This news item expired on Tuesday, May 31, 2005 so the information below could be outdated or incorrect.
Working in the garden can be relaxing and rewarding and May is the time to get the important work done to make your garden look great!
However, what you do and when you do it can be critical in order to have your garden look its best! The North Carolina Cooperative Extension has good suggestions on what needs to be done for lawns, ornamentals, fruits and vegetables.
For example:
- Lawns - Mow frequently enough to remove no more than 1/3 of the blade at a time.
- Ornamentals - When purchasing bedding plants, inspect plants for signs of disease and insect problems. Look for plants with healthy green color and good root systems.
- Fruits - Begin fungicide sprays on fruit crops, especially peaches, plums and grapes after flower petals have fallen.
- Vegetables - Soil temperature should be warmed up to at least 65 degrees before planting beans, melons and okra. Use a soil thermometer to ensure good germination.
Got questions? Contact the North Carolina Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.