Garden To Do’s: Week of May 7–13
As we move deeper into May, the garden comes alive with vibrant growth and fresh opportunities to plant, prune, and prepare for summer. Whether you're in the north with lingering cool nights or in the south where summer crops are thriving, there’s plenty to do. Here’s your detailed May 7–13 garden task list, broken down by USDA Plant Hardiness Zones.
🌾 Garden Tasks by USDA Zones:
Zones 3–4 : (Upper Midwest, Northern New England, Rockies) Harden off seedlings: Gradually introduce tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and herbs to the outdoors.
Direct sow: Plant cold-tolerant crops like beets, carrots, lettuce, kale, spinach, Swiss chard, and radishes.
Prep flower beds: Weed, edge, and mulch perennial beds.
Check for pests: Slugs and flea beetles are active now. Use diatomaceous earth or neem oil as organic deterrents.
Start compost: If you haven’t yet, now’s the time to begin your compost pile for summer scraps.
Zones 5–6: (Midwest,: New England, Pacific Northwest) Transplant seedlings: Tomatoes, peppers, basil, and eggplant can go into the ground (cover if frost threatens).
Direct sow: Beans, corn, zucchini, cucumbers, melons, and sunflowers.
Fertilize early crops: Lightly feed greens, peas, and early broccoli to promote strong growth.
Weed control: Stay ahead of invasive weeds before they flower.
Mulch vegetables: Use straw or shredded leaves to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Zones 7–8: (Mid-South, Coastal California, Mid-Atlantic) Harvest early crops: Lettuce, radishes, spinach, and strawberries may be ready.
Plant succession crops: Add more beans, okra, squash, and corn.
Pinch herbs: Pinch basil, mint, and oregano to encourage bushier growth.
Water deeply: Temps are rising. Ensure vegetables get 1–1.5 inches of water per week.
Prune spring flowers: Cut back spent tulips and daffodil leaves only after they yellow.
Zones 9–10: (Deep South, Gulf Coast, Southern California) Harvest heat-lovers: Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers are hitting their stride.
Plant tropicals: Sweet potatoes, okra, roselle, eggplant, and peanuts thrive now.
Shade greens: Use row covers or shade cloth to prevent bolting.
Watch for pests: Whiteflies, aphids, and hornworms are common this time of year.
Deadhead flowers: Keep zinnias, marigolds, and cosmos blooming by removing spent flowers.
Zones 11+ (Southern Florida, Hawaii) Focus on maintenance: Fertilize citrus, mulch heavily, and manage fungal issues with neem oil or copper sprays.
Protect from heat: Provide afternoon shade and extra water to delicate crops.
Plant heat-tolerant herbs: Try lemongrass, Thai basil, and Cuban oregano.
🛠️ General May Garden Tips Mulching is critical for all zones to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
Water in the morning to reduce disease pressure and ensure deep soil moisture.
Check irrigation systems or hoses for leaks or misalignment.
Add compost to planting beds for nutrients and structure.
Observe your garden daily—you’ll catch pests and problems early.