As the temperatures rise and the days get longer, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work in the garden. May is a crucial month for gardening tasks, and with the proper planning and execution, you can ensure a bountiful garden throughout the summer months. In this gardening checklist, we will cover all the essential tasks you must do in May to set your garden up for success. So grab your tools, and let’s get started!

• Spring rains are ending, so set your irrigation schedule for the season! Water by hand or look into creating your own irrigation system.
• Fertilize azaleas after their first flush of blooms to encourage more flowers later in the season.
• Now that your garden is awake, so are the pests. Keep an eye out for slugs, which you can find feeding at night.
• Check whether your vines and climbers are securely attached to their fences or trellises.
• Weeds are likely returning in full force, so make sure you consistently pull them before they set seed.
• Now is the best time if you want to prune or shape your early spring blooming shrubs (forsythia, quince, Pieris, etc.), if desired. Wait until they’ve finished blooming before trimming.
• Routinely deadhead your plants to encourage more flowers.
• May is the perfect month for planting perennials and shrubs, but it may be too cold for some gardeners (zones 3-6) to plant warm-season annuals.
• Bring your houseplants outdoors to enjoy the sun on warmer days.
• Set up supports for top-heavy plants, like peonies, to keep them upright for the season.
• Gardeners in cooler climates should harden off any tomato, herb, or pepper seedlings started indoors by bringing them outside for a few hours a day.