May 1, 2024
Whether the pest you face is plant or animal, remember safety first. Read labels thoroughly before opening containers that hold garden chemicals.
Propogate geraniums and other soft wood perennials this month. For instructions, see the link at the end of this post. (Photo: Pixabay)
Tasks
- Check drip and sprinkler systems – clean filters, check emitters, fix leaks and re?set timers.
- Watch for Western grapeleaf skeletonizer. Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to control.
- Control gophers and moles with traps, baits, or fumigation.
- Clean up drying vegetation within 30 feet of structures for fire prevention.
Pruning
- Remove spent lilac flower clusters just above points where leaf buds are forming.
- Hedges grow vigorously this month. Trim lightly every 2 or 3 weeks to maintain size and shape. Heavy pruning exposes the interior to sunburn.
- Thin apples to one fruit per cluster.
Fertilizing
- A little used more often is better than a lot at one time.
- Fertilize almond, apple, cherry and plum.
- Fertilize citrus.
Planting
- Spring planting season is over. Anything planted now will need careful watering.
- Fruits and vegetables: cucumber, eggplant, okra, parsley.
Enjoy now
- Annuals and perennials: California poppy (Eschscholzia), blue marguerite, coral bells (Heuchera), iris, sweet pea (Lathyrus), Texas ranger (Leucophyllum).
- Bulbs, corms, tubers: harlequin flower (Sparaxis tricolor).
- Trees, shrubs, vines: cistus (rock rose), rose.
- Fruits and vegetables: butter lettuce, peas, spinach.
Things to ponder
- This is the month to propagate geraniums and other soft wood perennials from cuttings.