Sowing All Projects in May (Paraphrased)
Let's Spice Up Your Garden This May!
Hot off the press, here's the lowdown on how to rock your garden this May! Get ready to seed some magic, both indoors and out.
Flourishing Lawns
Capitalize on the last rains to help your eco-friendly lawn or clover lawn get a strong start. No need to convert your entire yard if you're feeling anxious about it—start small by carving out a patch to sow some clover. Mix it up with other low-lying flowers like yarrow, English daisy, and various types of clover to avoid creating a monoculture. Remember to include traditional clover for winter coverage, and red and strawberry clover for a pop of color during the summer months.
Blooming Annuals
In most parts of the U.S., you'll start to get enough sunshine this month to direct seed annuals like wildflowers outside. If you're going for a more natural look, scatter the seeds and scratch up the area so there's soil contact for the seeds. Once sown, cover them with soil, pat it down, and water it. But be aware, summer isn't eternal, so if you haven't planted starts already, it's wise to direct seed before the end of May.
Consider creating a flower wall or lining the edges of your property or garden with sunflowers to define your space. Don't forget—summer zinnias or sunflowers can be succession-seeded later this summer!
Fresh veggies galore
Vegetables like tomatoes and peppers are typically started indoors due to the short summer season. However, some fast-growing vegetables enjoy not having their roots disturbed, so seeding them in the garden is a-ok! Almost all reasons exist to start beans outside—they germinate quickly, have shallow roots, and thrive when direct seeded.
Cucumbers, particularly cucamelons, are excellent candidates for direct sowing since they prefer not to have their roots disturbed and germinate within a few weeks. Plant another round of cucumber seeds in a few weeks for continuous harvest. Cucumbers can crawl on the ground, but using a trellis designed for them will maximize space and keep those babies tidy.
Pumpkins and squash can be seeded in the dirt—just remember to hill pumpkins for better fruit production. Mushrooms and zucchinis grow quickly, so there's still time to grow from seed in most climates. Give it a shot this summer!
Corn on the Cob Revolution
Corn should always be direct seeded as it's easy to germinate and grows quickly. Just be sure to plant corn in 4x4-foot blocks for adequate pollination. Corn grows tassels that are pollinated by the wind, so they need a substantial number of plants to succeed. Don't go for short rows or a few plants—you need a full block!
Melons can be direct sown outside, but remember that melons and cucurbits can cross-pollinate, so keep them at a safe distance to avoid creating Franken-squash.
Seeding on Repeat
Capitalize on the last spring rain to germinate additional rounds of root vegetables like carrots.Afterward, seed radishes, lettuce, green onion, beet, and kohlrabi outside in a protected spot once a week. There's no need to put out a packet's worth each week—just the number you'll eat. Don't forget to mark the rows so you don't plant in a spot you've already seeded!
Garden Party at Your Home
It's still takeout time for delicate seeds like stock and celosia. To save yourself from squirrels, birds, and rabbits, grow them inside with control over the atmosphere. Once they've grown, you can decide exactly where you want to place your gorgeous blooms.
By following these tips—good soil prep, careful seed selection, proper sowing, and post-sowing care—you'll maximize the growth and yield of your annual flowers and vegetables in just one month. Happy gardening! 🌻🌸🌺🌸🌻
- What seeds to plant in May include annuals like wildflowers and fast-growing vegetables such as beans and cucumbers, which can be directly seeded outdoors.
- If you're looking to add pops of color to your garden, consider direct seeding summer zinnias or sunflowers later in the summer.
- For a more traditional clover lawn, include white clover for winter coverage and red and strawberry clover for a summer color boost.
- If you're growing vegetables indoors due to the short summer season, consider direct seeding fast-growing vegetables like cucumbers and beans to avoid disturbing their roots.
- Don't forget to overseed root vegetables like carrots in late spring for continued harvest throughout the growing season, but be sure to protect delicate seeds like stock and celosia by growing them indoors to keep them safe from squirrels, birds, and rabbits.
){kind=link}