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Planter's Almanac: May Planting Guide

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 1, 2008

WHAT TO DO

Fertilize citrus trees. Young trees (to 3 years old) should be fertilized every four to six weeks from February to October. Do not use a fertilizer with an analysis higher than 8-8-8. Apply 1 pound of fertilizer per year of tree age per application.

For trees older than 3, apply fertilizer three times each year: in January-February, May-June and October, with 1 pound of fertilizer per year of tree age up to a maximum of 10 pounds per application. Fertilize an area twice the diameter of the tree canopy.

Fertilize palms.

Plant and fertilize annuals.

Fertilize perennials.

Watch for lacebug infestations.

Air-layer shrubs and trees.

Fertilize muscadine grapes.

Spray roses to control black spot.

Side dress vegetable plants with fertilizer.

Water wisely.

Check for signs of turf insects by drenching lawn with a soapy solution.

Prune to control fire blight disease.

Prune poinsettias to encourage a dense, compact plant.

Correct blossom-end rot on tomatoes.

Control scale insects and mites.

Control oleander caterpillars.

WHAT TO PLANT

Annuals: ageratum, amaranthus, balsam, celosia, cleome, coleus, Dahlberg daisy, gazania, impatiens, marigold, melampodium, Mexican sunflower, morning glory, nicotiana, nierembergia, ornamental pepper, periwinkle (vinca), rose moss, salvia, silk flower, sunflower, thunbergia, torenia, wax begonia, zinnia

Perennials: achillea, coreopsis, day lilies, gerbera, gaillardia, gazania, jacobinia, lantana, pentas, ruellia, rudbeckia, Shasta daisy, salvia

Vegetables: okra, sweet potatoes, peanuts, Southern peas, New Zealand spinach

Herbs and spices: anise, basil, bay laurel, borage, caraway, cardamom, chervil, chives, cilantro (coriander), dill, ginger, horehound, lemon balm, marjoram, Mexican tarragon, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme

Bulbs: amaryllis, Amazon lily, Aztec lily, blackberry lily, blood lily, caladium, canna, crinum, crocosmia, dahlia, elephant ears, gingers, gladiolus, Kaffir lily, Louisiana iris, moraea, rain lily, society garlic, spider lily, walking iris, Watsonia

Information provided by Hillsborough County Extension

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