Mark Cullen’s May Garden To-Do List

b.    Fertilize with Golfgreen Iron Plus.  It is the best product of its kind on the market.  Chelated iron for a fast green-up.  Slow release nitrogen for a long lasting green.

c.     Where weeds occur or thin spots exist, spread lawn soil 4 cm thick and rake smooth.  Broadcast quality grass seed at the rate of one kg per 100 sq. meters.  Rake this smooth (again), step on it with flat soled shoes and water until germination.  Keep reasonably well watered until new roots are established (about 4 to 6 weeks).

d.      When you are ready to cut your lawn, set your mower at 6 to 8 cm high.  Any lower allows weeds to establish and weakens your lawn.  Use a mulching mower.

4.  Plant trees, shrubs, evergreens and roses.  All of the ‘winter hardy’ stock that you find at garden retailers this time of year can be planted in the garden, unless it has already flushed new, soft growth: an indication that it was forced in a greenhouse and is now frost-tender.  All woody plants that are dormant at the time you purchase them are ready to plant this weekend.

5.  Dig and divide.  This is a great time of year to dig up perennials and divide them into sections to replant around your yard or give away to friends and neighbours.  Hosta, monarda, daylilies: you name it.

6.  Soil prep.  Note that ‘quality’ soil is the key.  Don’t use ‘black earth’ (basically peat-muck) or cheap manures which are often not manure at all.  Producers have been known to cut corners in production to keep costs low. The results are never good.  Quality soil and compost is alive with nutrients, is safe (teeming with beneficial bacteria) and is high octane fuel for everything that grows.  Look for composted manure that is certified by the Compost Quality Alliance.  I spread 4 cm of well-composted manure over my entire garden each spring.  Yes, I use over 40 yards of the stuff.