Plant
Sunny areas:
Zinnias, Periwinkles, Moss Rose, Purslane, Lantana, Blue Daze, False Heather, Salvia, Ice Plant, Gomphrena, Ruellia, Coreopsis, Pentas
Shady areas:
Caladiums, Coleus, Begonias, Ageratum, Shrimp Plant, Torenia, Agapanthus, Snowbush
Seeds:
Morning Glory, Moonflower, Zinnias, Sunflowers, Gomphrena
All container grown hardy and tropical trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, groundcover, and citrus trees
Read: Fruit Trees and Citrus in Your Own Backyard
Indoor Plants
Warm temps allow you to take your indoor plants outdoors for some fresh air. Just be sure to keep them protected from the sun. Shady patios are perfect for a short stay. Wash off the dust and bring them back in nice and clean.
Pro Tips for Houseplants
- If your houseplant looks unhappy, think location first. It may need to be moved to a different spot with different lighting.
- Keep them away from the AC vents (they like humidity and the AC dries them out)
- General rule for watering; water well then re-water once the soil feels dry to the touch
- Spring is time to start fertilizing your houseplants. Your plants will love organic Hasta Gro
- If they are getting too big for their pots, bump up to a slightly larger pot.
Read: Plants, the Perfect Rx for Clean Air, Pro Planting Tip: Not Too Deep
Fertilize
All granular fertilizer should be watered in well.
Tomato & Pepper Plants
Fertilize regularly with organic Rose Glo or Hasta Gro, Plant Tone, or Medina Growin' Green.
Annuals & Perennials
Use organic Medina Growin' Green, Rose Glo or Plant Tone, or Hasta Gro.
Azaleas, Magnolias, Gardenias
Fertilize organically with Maestro Gro-Rose Glo, or Espoma Azalea Food.
Roses
Fertilize organically with Maestro Gro-Rose Glo.
Hibiscus & Tropical Bloomers
Use organic Maestro Gro-Rose Glo, or conventional Hibiscus Food.
Trees & Shrubs
Fertilize organically with Milorganite, Medina Growin' Green.
Prune
All early spring bloomers if not already done, such as Azaleas, Indian Hawthorn and Carolina Jessamine.
Trim hedges as needed to maintain good form.
Poinsettias to approximately 12” tall.
Watch Out For
Fungus, Powdery Mildew
Treat organically with Neem Oil. Or conventionally with Fertilome Liquid Systemic Fungicide on ornamentals.
Grub Worms
Use organic Spinosad Soap, or conventional BioAdvanced 24-hour Grub Control or Season-Long Bonide Insect and Grub Control
Spider Mites
Treat organically with Spinosad Soap or conventionally with Cyonara, Bonide Systemic.
Chinch Bugs
Use organic Diatomaceous Earth, or Spinosad, or conventional Cyonara.
Read: Check For Chinch Bugs If Your Lawn Looks Dry Even Though You Know It’s Not!
Mealy Bugs
Treat organically with Neem Oil, or Insecticidal Soap, or conventionally with Bonide Systemic.
Read: Mealy Bugs are Here
Fleas & Ticks
Treat organically with Spinosad, Diatomaceous Earth, or conventionally with Cyonara.
Read: Got Fleas?
Mulch
Apply mulch around trees, flowerbeds and vegetable gardens to reduce weeds and help retain moisture. We recommend natural mulches like hardwood, cedar, black velvet, and pinestraw mulch. These reduce weeds well and will not float away.
Lawn Care
Fertilize when the grass is actively growing
Feed organically with Medina Growin’ Green or Milorganite. Organic lawn food is best for long-term root and soil health.
Eliminate broadleaf weeds
Treat with Ortho Weed B Gon for Southern Lawns for broadleaf weeds, Image for grassy weeds and sticker burrs.
If you treat for weeds, wait 3 weeks before you fertilize.
Read: Time to Fertilize and Get Rid of the Weeds!
Lay new sod
Lay new sod or plant Bermuda seed anytime this month.
Read: St. Augustine Turf Grass: Varieties We Sell and Their Characteristics
Watch: How to Repair Dead Patches in Your Lawn
Watch: How to Collect a Grass Sample
Water
*While turfgrass lawn watering with city water is prohibited during current watering restrictions, residents can use free reclaimed water from the Oso Wastewater Treatment Plant. Apply for a permit here. Residents can also hand water trees, which should be done at the drip line, therefore lawns can get some benefit from good tree watering.
nicole pg says
Very helpful info. I’m from Sri Lanka with a shady strip for a garden. I love lush green gardens. Do you have any suggestions for me to achieve my dream garden even with the shade?
Daphne Timmonds says
Great post on garden tips. More people should find a way to use their sprinkler system to water their plants. Thank you!
Susie Knupp says
Thank you for your response, but can you tell me how and why are these Rio Grande ash trees keep popping up in my gardens? Have pulled out about 10 so far.
Ann Marie says
Probably ???? squirrels I have little trees popping up every where
Susie Knupp says
I have some kind of ash tree that keeps popping up in my gardens. There seems to be two varieties. The leaves are compound and opposite up to 7. I am wondering if they are Texas Ash trees and will the roots be a detriment to my foundation of my house. Do they grow wild, as none of them have been planted? Not sure what they are or if I should let a few grow.
James Gill says
If you are in the Corpus Christi area, no chance that it is a Texas ash, but likely a Rio Grande ash. Very large growing, and you would not want it within 20′ or preferably more, to give clearance for roots, and branches also. The Rio Grande is native to our area. https://nativeplantproject.com/trees/rio_grande_ash.htm
Patricia Y says
Just want to receive your suggestions for plants in our area.
Tips and ideas for planting and care.
Thanks
James Gill says
There are some articles and info sheets on our website, and some videos as well. Also on our facebook page. If you come in, we have some info sheets printed out, and many knowledgeable people.
David R Varga says
The gusty wind broke the newest citrus tree I planted 6 months ago. About 60% of the branches and leaves are gone. If I continue watering it do you think it will grow back or should I scrap it and buy another one and start over?
james s gill says
I have personally seen a young citrus tree backed over by a truck, the tires did not hit it but it snapped off about 12″ above the ground with no limbs left. Saw it again 2 years later and it is a nice little tree with fruit on it.
Jennifer says
Great info for May..got help with yard maintenance ???? thanks
Margaret says
How can I get rid of. Crabgrass ?