May brings warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine to the USA garden, ensuring that gardeners can enjoy longer days outdoors. This month also means gardening tasks to keep the garden tidy. To save money on all your gardening plans and needs use a Lowes Discount Coupon from We Are Coupons.
Fertilizing
When it comes to gardening, May is the time to fertilize perennial crops, such as asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, herbs and fruit trees. Perennials are heavy feeders, and they need annual fertilizing to help them produce and stay healthy.
When fertilizing, remember that plants have their own nutrient needs and that the amount of fertilizer needed depends on the type of plant, time of year and weather conditions. Using too much or too little of a fertilizer can be toxic to the plant and runoff into nearby waterways.
Some of the 18 chemical elements that plants need for healthy growth can be found in soil or air, but other nutrient needs require special additives to make them more readily available to the plant. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the most common nutrients that plants use to grow and thrive.
In general, fertilizers contain the major nutrients that plants need in a form that is easy for their roots to absorb. These are derived from a variety of sources, including mineral salts, organic materials, synthetic chemicals and manure.
Fertilizers can be applied directly to the soil, or they can be added to irrigation water. The most effective way to fertilize the soil is to broadcast it using a cyclone or drop-type spreader. For optimal coverage, divide the total amount of fertilizer to be applied in half.
Another effective way to fertilize the soil is to add compost, manure or other organic matter to the soil before planting. This will increase soil nutrients, improve the structure of the soil and encourage microbial activity.
Adding organic amendments to the soil helps it retain moisture, improve its structure and texture, and prevent weeds. Generally, the addition of organic matter is recommended for all types of garden plantings.
Soil tests are also useful tools to determine if fertilizer is needed in a particular area of the garden or landscape. They can be done by a professional or by yourself with the assistance of a simple soil analysis kit.
Fertilizer is a common ingredient in many commercially sold lawn care products. It is the most common nutrient for lawns and other landscaping applications, supplying nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and other important secondary nutrients to soil.
Watering
In the USA, May is a time to make the most of warm weather and start thinking about spring planting. Depending on your area, May gardening tasks can include planting warm weather vegetables, flowers and herbs. In the vegetable garden, May is the month to plant lettuce, swiss chard, spinach and beans. This is also a good time to plant perennial vegetables such as asparagus.
As with any new endeavor, it is important to do your research and study your local climate to determine which plants are best for your particular area. This will ensure you are not wasting your money on plants that are not going to thrive.
A good way to do this is by reading a gardening guide. These will often include an overview of the best plants for your area, including when to plant them and what they need to grow healthy.
Watering your garden is an important part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Many plants, such as trees and shrubs, need a steady stream of water to survive. This is especially true in the warmer months when soil tends to dry out more quickly than in the colder winter months.
It is also a good idea to check your plants regularly for pests and disease. This will help to keep your garden in tip top shape and save you time and money in the long run. If you have young children, a rain barrel can be a great teaching tool as it can be used to water your plants.
