Procrastination has a price — and your garden will send the bill in weeds , exertion , and regrets .

May might seem like the composure before the summer chaos , but it ’s the month where crosscut work into backache . Ignore these garden chores now , and July turns into a full - sentence job .

We ’re talking overgrown lusus naturae , athirst prima donna , and blooms that haunt you . The variety of nonperformance that express joy at your weekend programme and eats your evening alive .

But ! With a few smart motion now , you could close all that down . This is your chance to play a trick on the system . To cultivate less later on by being a little sneak now .

So focalise the shear , snaffle the baseball glove , and point outside . These 13 garden project are n’t glamourous — but they ’re your summer sanity savers . strike hard them out now , and July will find like a slothful stroll through paradise .

Prune Spring-Blooming Shrubs

After the vibrant bloom have melt , it ’s essential to give your spring - blooming bush a skilful pruning . This task avail assert the shape and health of the plant . commence by move out any dead or diseased Grant Wood . Next , trim back branch that have bloom to encourage new growth . Pruning helps increase airflow and light penetration , which lose weight the danger of disease . Take your time to measure each shrub and make mindful cut . Not only will this task improve the coming into court of your garden , but it also sets the degree for a spectacular display next spring . savour the outgrowth and squeeze the art of pruning .

Plant Summer Annuals

May is the ideal time to plant summertime yearbook , allowing them to establish before the passion of July . Choose a smorgasbord of colourful flowers such as marigold , petunias , and zinnias . These blooms will add a splash of colouring material to your garden and furnish continuous beauty throughout the summertime . When engraft , insure you space them adequately and irrigate them thoroughly . Use well - drain soil to keep root buncombe . savour the haptic champion of filth under your fingers and the hope these midget plants hold . This simple task will transform your garden into a vibrant heaven .

Mulch Flower Beds

Applying a layer of mulch in May is a garden task that pay off dividends in July . Mulch facilitate keep on dirt moisture , suppress sens , and determine territory temperature , creating a thriving surround for your plants . apply organic mulch like bark chips or straw for the best results . Spread it evenly around efflorescence beds , leaving a petty space around the fundament of each plant . Feel the expiation of experience neat , well - mulched beds . This task not only enhance the visual appeal of your garden but also set the point for less maintenance during the hot months .

Divide Perennials

fraction perennials in May secure tidy works and more blooms . As perennials grow , they often become overcrowded , leading to cut down vigour . By part them , you restore the plants and can even blow up your garden with novel division . cautiously dig up clustering and habituate a sharp tool to separate the roots . Replant them immediately , water well to help them establish . Enjoy the repetitive motion and the electric potential to share plants with acquaintance . Your efforts will result in a garden that ’s not only lush but also full of life and form .

Weed Regularly

remain on top of weed in May saves you from a headache later . Weeds compete with your plants for water , nutrients , and lighter . Regular weed celebrate your garden look tidy and forbid weeds from going to seed . Tackle the task by focusing on one region at a time , using a hoe for magnanimous spot and hand - pulling for stubborn smoke . The sensation of pull out weed can be oddly comforting . With consistent effort , your garden will expand , and you ’ll avoid the consuming undertaking of manage with a mourning band hobo camp in July .

Build a Compost Bin

Creating a compost bank identification number in May is an investment funds in your garden ’s hereafter . Composting bend kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient - plentiful dirt . Building your own bin can be a fun , hand - on undertaking for the whole syndicate . Choose a gay spot and use materials like wood pallet to construct the bin . commence with a intermixture of unripened and browned materials , turning the passel regularly . experience the atonement of reducing wasteland and creating something worthful . With fourth dimension , you ’ll have homemade compost to enrich your garden , reducing the need for computer memory - bribe fertilizers .

Inspect for Pests

May is the time to be vigilant against garden pests . Early detection can prevent an plague that could wreak havoc in July . Check the underside of leaves for eggs and inspect stems for mark of damage . Use raw therapeutic or enter beneficial insects to manage gadfly . Feel the anticipation of spot potential problems before they escalate . This proactive glide slope will keep your garden healthy and vibrant . Enjoy the sense of stewardship as you protect your plants from harm and maintain the delicate balance of your garden ecosystem .

Fertilize the Lawn

May is premier time for fecundate your lawn . A well - fed lawn is more resilient to the stresses of summer passion . Choose a balanced , slow - release fertiliser and lend oneself it equally , ideally correctly before a scant rain . The nutrients will advance strong stem development and a vivacious green color . finger the satisfaction as you glide the spreader across the lawn , envisioning a lush carpet of skunk . This simple labor ensures your lawn continue a centerpiece in your garden , offer a refreshing retirement during the summer month .

Trim Hedges

cut down hedges in May keep them looking penetrative and helps maintain their shape . even trimming encourages denser increment , providing privacy and a neat appearance . Use sharp tools for clean cuts and ill-use back frequently to see to it your advance . Feel the rhythmic hum of the trimming capacitor and the mother wit of achievement as branches return . The result is a garden that feel orderly and inviting , with hedging that hug the landscape . This task sets the scene for a welcoming outdoor blank space sodding for summer gatherings .

Install Irrigation System

Installing an irrigation system in May assure your garden hitch hydrated without constant manual watering . drip mold irrigation is efficient and conserves water by deliver it directly to the flora root word . be after the layout , keeping in mind the needs of different plants . find the satisfaction of assembling the system and testing it for the first clock time . This investment spare you time and effort , give you more present moment to enjoy your garden . With an irrigation organization in place , July ’s heat will be less daunting , and your plant will thrive .

Stake Tall Plants

May is the time to punt tall plants like tomatoes and sunflowers . furnish support early prevents plants from breaking as they develop . Use hardy stakes and docile link to secure stem without make harm . Feel the satisfaction of direct each plant toward its potential . This task ensure your garden is not only rich but also visually attract . As plants contact for the sky , the groundwork you laid in May will support their journeying . With a little cause now , you’re able to enjoy the fruits of your labor in July .

Edge the Lawn

Edging your lawn in May heighten its appearance and hold open grass from infest flower beds . Crisp , clean edges give your garden a milled look and make sustentation easier in the long run . Use a manual edger for precision and enjoy the rhythmic motion of defining your garden ’s borders . This job creates a sense of decree and tending , transform your outdoor place into a landscaped masterpiece . As summer spread , the well - defined personal line of credit will ensnare your garden ’s beaut , showcasing the effort invested in May .

Plan a Succession Planting

May is perfect for planning chronological sequence planting , ensuring a uninterrupted harvest home . By staggering planting , you may love fresh garden truck throughout the summertime . Start by sketch a plan and choosing crops that mature at different times . Feel the excitement of envisioning a bountiful garden that keep on yield . This attentive approach to planting maximizes space and productivity . As summer progression , the foot repose in May will reward you with a unshakable provision of fresh vegetable and herbaceous plant , reduce grocery trip and enhancing your meals .

Do These 13 Garden Tasks in May to Save Hours of Work in July

Prune Spring-Blooming Shrubs

© This Old House

Prune Spring-Blooming Shrubs

Plant Summer Annuals

© House Beautiful

Plant Summer Annuals

Mulch Flower Beds

© The Spruce

Mulch Flower Beds

Divide Perennials

© Living Color Garden Center

Divide Perennials

Weed Regularly

© Epic Gardening

Weed Regularly

Build a Compost Bin

© Bonnie Plants

Build a Compost Bin

Inspect for Pests

© HOMESTEAD BROOKLYN

Inspect for Pests

Fertilize the Lawn

© Southern Living

Fertilize the Lawn

Trim Hedges

© The Home Depot

Install Irrigation System

© Homestead and Chill

Stake Tall Plants

© The Martha Stewart Blog

Edge the Lawn

© Gardener’s Supply

Plan a Succession Planting

© Farmers’ Almanac