WeedingDedication to weeding regularly this month will allow your plants to outstrip the weeds and shade the ground around them to discourage further weeds sprouting. Give every area a thorough weeding every 7 - 10 days so none sneak by you to bome large, greedy nutrition-seizers. I prefer to weed by hand or with hand-held tool; I can see tiny weeds that might otherwise be missed, and I am less likely to remove my chosen plants by mistake. Remember, if you do have weeds, their deep roots bring up minerals from the subsoil. Thank them for that. |
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PigweedPigweed, also called lambs quarters, is one of the most useful weeds in the garden, for it makes a delicious mild cooked green. Cook it like spinach and serve it with a little cider vinegar. However, be sure to pull the pigweed before it goes to seed! The seeds have a viability of close to 100 years - which is why it appears as if by magic when soil is tilled or disturbed. Pigweed seeds need light to germinate, so mulching prevents overwhelming yourself with it. |
Heat Loving PlantsBy now, in most areas, heat loving plants like peppers, eggplants or melons can be uncovered, or should be transplanted outdoors. However, keep some plastic or Remay handy in case of cold nights. These plants grow best when nightly temperature is above 10 C (50 F). Tomatoes will need support soon, and tall peas should be supported, if you haven't done so earlier. |
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House PlantsIf you haven't yet set out your house plants, now is a good time. Remember that they are not used to direct sunlight, and either give them very gradual exposure to summer's strong rays, or put them in a shady place under a large tree, or under a porch roof. Be sure to keep checking them for dryness: they dry out faster outdoors. If they get flooded by rain, tip the pots on their sides to drain for a few days. |
Previous gardening tips:
May's Tips: Fresh Salads, Starting Seeds Indoors, Root Cuttings, No Plowing!