ACL Letter #24 - May Garden Guide 🌻
What's Happening in May
As May arrives, North Alabama is still experiencing cooler temperatures, but gardens are poised to thrive with the upcoming sunshine and warmer weather. If you have yet to plant in your garden or around your house, don't fret – there is still plenty of time. As we dive into the gardening tasks of May, let's make the most of this exciting time.
Monthly Garden To-Do's
🍅 We've passed the risk of frost and the ground is warming up nicely, so it's time to plant all your summer crops. Even if you haven't started your garden yet, there's no need to worry - you still have time. Take advantage of the first two weeks of May to get your crops in the ground and enjoy a bountiful harvest all summer long.
🌽 For those who have already planted their garden, consider making 2nd and 3rd plantings of certain crops like snap beans, corn, and squash to ensure a continual harvest throughout the season. Early May is also a great time to plant okra and Southern peas.
🌳 Don't forget to check the mulch around your trees and shrubs and make sure it's full. Keeping your shrubs and trees well-mulched will prevent weeds and grasses from stifling their growth.
🍽️ Take a stroll around your garden and enjoy the fruits of your early spring plantings. Leaf lettuce, radishes, arugula, and green onions are likely ready for harvest
Timely Tips
✅ In May, it's time to shift your focus from planting to maintenance and feeding. During the early stages of growth, a couple of well-timed feedings with organic fertilizer can work wonders in boosting the size and production of your plants.
✅ As we move into May, it's crucial to keep a close eye out for garden pests. Take preventative action by regularly inspecting your plants for eggs, larvae, and adult pests. Many insects prefer to lay their eggs on the undersides of leaves or along the stem, so be thorough in your search. If you notice any holes in your plants, investigate them promptly. Staying vigilant now will help you avoid infestations later on.
✅ If you've added flowering plants like calendula or cosmos to your garden, you can promote fuller growth by snipping the main stalk halfway once the plant has established itself. This simple technique encourages the development of side shoots, resulting in a more bushy growth habit.
Seasonal Activities
May is an excellent time to get outside and go for a hike. On a warm, sunny day, a hiking trail underneath a canopy of trees is a most pleasant space to be. Pack a lunch and some water and make a day of it. Be prepared for bugs! They are enjoying the trails as well.
The full moon in May is the Flower Moon! And for good reason. A visit to your local botanical garden would make a great outing for May because it will likely be in full bloom. Be sure and bring some water to stay hydrated and carve out enough time to linger a while and not feel rushed. There will be alot to see.
In the Kitchen
May is the beginning of the transition from spring to summer. With that transition comes an increase in the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets. Here are a few ideas you can take with you as you look to embrace May and all that it brings.
Embrace the abundance of fresh ingrediants by cooking lighter, fresher dishes that do not require a lot of cooking time. Grilling and roasting are excellent ways to highlight the natural flavors of ingrediants without over powering them.
Focus on using whole ingrediants and less processed foods. This should be easier than usual because May will have spring vegetables as well as warm season vegetables available before it is over. There will be plenty to choose from.
Finally, consider enjoying your meals outdoors more often. With its pleasant warmth and abundant sunshine, May offers an ideal opportunity to savor your food in the open air before the scorching summer temperatures set in.
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