.

Beth Nardone, botanist, is a resident of Hillsborough and is the Nursery Manager at the Belle Mead Farmer's Coop. Inquires and comments can be sent to bethtanical@hotmail.com