Cool-season annuals begin to decline in May and should be replaced with warm-season bedding plants, such as begonias, geraniums, angelonia, coleus, marigolds, periwinkles and pentas. Before replanting, boost soil with Vital Earth compost and Fertilome Bedding Plant Food.
Plant seeds of fast-growing annual flowers, such as zinnias, sunflowers, morning glories and moonvines.
Plant seeds of okra, Southern peas, pumpkins, sweet corn, watermelons, cucumbers, butter beans, squash, cantaloupes, collards and eggplants (transplants). Snap beans, butter beans, sweet corn, tomatoes and peppers (transplants) should be planted in the early days of May to prevent poor fruit set due to high temperatures.
Continue to plant herbs, such as basil, oregano, thyme, mint, chives, sage and rosemary.
Deadhead roses and continue a spray program to prevent blackspot and powdery mildew. We recommend Fertilome Systemic Fungicide, or Serenade for organic gardeners.
Plant new summer-flowering bulbs and rhizomes, such as lily of the Nile and canna lilies.
Watch the lawn for signs of brown patch, which often shows up during cool, wet weather. If you identify an outbreak, treat your lawn with Fertilome F-Stop.
Apply Sluggo if damage from snails and slugs occurs.
Spray trees affected by scale insects with Bonide All-Seasons Horticultural Oil. Crape myrtles should be treated for crape myrtle bark scale with either Fertilome Tree and Shrub Drench or Hi-Yield Systemic Insect Spray.
Watch azaleas for lacebugs. You’ll know they are present if the leaves are white and green speckled and the underside of the foliage has dark specks. Control them with Fertilome Triple Action or Bonide All Seasons Horticultural Oil.