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Lynne Foussat, University Of Florida
Hillsborough County Master Gardener and Lithia Ridge resident, has been
kind enough to submit the following information that was sourced from
the University of Florida, Hillsborough County Extension
Office. For more information, contact Lynne at: lynne.foussat@verizon.net
or call the University Of Florida Hillsborough
County Extension Office or visit the
University of Florida’s publication website: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu
What
to plant in May:
-
Flowers:
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 and Zinnia
-
Vegetables:
Okra, Sweet Potatoes, Peanuts, Southern Peas, New Zealand Spinach
-
Herbs And
Spices: Anise, Basil, Bay Laurel, Borage, Caraway, Cardamon,
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 Lilies, Society
Garlic, Spider Lily, Walking Iris, Watsonia
What
to do in May:
- Lawn:
- Water wisely. (See April)
- Check for signs of turf insects by
drenching turf areas with a soapy solution. (See April)
- Shrubs And Plants:
- Control scale insects and mites.
Plants suffering from chronic scale problems should be sprayed
now to control the crawler (immature) stage. Watch for spider
mite infestations during dry, warm weather. Spray promptly with
a miticide or insecticidal soap 2 times (5 to 6 days apart)
and/or wash the underside of leaves frequently with water.
- Plant and fertilize annuals. (See
January)
- Fertilize perennials. (See March)
- Watch for lacebug infestations.
(See March)
- Air layer shrubs (See March)
- Fertilize muscadine grapes. (See
March)
- Spray roses to control black spot.
(See March)
- Sidedress vegetable plants with
fertilizer. (See April)
- Prune poinsettias to encourage a
dense, compact plant. Pinch several inches of tip growth off
each branch. Repeat this procedure whenever new growth exceeds
12".
- Prune to control fire blight
disease. Die back of loquat, apple, pear, and pyracantha may be
caused by fire blight disease. Prune and destroy affected
branches. Disinfect pruning tools between each cut with a
solution of equal amounts of water and one of the following:
rubbing alcohol, denatured ethanol or Pine Sol. Soak for 10
minutes.
- Correct blossom - end rot on
tomatoes. Rotted areas on the bottom side of tomatoes indicate a
calcium deficiency. Have the soil tested for pH (call your
county's Extension Service), try to keep an even moisture
content in the soil and spray plants with products containing
calcium (such as “Stop Rot”).
- Control oleander caterpillars.
Covered in black, bristly, non-stinging hairs, these
caterpillars are easy to control when young and small. Repeated
sprays, prunings or hand picking are necessary. Bacillus
thuringiensis (Dipel, Thuricide, etc.) or Spinosad are
"organic" alternatives.
- Trees:
- Fertilize palms. (See March)
- Fertilize citrus trees. (See
January)
- Air layer trees. (See March)
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