<figure>
                        <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614966296214.jpeg" alt="master gardeners" />
                        <figcaption>master gardeners</figcaption>
                    </figure><p><b>kansashealthyyards.org recommends the completion of these tasks in MAY:</b></p><p>Blooming flowers and healthy grass are signs of one of the best months for gardening in Kansas. Wildlife, bird, and insect activity also picks up this time of year.</p><h2>Vegetables and Fruits</h2><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant tomato, pepper, and eggplant transplants in early May<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Seed sweet corn, cucumbers, squash, beans, and other warm season vegetables<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Lightly cultivate soil with a hoe to control weed growth<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mound soil around potato plants to encourage tuber formation<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Harvest fresh asparagus until the spear size decreases<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove rhubarb seed stalks to encourage leaf growth<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant kitchen herbs for summer use in dishes or food preservation<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Treat fruit trees with needed pesticides to control insects and disease<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Thin heavy fruit set on apples to increase fruit size and next year's crop</p><h2>Flowers</h2><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant annual flowers for summer color<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Continue to plant and divide perennials<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mulch perennial and annual gardens for weed control and moisture retention<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Begin pinching chrysanthemums for bushier plants<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Do not remove foliage from spring bulbs until it dies down naturally, this develops stronger blooms for next year<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant container gardens and hanging baskets using a good quality potting mix<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Keep a garden journal for permanent reference</p><h2>Lawns </h2><p>•    Apply slow release nitrogen fertilizer to tall fescue to promote summer growth if watering during the summer. Lower maintenance lawns skip this application <br>•    Mow  tall fescue at 3 inches <br>•    Spot treat broadleaf weeds <br>•    Withhold early summer watering until needed to promote more drought tolerant lawns</p><h2>Trees and Shrubs</h2><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Plant new trees and shrubs<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Prune spring flowering shrubs after bloom to shape plant and encourage flowers next year<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Mulch around young trees and shrubs to conserve moisture and control weed growth<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Water young ornamentals as needed<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove tree wraps for summer growth<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Remove tree stakes that have been in place more than one growing season<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize trees to help increase growth rates<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Caution, use line trimmers around trees and shrubs so as not to damage tender bark</p><h2>Houseplants</h2><p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Move plants outdoors for summer by gradually increasing the exposure to sunlight<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Fertilize plants to promote summer development<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Rotate plants to develop a well-rounded plant<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Wash dusty leaves in the shower under room temperature water<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Four to six inch cuttings are a great way to start new plants, root in potting mix under low light<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Repot plants into a one-inch larger pot<br>
•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;Check for insects</p>

From the Ellis Co. Master Gardeners: May garden calendar