fbpx

May Landscaping and Gardening Tips

May 17, 2011

Yard LandscapeIn case you haven’t noticed, spring has finally arrived in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re already thinking about your spring landscape management.

Landscaping changes with the seasons, and spring brings about some specific rules of thumb to keep in mind. The following are a few tips for house landscaping and gardening in May:

1. Plant Your Annuals

Spring is the perfect time to start seeding annuals. If you have plants that have started already, they can begin to go in the ground. Make sure to keep them well-fertilized, but be careful when watering. Unpredictable rainstorms combined with strict watering schedules can sometimes lead to overwatering.

2. Prune, Baby, Prune

You should really be pruning right now. Seriously. Pruning spring flowering shrubs after they have finished blooming encourages new blooms. Pines, broadleaf evergreens and needleleaf evergreens should only be pruned this month or next, when they are in the soft candle stage.

3. Don’t Rush Into Things

We know you’re antsy to start tackling your landscaping projects, but don’t try to do everything at once. Many plants, including most warm-season vegetables, won’t thrive if planted in cold, wet soil. For tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, corn, beans and squash, wait until nighttime temperatures remain above 50 degrees.

4. Plant for Beneficials

Beneficials are insects that help with your landscape management by acting as pollinators and natural pest deterrents. A few known beneficial-attracting plants include parsley, cosmos, purple coneflower, sage, thyme and bee balm.

5. Don’t Forget to Fertilize

Just like humans, young plants need nourishment if they’re to grow up big and strong. Remember to feed your plants with high-quality, all-natural fertilizer. Composting is one of the best natural fertilization methods, but there are plenty of quality fertilizers on the market if you don’t want to deal with the hassle.

Spring landscape management can be a joy, but it’s not without its challenges. If you’re having trouble with your house landscaping, consult a landscaping contractor for help. Landscape East & West offers Lake Oswego, Portland, West Linn and Beaverton landscaping maintenance and management services.

Archives

css.php