May Landscaping and Gardening Tips for San Diego County
Landscaping in May: San Diego County Edition
May is here, and so is May Gray, that time of the year when the skies are often cloudy, with fog and cooler temperatures, especially along the coast. But it also means that our gardens are ready to be filled with plants. Keep up with regular maintenance and care of the plants you’ve planted in your landscape. And while some days may be a bit cooler, temperatures are warming up, so your plants are about to take off.
What to Plant in May in San Diego County
May is also an excellent time to plant a variety of trees and shrubs. You can plant a wide range of flowers, too. The more beautiful your garden and property, the more customers, clients, and people will want to visit and stay!
Here’s what to plant in May:
- Canned roses, irises, tropical plants, and tuberoses.
- Be sure to pinch them when planting.
- Continue planting begonias and dahlias.
- Plant morning glories, zinnias, and other heat loving flowers (replace any cool season bedding flowers with the summer season flowers.)
Plant vegetables and herbs, such as:
Warm season crops include:
- Corn, okra, melons, cucumbers, tomatoes, squash, sweet potatoes, peppers.
Herbs:
- Basil, parsley, mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme, sage, chives, bay laurel, and other heat loving herbs.
Tip: When your summer vegetables are ready, be sure to harvest them ASAP. If you let them rot and drop to the ground because that can bring insects and disease to your garden.
Plant warm seasonal lawns, such as Paspalum or Bermuda.
Lawn Maintenance for May
Fertilize warm season and cool season lawns- Mowing: Warm season lawns should be mowed short. Cool season lawns should be mowed long.
- Bermuda lawns should be dethatched every 2 – 3 years during the active growing season (May – August).
Watering Needs
The weather should start warming up so it’s a good time to reset your irrigation time to water more frequently. Adjust the timer if we receive adequate rainfall.- Fix broken and clogged sprinklers.
- Adjust spray heads.
- Conserve moisture by adding a fresh layer of mulch.
- Some California native plants don’t accept summer water, so taper off watering.
- Keep roses well hydrated by applying at least one inch of water.
- Check the irrigation system. Fix any clogs and broken sprinklers. Adjust spray heads. Water once the weather warms up but do it only after soil is partially dry. Check your local lawn watering restrictions and guidelines.
- Plan how you’re going to conserve water. Consider replacing old irrigation systems.
Pruning
- Spent blooms should be pruned regularly. Pruning encourages new growth and helps them maintain shape.
- Avoid pruning deciduous fruit trees too early
Weed Control
- Apply pre-emergent herbicides when soil temperature is between 50 to 55 degrees.
- Use post-emergent herbicides for weeds that have already sprung
- Pull weeds by hand. For best results and ease of work, pull weeds when they are young.
- Weeds to look for include crabgrass, dandelions, spotted spurge, and purslane. Clovers can be weeds or you may also embrace clovers and keep them on your lawn (can be well-suited for rainfall-starved San Diego County.)
Key Takeaways: Now is the Time
- Renew mulch to help conserve moisture throughout summer.
- Use a blast of water to banish aphids from tender new growth.
- Keep ants away from citrus trees with a trunk barrier, like Tanglefoot.
- Fight pests using integrated pest management.
- Plant annual flowers in a designated cutting garden for spring-summer bouquets.
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Westturf has maintained and beautified landscapes throughout San Diego County since 1974. Our experienced landscaping crew treats your property as if its their own. Experience quality service with a commercial landscaping company who cares.
Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
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Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape Management is ready to help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120