May '25
Permanence. Transience.
May marks a transition month for gardeners in the south. The planting and seeding frenzy slows down. Trees have finished leafing out. Changes to the landscape are less rapid and more subtle. The outdoor activity moves from a high pitch squeal to a steady rumble. The days begin to blend with one another. Over the rumble, in the distance, I can hear a disturbance. It’s summer, and it is barreling towards me. The year’s goals and ambitions are now met with reality and the day-to-day grind that I’ve come to know intimately as life. The details become important now, and yet, they can easily fade into the background. There will be a next year however, and the work done this month will influence next year’s success. So it is important to pay attention now. Days stack, one on the other; as do years.
This month is about balancing permanence and transience.
Permanence is maintenance and care. Transience is seeding and harvesting. Permanence: the deep and the inherent. Transience: the fleeting and the mysterious.
Reality should influence our goals and ambitions, as well as refine them. We are already one third through the year 2025. It is time to let go, and double down.
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.
Don’t forget!
Any shrubs or trees planted in the spring will need to be watched carefully, watered deeply, and mulched heavily. It is important to avoid letting these plantings to dry out!
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 ingredients 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.
Tis The Season
For Farmer’s Markets! May is the month where most farmer’s markets kick into gear.
Farmers markets are cheat codes for those looking to live seasonally. Not only are they a great way to support local farmers and producers, but they also offer a wide variety of fresh, seasonal produce that will help you eat with the natural rhythms of the season. By shopping at farmers markets, you can enjoy the benefits of produce that is often more flavorful, nutritious, and sustainable than what you might find at a traditional grocery store. In addition, farmers markets can be a fun and social way to connect with your community and learn more about the food that you eat.
Eating In Season
🔵 In late May, Look for blueberries and blackberries to be coming in!
🟢 Spring Bounty! Look for lettuces, brocolli, peas, carotts, beets, cabbage, and other cool season crops at the market.
🔴 In north Alabama, where we are, tomatoes usually aren’t ready until late May at the earliest!
Lunar Calendar
The Flower Moon, May's full moon, gets its name from the blooming flowers that follow April's rainfall. Another name for it is the Corn Planting Moon, which is less romantic but more practical. Farmers appreciate full moons because they can work under the light it provides, particularly if the sky is clear.
Look for the full Flower Moon on Monday, May 12th.
📅 Calendar of Firsts
A calendar of firsts serves as a meaningful tool to celebrate and connect with the ever-changing rhythms of nature throughout the year. Its purpose is to document and acknowledge the first occurrences of various events and natural phenomena that mark the transition of seasons. By recording the first blooming flowers, migrating birds, or changing foliage, individuals deepen their awareness of the subtle shifts that unfold in the natural world. This heightened observation cultivates a sense of awe and appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our environment. Moreover, a calendar of firsts invites us to engage in a deeper relationship with the natural world, fostering a sense of connection, mindfulness, and gratitude. It allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the present moment and develop a greater understanding of the intricate cycles that shape our lives and the world around us.
May firsts to be looking for:
Remember these are general examples for zone 7 in the southeast US. Specific occurences will depend on your regional climate and conditions. Keeping a personal calendar or journal will allow you to capture the unique experiences and observations of each month in your region.
First firefly sighting in the evening (I saw fireflies briefly in early april)
First catepillar sighting (Saw a catepillar on a paw paw on May 1st)
First 90 degree day
First day warm enough for a swim in the creek
First calls of the Barred Owl (I heard in late April)
First blooming of vibrant flowers like the Black-eyed Susan or Purple Coneflowers