When clematis are beginning to flower, stop fertilization of the plant. If fertilization is continued at this time, it will shorten the life of the flowers and they will all open at almost the same time. You may, once again, begin fertilizing when flowering is complete to encourage a second bloom for repeat-flowering clematis. Slowly taper off fertilization and watering by mid-autumn.
Purchase plants from your local garden center. The month of May is the busiest month for garden centers and retail greenhouse operations in this region. During the month of May, they have a wide selection of plants and vegetable transplants. By purchasing plants from your local garden centers in May, you will get the best selection of plants and service and you will feel good about supporting local businesses.
Water garlic regularly unless rainfall is frequent.
Gourds are fun for young gardeners. If a young gardener is in your life, begin seeds now indoors. Plant them outdoors after the threat of frost is gone and use a trellis as they will spread with rambling vines everywhere!
Do not allow suckers to form on trees. You will notice them as soon as they appear coming up from the ground alongside the trunk or on the trunk itself. Remove them with pruners as soon as you see them. If not, you will soon end up with a messy looking shrub rather than a beautiful tree.
Sow sweet corn.
Fireside ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius) is a beautiful, sun-loving deciduous shrub with pinkish white spring flowers. Growing 5’ – 7’ tall, fireside ninebark is an excellent choice for an area where you would like some summer-time screening. With foliage emerging red, it changes to a red-purple in summer and once again a change to a deep purple in the fall. Fireside ninebark is hardy in zones 3-7.
Plant Something Massachusetts is a project of Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, and was originally established in partnership with Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association.