- Author: Barbra Pushies
May is here, and the summer heat is just around the corner. There is so much happening in our gardens this month. Here is a list of things to do in May.
- Plant Vegetables: Plant warm-season vegetables and consider succession planting every two weeks for extended harvests.
- Prevent Spider Mites: Take preventative measures such as adequate irrigation, daily misting of leaf undersides, reducing dustiness, and using horticultural oil sprays.
- Fertilize Fruit Trees: Fruit trees are actively growing, so fertilize them accordingly, following directions and safety precautions provided with the fertilizer you choose.
- Prune Roses: Prune spent blooms weekly down to the first five-part leaf or slightly further for shaping. Lightly feed and water afterward.
- Prune Sub-Tropical and Deciduous Fruit Trees: May is ideal for pruning trees like ficus, coral tree, avocado, citrus, etc. Avoid pruning sub-tropical trees in winter.
- Plant Perennials: May is a great time to plant perennials; keep them well-watered as summer approaches.
- Fertilize Dahlias: Regularly fertilize dahlias with a low nitrogen, high phosphorus organic fertilizer like fish bone meal throughout their growing and blooming period.
- Turn on Automatic Timers: Now that the rainy season is over ensure your automatic timers are turned back on for watering. Water deeply and less frequently rather than with light, daily sprinkles
- Check Drip System: Regularly check drip systems for clogs, leaks, and broken parts to ensure efficient watering.
- Monitor for Pests: Visually survey plants weekly for pests and take action early to prevent high populations that are difficult to control.
- Refresh Mulch: Maintain soil moisture by refreshing mulch around plants.
- Weed Control: Remove weeds to reduce competition for water with your plants.
With this May garden checklist, you're well-equipped to embrace the season's abundance and nurture a thriving garden.
Ask your local UC Master Gardener Program.
Have a gardening question? UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help. Click here to Find a Program and connect with your local UC Master Gardener Program. You will be redirected to your local county website and contact information. UC Master Gardener volunteers are available to help answer questions for FREE. Happy gardening!
- Author: Barbra Pushies
Watch the video on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/K66uOuYtLkQ
We are halfway through our celebration of National Volunteer Month and are delighted to highlight UC Master Gardeners who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to community outreach and communication efforts. These volunteers have worked to enhance the visibility of the UC Master Gardener Program, engage with new and diverse audiences, and foster gardening connections within their communities. Join us as we recognize these outstanding individuals for their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others!
Linda Griffith, a dedicated UC Master Gardener in San Luis Obispo County, has demonstrated a commitment to lifelong learning and effective communication. Her initiative to launch and develop a YouTube channel for her local program, featuring instructional videos on various gardening topics, has greatly expanded outreach and engagement. Linda's clear and concise communication style has made complex gardening concepts accessible to a broader audience, resulting in increased viewership and subscriber numbers. Her contributions to the program's outreach efforts through digital media have enriched the gardening community not only in San Luis Obispo County but across California.
Shelia Skemp, a UC Master Gardener in Glenn County, has wholeheartedly embraced every opportunity to contribute. All ideas and activities suggested by Sheila are very much focused on ways to publicize the program. She was able to create a banner showcasing UC Master Gardeners and their help-line plant clinic, and have it displayed prominently over Highway 32 in downtown Orland twice a year. Additionally, Shelia created an engaging activity book for children about plants and gardening, distributed with crayons featuring UC Master Gardener contact information. Her innovative ideas and proactive approach have made a significant impact in Glenn County.
Michele Nowak-Sharey, a UC Master Gardener volunteer in Mariposa County, has quickly become an indispensable member of the team, particularly in the realm of communication and outreach. Serving as co-chair of the Communications Committee, Michele works tirelessly to ensure that volunteers are well-informed and connected. Her expertise in communication has been instrumental in maintaining the VMS calendar, facilitating volunteer engagement, and promoting various events and workshops. Michele's dedication to enhancing communication channels has strengthened community connections and facilitated greater participation in all UC Master Gardener activities.
Judith MacLaren, a dynamic UC Master Gardener, has made remarkable strides in enhancing communication and outreach efforts in Merced County. Her initiative to completely overhaul the UC Master Gardener website in Merced County and initiate a monthly online newsletter has significantly increased engagement and participation in community workshops. Judith's efforts have not only doubled participation at events but have also attracted a younger and more diverse audience. Her commitment to effective communication has contributed to the program's success and growth in Merced County.
Mary Werthman, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a commitment to promoting diversity and resilience within the UC Master Gardener Program of Santa Clara County. She created the 'Our Master Garden' internal newsletter, sending it out monthly with board and UCCE updates, upcoming projects and program goals. Her initiatives to align local programming with statewide priorities, engage diverse audiences, and strengthen collaboration with neighboring counties have been instrumental in advancing the program's mission. Mary's proactive approach to leadership and community engagement has contributed to the program's success and impact in Santa Clara County.
Debbie Westrick's leadership in communication efforts for the UC Master Gardener Program in Sonoma County has been transformative, elevating the program's visibility and engagement within the community. Her strategic approach to publicity, including establishing a monthly newsletter and forging partnerships with local media outlets, has significantly increased awareness and participation in UC Master Gardener activities. Debbie's dedication to excellence in communication has strengthened community connections and enriched the gardening community in Sonoma County.
Jan Stanley's dedication to maintaining an up-to-date and engaging public website for the UC Master Gardener Program in Solano County has enhanced communication and outreach efforts. Her proficiency in navigating website platforms and sharing information has ensured that the program remains accessible and relevant to the community. Jan's contributions to the program's online presence have facilitated greater engagement and participation in UC Master Gardener activities.
Carl Mehlhope's enthusiastic approach to community engagement and publicity efforts has raised awareness and participation throughout Solano County. His background in marketing and his proactive outreach efforts have helped to forge new connections and expand the program's reach within the community. Carl's dedication to spreading the word about UC Master Gardener activities has contributed to increased attendance at all events and on social media.
Ruth Clawson, a UC Master Gardener in Solano County, has done a deep dive into social media learning as much as she can from UC ANR resources and using that information to help elevate her county's online presence. In addition to working on social media, Ruth has also been instrumental in keeping the publicity committee moving forward. Her commitment to communication has resulted in a marked uptick in attendance at all events and return attendees to monthly events.
We are immensely grateful for the dedication, passion, and hard work that Sheila, Michele, Judy, Linda, Allen, Mary, Debbie, Jan, Carl, and Ruth have demonstrated in advancing community outreach and communication efforts within their respective counties. Their collective contributions to outreach and communications have not only helped their individual counties but also the UC Master Gardener Program as a whole. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, let us express our heartfelt gratitude to these volunteers for their invaluable service and commitment to creating stronger, more resilient communities through gardening.
About National Volunteer Month and Gardeners with Heart
During National Volunteer Month (April 1 - 30), the UC Master Gardener Program celebrates its dedicated volunteers and their significant contributions to communities across California. Gardeners with Heart volunteers are nominated for their exceptional work in community outreach and communication efforts, highlighting their commitment to promoting gardening education and fostering community resilience. Join us in honoring their dedication and passion for making a positive difference in the lives of others. If you are interested in learning more about gardening in your community or getting involved, you can find your local program here.
