May:Grass: · Plant Bermuda lawns when the soil warms up in early May.
· Fertilize Bermuda grass every month, starting in late April and early May.
· Cut your grass down to half of an inch until the winter rye grass dies. This encourages new growth and is healthy for the Bermuda lawn.
· Every few years your lawn will need to be dethatched.
· When triple digits become a regular occurrence, daily watering is needed.
· Water your grass during the coolest parts of the day to avoid evaporation.
Trees/Shrubs: · Plant young citrus trees. Two to five year old trees transplant most successfully. Don't expect fruit for a few years.
· Pick early-maturing deciduous fruit from citrus trees before the birds get to them. Then allow the fruit to ripen indoors.
· Water deciduous fruit trees on 7 to 10 day deep-water cycle for the summer. Resulting fruit will be larger.
· For newly planted trees, protect the trunk from sunburn.
· Stake newer and younger trees to protect them from summer wind storms.
· May is a great month to transplant cactus.
· Increase the amount of water given to your shrubs as the weather continues to warm.
· Don't water the Bougainvillea too much. It will result in bigger leaves and fewer flowers.
Flowers: · Fertilize established roses at two-week intervals.
· Remove petunias, pansies and geraniums. Plant summer flowers, such as Lantana, Vinca, Verbana, Portulaca, Gomphorena purple buddy and Perslane.
· Flowers will benefit from a rich soil mixture of compost.
Vegetables
· Plant seeds for black-eyed peas, cantaloupe, muskmelon, squash and okra.
· Plant transplants for Jerusalem artichokes, sweet potatoes
· Provide shade for tomatoes. Shade cloth with 50% reduction is recommended.
· Vegetables will benefit from a rich soil mixture of compost.
Your Desert Garden - Monthly Don't List for May:1. Do not prune citrus except to remove dead or damaged wood and branches obstructing pathways, views, or structures.
2. Do not use pre-emergent herbicides in an area where you intend to plant seeds.
3. Spot treat pest problems.
4. Don't use spray-watering systems in the hottest months in the desert. Drip is better and won't cause leaves, flowers, or vegetables to burn. Don't water the grass during the hotter part of the day.
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