May 2022 Garden Tips and Checklist
- Plant warm season vegetables and annual flowers once the threat of the last frost has passed. Click here for a listing of the average last and first frost dates.
- By planting tomatoes deeper, they are able to form more roots along the stem creating a more vigorous plant.
- Consider planting sweet corn in the garden every other week (until early July) to extend the harvest.
- Consider the various types of fertilizers. Click here for more information on traditional fertilizer options. Click here for more information on organic fertilizers.
- Thin out overcrowded seedlings using a pair of scissors, trying to avoid disturbing the young roots.
- Protect fruit blossoms and tender garden plants from late freezing temperatures. Click here for critical temperatures in fruit.
- Plant summer blooming bulbs including gladiola, begonia, dahlia and canna.
- Divide warm season ornamental grasses when new growth begins to emerge.
- Click here for more information about landscape weeds.
- Allow the foliage of spring blooming bulbs (tulips, daffodils and crocus) to die down before cutting the leaves off.
- Click here for information on planting a lawn.
- Turfgrass needs minimal irrigation each week. Click here for irrigation needs in your area.
- In compacted sites, aerate with hollow core aerator when turfgrass is actively growing (April – June).
- Control broadleaf weeds in the lawn when temperatures are between 60-80°F. Follow the label and stop use of broadleaf herbicides once the temperature is above 85°F.
- Apply a slow-release lawn fertilizer to provide a long lasting affect throughout the summer months.
Pests and Problems:
- Monitor newly planted vegetables for Cutworm and flea beetle damage.
- Monitor for Cankerworm damage on scrub oak and Box elder trees along the foothills.
- Monitor for aphids on lush new spring growth on a variety of plants. Treat for aphids by using “softer” solutions such as spraying them with a hard stream of water or by using an insecticidal soap.
- Monitor for slugs and snails. These pests thrive in moist, cool areas of the garden and landscape feeding on a variety of plant hosts.
- Protect Ash trees from the Lilac / ash borer around the first of May.
- Control Codling moth in apples and pears to reduce wormy fruit. For specific timing see our Utah Pests Advisories.
- Treat for powdery mildew on apples beginning when leaves are emerging (at 1/2 inch green) until June.
- Watch for insect pests in raspberries from mid-May thru early June.
- Watch for Cutworm damage in turfgrass and new vegetable starts.
- Monitor for damaging turfgrass insects. In areas previously damaged, consider a preventative (systemic) insecticide.