May 2025 In The Garden

“May, the month of sunshine, blooming flowers and endless possibilities” – Unknown

Spring is finally here!! Maybe it’s because I’m older, but winter in Saskatoon seemed particularly long this year. When May arrives I feel a sudden urgency to get everything garden related done at once. It’s a good feeling but it’s always best to have a to-do list to keep you on track. You will feel great satisfaction when you cross each item off the list.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, May 11. What better way to celebrate mom than by taking her to Floral Acres on Valley Road! We have so many outdoor and indoor plants to help you create your dream garden and so much more! While you are there treat mom to a Master Gardener Loyalty Card. The gift that keeps on giving!

As I mentioned, there is a lot to do in the garden in May. Here are just a few tips to get you going!

Fertilize fruit trees. Wait a week before the last frost date to fertilize fruit trees. Even mature fruit trees can benefit from spring fertilization. There are obvious benefits – improves the growth, health, quantity and quality of the fruit.

If you are planting fruit trees this spring, use a water soluble root stimulant 15-30-15 or Myke’s Tree and Shrub Mycorrhizae for transplanting. Do not fertilize newly planted fruit trees until the first spring after planting.

Should I use new soil every year for container planting? My answer is ‘yes ‘if it’s the first spring after the previous summer’s use. Remember that old potting soil has lost nutrients. But; and there is always a but! Do not store the old soil inside over the winter – it should not dry out. Leave it outside where it will stay moistened by the snow and spring rains. In spring, mix the old soil half and half with the new. Use this mix to top up flower beds, on your veggie garden and in the compost bin. Do not use old soil that has been subject to pest infestations and diseased plants.

If you have started seeds in the house, gradually harden them off during the first days of May. Do not rush this process and do not expose the seedlings to full sun or windy locations. Bring them indoors at night. Keep in mind that the last frost in Saskatoon is not until the end of May- even the beginning of June. Keep an eye on the weather and have the frost cloth at the ready! Indoor tropicals can also be hardened off at the end of May –beginning of June- if you plan on using them outdoors this summer.

Plant potatoes two to three weeks before the projected last frost. The soil should be workable and at least 7.5 degrees C. For more information on planting potatoes look for the ‘How Do You Like Your Potato’, Blog - April 1, 2021 under the main heading ‘Advice’.

In May, customer questions are understandably many. I was often asked “What flowering plants will give me the most bang for my buck? “ Here are two of my top-of–the- list favorites. They are must have picks for new gardeners.

Daylilies are easy-to-grow flowering perennials (Zone 3-9). There is no end to the wealth of choices – both in mature size and color. They are tough as nails, not fussy as to soil and drought tolerant once established. They love full sun and can be used anywhere in the landscape. Each bloom only lasts a day, but the plants bloom non-stop during the summer into fall. Do deadhead regularly to encourage new blooms. Propagate by root division in fall or early spring.

Supertunia Vista Series (Proven Winners) – There are so many Supertunia varieties in garden centres this time of year. My favorite is the annual Supertunia Vista Series. Talk about bang for your buck! The colors are outstanding and include a pure white cultivar. One plant covers a huge area and once again, are tough as nails. Once established, they are drought tolerant but do bloom best when watered regularly. As a mass planting, they cannot be outdone – continuous bloom from early summer to first hard frost in fall. Do check out the perennial and annual benches at Floral Acres for their great selection of both of these outstanding plant varieties/cultivars. Check the plant tags for flower color, height and spread of plants at maturity.

Floral Acres carries an outstanding collection of vegetable seeds for your planting pleasure. Carrots are always a favorite and customers often ask the meaning of the categories.

Nantes

Nearly coreless, consistent cylindrical shape with a smooth skin texture and blunt tips. They are sweet carrots and are good for eating and juicing.

The following Nantes are available at Floral Acres while supplies last!

Touchon Carrot- Heirloom Carrot – Mr. Fothergill’s Seeds

Nantes Coreless – OSC Seeds

Nantes – Aimer’s Organic Seeds

Imperator

Imperator varieties are long, with tapered roots. They have thin skins and a fibrous texture. While not as sweet as other carrots they store very well.

Tenderlong Imperator – Mr. Fothergill’s

Chantenay

Short, conical roots with a tapered shape. They store well and are good for freezing and canning. A very sweet flavor.

Chantenay Red – OSC

Carrot – Chantenay – Aimer’s Organic

Kuroda Carrot Seed is the best carrot for juicing. Aimer’s International

Baby

Baby carrots are sweet and have a crisp texture. Perfect for container planting. Provide well-drained soil.

Atlas Seeds – Mr. Fothergill’s

Baby Finger Seeds – OSC

Amsterdam Carrot – Heirloom Carrot – Mr. Fothergill’s

Short and Sweet –Mr. Fothergill’s

Specialty

Specialty carrots are usually carrots of different colors other than orange. Often known as Rainbow Colored Carrots.

Rainbow Blend – Aimer’s Organic Seed

Cosmic Purple – OSC Seed

The best Heirloom Sweet Carrot originated in Germany. They are extra sweet. ‘Tendersweet’ Aimer’s International

Have a wonderful May and please see past FA spring blogs for more tips you can use in your spring garden!