Coastal Region – Christopher Burtt
- Though summer is not quite here, the heat is on its way.
- May is the month to start turf care. Care is based on the type of turf.
- With mower blades fully sharpened, mowing at appropriate heights should be done on a regular basis. If you allow the lawn to get too tall, only remove a 1/3 of the height to avoid stressing the lawn.
- Apply ½ to 1lb of nitrogen per 1000 sq ft. This should be the first application of nitrogen for the year. Follow soil test guidelines for other nutrient applications.
- Look for areas that are thin and plan to top dress with compost or re-sod. The grass should be fully green at this time, which will help you identify any problem areas from the previous year.
- Turfgrass needs about 1 inch of water a week. Use a rain gauge to measure rainfall. If supplemental irrigation is necessary, do so in the early morning once or twice a week to meet the recommended one inch.
- Fertilize: Always fertilize based on soil tests. Certain shrubs and perennials may need a second application of nitrogen to help fill out their spring growth. CAUTION: Do not apply significant nitrogen during periods of drought.
- Pruning: Prune any spring flowering shrubs that have not been pruned, such as azaleas. For certain annuals, perennials, and reblooming shrubs, deadheading can encourage plants to continue putting on new blooms.
- Planting Vegetables: Heat-loving vegetables such as sweet corn, okra, and watermelon can still be planted. Peppers can still be planted as well, but keep in mind tomatoes should have already been planted. Sweetpotatoes can also go in the ground soon. Harvest any onions, potatoes, or garlic that are ready.
- Water: Monitor rainfall and supplement for certain plants in periods of no rain. For example, annuals and vegetables may need more consistent irrigation than established trees and shrubs.
- Scouting: Scout plants often and consistently to stay ahead of the infestations. Also, watch for Japanese beetles, as they will soon be emerging and feeding. Also, look for any disease issues arising from heat and stress. Again, prevention is key, and keeping plants healthy is the best form of prevention.
Mowing height has a significant impact on the overall health of your lawn.
Aphid infestation on milkweed. Scout plants often and consistently to stay ahead of the infestations.
Christopher Burtt, ©2023, Clemson Extension
This is a poorly mowed bermuda lawn. Keep mower blades fully sharpened, and mow regularly at an appropriate height.
Christopher Burtt, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Okra growing in the garden.
Millie Davenport, ©2018 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Midlands Region- Carmen Ketron
- Begin fertilizing warm-season lawns based on soil test results.
- Keep an eye out for weeds emerging in lawns. Identify the weeds and hand remove them early before they get too tall and large.
- Turfgrass needs about 1 inch of rain a week. When irrigating the lawn, do it early in the morning, once or twice a week, to equal an inch total. Keep track of rainfall and turn off irrigation if there is a significant rain event during the week.
- Scout plants often and consistently to stay on top of any insect infestations. Specifically, look out for Japanese beetles and scale insects.
- Direct seed heat-loving vegetables, including okra, pole beans, and southern peas. Purchase and plant sweet potato slips until June 15.
- If some garden areas are going to be left empty for the warm season, sow summer cover crops in garden plots and raised beds to promote soil fertility, reduce weed growth, and reduce disease and pest pressure.
- Begin planting summer and fall flowering bulbs like dahlias, gladiolus, and canna lilies. If they have been started indoors to get a jump start on growth, gradually harden them off by bringing them outside for a few hours each day for several days to acclimate them before planting in the ground.
Buckwheat and sorghum sudangrass cover crop mix grows quickly and provides a large amount of “green manure” to improve soil fertility.
Carmen Ketron, ©2023, Clemson Extension
This is the time to trellis warm season vegetables as they grow.
Carmen Ketron, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Scouting for insects in the vegetable garden is the first step to good pest management practices.
Carmen Ketron, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Upstate Region – Stephanie Turner
- There is still time to plant flowering annuals and warm-season vegetables. However, wait until fall to plant trees and shrubs to avoid trying to establish large plants in the heat of summer.
- It’s now safe to begin fertilizing warm-season lawns once they have fully greened up. For best results, follow the recommendations of a soil test. Check out the yearly maintenance calendar for your specific lawn type:
- May is Garden for Wildlife™ month, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Think about ways to provide wildlife food, water, and shelter for wildlife in your home landscape.
- Prune spring-blooming shrubs like azaleas, forsythia, spirea, and others once they finish flowering. They will bloom next year on this summer’s growth, so don’t delay. See HGIC 1053, Pruning Shrubs, for other common shrubs and when to prune them.
- Mulch wisely. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch will prevent weeds, keep the soil cooler, and conserve soil moisture. Just be sure not to create ‘mulch volcanoes’ in your landscape.
- Begin scouting regularly for insect pests. Insects are much easier to manage when they are discovered promptly. Always be sure to identify the pest before applying a control method. Look for discolored or munched leaves. If some method of control becomes necessary, begin with less toxic pesticides like soaps or oils when appropriate. Always follow all label instructions completely.
- Be mindful of your irrigation. As the weather warms up, it may become necessary to water more. Look for cues that your lawn is dry, like seeing your footprints or the blades of grass rolling or folding. Calibrate your sprinklers and don’t just ‘set and forget’ a timer.
Great way to add some habitat diversity on an edge of a yard featuring zinnias and other wildflowers.
Cory Heaton, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Apply turfgrass fertilizer as evenly as possible across the lawn using a push spreader.
Joey Williamson, ©2019 HGIC, Clemson Extension
Scout for insect damage in the garden like the stippling seen on the surface of these gomphrena leaves caused by flea hoppers (Microtechnites bractatus).
Stephanie Turner, ©2023, Clemson Extension
More than a 4-inch mulch depth can cause problems with oxygen and moisture levels. Avoid mulch “volcanoes.”
Shea Souder, ©2021, Clemson Extension
