May is that magical stretch of the gardening year where everything feels like it’s coming to life—and fast. The soil’s warming up, the plants are growing like crazy, and summer’s right around the corner. But if the garden’s going to thrive in the months ahead, a little planning and timely care in May can make all the difference.
Here’s a practical guide to what gardeners across different climates should focus on this month—from mulching and compost to tomatoes, peppers, and even peach trees.
Mulching: When to Use It—and When to Wait
Mulch is great, but knowing where and when to apply it matters just as much as the mulch itself.
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Wood chips are perfect for garden paths. They last a long time, help retain moisture, and look pretty neat too.
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Straw mulch is still the top pick for veggie beds. It cools the soil and breaks down quickly to feed it—but it can reflect light and cool things down a bit too much for heat-loving crops.
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That’s why pepper beds might go mulch-free early in the season. Using compost instead can help warm the soil and give peppers a cozy start. Later in summer? Add the mulch back to keep things from drying out.
Feeding Your Plants: Gentle Boosts That Work
May is a good time to give your plants a little nutritional support, especially if they’re starting to really put on growth.
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Slow-release organic fertilizers (like garden tone blends) can be sprinkled around the base of plants and watered in. They’ll feed gently over time.
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For something more immediate, fish-based liquid fertilizers do the trick. Mix with water, pour it on, or even spray it on the leaves for a quick pick-me-up.
A once-a-month rhythm for granular feeds and a biweekly splash of liquid can keep most plants humming along.
Tomatoes: Prune, Train, Repeat
Tomatoes need some attention this month—but it’s the kind that pays off later.
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Trim off lower leaves that touch the ground. They’re magnets for pests and disease.
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Remove early suckers (the little shoots between the main stem and side branches) to keep plants focused on vertical growth.
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Use a trellising system like the “Florida weave” to support plants before they start leaning or falling over. Trust us—trying to fix it later is way harder.
Oh, and if you're short on tomato plants, those trimmed suckers? Stick one in some moist soil—it might just root and grow into a whole new plant.
Compost: Give It a Stir
If you’ve got a compost pile, now’s a good time to turn it.
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Compost works best when it's active—meaning it’s heating up from microbial activity.
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If the pile’s cold or sluggish, mix in some “greens” (like kitchen scraps or soft prunings) and “browns” (like straw or dry leaves) to re-balance things.
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Chopping large pieces speeds everything up. More surface area = faster breakdown.
Even just turning it once or twice can bring a sleepy pile back to life.
Weed Smarter
No one loves weeding, but ignoring it now can set you up for a frustrating summer.
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Weeds steal nutrients and water, and can even shade out young veggies.
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Use weeding tools, or just yank them out old-school—whatever gets the job done.
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Not sure if it’s a weed or a seedling? Use a plant ID app before pulling anything, especially if you’ve been scatter-sowing or “chaos gardening.”
Bonus: chickens love safe garden weeds. And some “weeds” are actually edible or medicinal.
Make Room Without Wiping Everything Out
You don’t have to pull everything from a bed just because it’s May. Instead, try a selective reset:
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Pull out tired spring crops (like bolting Brussels sprouts).
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Pop in new summer plants like peppers or flowers—right between what’s still going strong.
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Don’t worry about spacing perfection. A slightly crowded garden can still thrive if it’s healthy.
This keeps the garden full, diverse, and constantly producing.
Keep Herbs Coming
Some herbs—especially basil, dill, and cilantro—bolt fast in warm weather. One way to keep a steady harvest?
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Succession sow every 2–4 weeks.
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Either start in seed trays or just scatter a few seeds in gaps around the garden.
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At the end of the season, let herbs flower for the pollinators and to collect seeds for next year.
For Perennials and Trees: Time for a Check-In
May is a great month to divide perennials and check up on container trees.
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If a plant looks crowded or has a dead patch in the middle, dig it up and split it into new starts.
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For potted trees, check for soggy soil or root problems. Repot if needed with fresh soil and better drainage.
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Scraping a bit of bark with a knife can tell you if a branch is still alive (green under the bark = good).
Fresh roots, airflow, and drainage can turn around a struggling tree.
Fruit Tree TLC: Quality Over Quantity
If your fruit trees are heavy with small fruit, it might be time to thin them out.
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Too many fruits can lead to broken branches and sad, flavorless harvests.
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Leave the strongest 1–2 fruits per cluster and gently twist or cut off the rest.
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You’ll get fewer fruits, but they’ll be bigger, sweeter, and worth the effort.
Final Notes
Whether it’s herbs, tomatoes, fruit trees, or flowers, the work done in May lays the groundwork for a smoother, more productive summer. This is the time to clean things up, tune in to what your plants need, and get ahead of problems before the heat kicks in.
Gardening in May isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum. A few smart moves now can carry the garden beautifully through the season.
