May Gardening in Alabama
By May, the warm-season garden is growing fast.
Now the job shifts from planting everything to maintaining what you planted.
This Month’s Priorities
Focus on:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Irrigation
- Mulch
- Trellising
- Weed control
- Pest monitoring
Tomatoes
Check:
- Supports
- Lower leaf health
- Mulch
- Watering consistency
Remove badly diseased lower foliage when necessary.
Peppers
Keep soil evenly moist.
Avoid excessive nitrogen.
Peppers often begin slowly and speed up as temperatures rise.
Check Irrigation
Run the system and inspect:
- Emitters
- Soaker hoses
- Timers
- Connections
Make sure all plants are actually receiving water.
Mulch
Refresh mulch before the hottest weather arrives.
Plant Heat-Loving Crops
Plant:
- Okra
- Southern peas
- Sweet potatoes
- Basil
- Additional beans
Watch Squash Closely
Check for:
- Squash bug eggs
- Vine borer signs
- Powdery mildew
- Wilting
Early detection matters.
Harvest Cool-Season Crops
Finish harvesting:
- Lettuce
- Radishes
- Broccoli
- Peas
Remove declining plants and reuse the space.
GardenGrowz Tip
May is when good watering habits begin paying off.