May is one of the most exciting months in the garden!! Warmer temperatures, longer days, and fresh new growth mean the gardening season is officially underway. It’s the perfect time to plant, refresh garden beds, and prepare your landscape for a colorful summer ahead.
Whether you’re growing bulbs, perennials, containers, or vegetables, a few key tasks in May can help set your garden up for success all season long.
Here’s what you should be focusing on in your garden this month.
Plant Summer-Flowering Bulbs
May is one of the best times to plant summer-flowering bulbs once the danger of frost has passed.
Popular choices include:
- Dahlias
- Gladiolus
- Lilies
- Begonias
- Caladiums
These plants thrive in warming soil and will reward you with colorful blooms throughout summer.
Explore Summer Blooming Bulbs
Refresh Garden Beds
After a long winter, garden beds often need a little cleanup and attention.
Garden bed tasks for May:
- Remove dead foliage and debris
- Pull early weeds before they spread
- Edge garden beds for a clean look
- Add fresh mulch to help retain moisture
Mulching also helps regulate soil temperature as the weather warms up.
Fertilize Spring and Summer Plants
As plants actively grow in May, they benefit from extra nutrients.
Focus on:
- Feeding flowering plants and bulbs
- Applying fertilizer around perennials
- Supporting healthy root and bloom development
Be careful not to over-fertilize, especially with high-nitrogen products that may encourage leaves instead of flowers.
Stay on Top of Watering
Spring rains can be inconsistent, so regular watering becomes increasingly important in May.
Helpful watering tips:
- Water deeply rather than lightly
- Water early in the morning
- Check containers frequently—they dry out faster
Newly planted bulbs and annuals especially need consistent moisture while establishing roots.
Watch for Garden Pests
As temperatures rise, pests become more active.
Common May garden pests include:
- Aphids
- Slugs and snails
- Spider mites
- Japanese beetles (in some regions)
Inspect plants regularly so you can catch problems early before damage spreads.
Divide and Transplant Perennials
May is a great time to divide overcrowded perennials or move plants around the garden.
Benefits of dividing plants:
- Encourages healthier growth
- Improves airflow
- Helps plants bloom more consistently
- Gives you extra plants for new garden spaces
Be sure to water thoroughly after transplanting.
Plant Containers and Hanging Baskets
Containers are one of the easiest ways to add instant color to patios, porches, and small spaces.
Great container plants include:
- Begonias
- Caladiums
- Dahlias
- Trailing annuals
Try combining plants using the “thriller, filler, spiller” method for a full, balanced look.
Browse Begonias:
Explore Caladiums
Support Tall-Growing Plants Early
Plants like dahlias and gladiolus grow quickly once temperatures warm up.
Adding supports early helps:
- Prevent stems from bending or breaking
- Keep flowers upright
- Make maintenance easier later in the season
Installing stakes or cages now is much easier than trying to add them once plants are fully grown.
Enjoy Spring Blooms
May is also the perfect time to slow down and enjoy the garden you’ve worked hard to create.
Spring-flowering bulbs and perennials are often at their peak this month, bringing color and fragrance to garden beds and containers alike.
Cut a few flowers, refresh your outdoor spaces, and enjoy the beginning of another beautiful gardening season.
Set Your Garden Up for a Beautiful Summer
The work you do in May helps build the foundation for a healthy, vibrant summer garden. From planting bulbs and feeding your plants to watering and pest control, small tasks now can make a big difference later in the season.
Explore Easy to Grow Bulbs’ collection of summer blooms and garden favorites to keep your garden growing strong all season long.