May in Washington County is a bit of a high-wire act. One day we’re basking in the mild Idaho sunshine, and the next, we’re keeping a cautious eye on the thermometer for those lingering overnight frosts. As we move closer to the middle of the month, the garden is transitioning from "waking up" to "showing off."
Here is what is happening at the farm this week and some tips for your own garden as we approach the summer season.
1. The Great Zinnia Transition
While it is tempting to get every annual in the ground the moment the sun comes out, patience is a virtue in our climate. If you’ve been started seeds indoors or in the greenhouse, now is the time for hardening off.
• The Process: Start by giving your zinnias just an hour or two of outdoor time in a sheltered spot, gradually increasing their exposure over 7–10 days.
• The Goal: This strengthens their cell walls, ensuring they don't go into shock when they finally move to their permanent summer home in the soil.
2. Rose Care: The Foundation for June
The roses are pushing out incredible new growth right now. This is the critical window to set them up for a healthy first flush of blooms.
• Scout for Visitors: Keep a close eye out for aphids. A sharp blast of water from the hose is often all you need to keep them in check without reaching for harsh chemicals.
• Feeding: If you haven’t applied a slow-release organic fertilizer yet, do it now. Our volcanic soils in the Treasure Valley are wonderful, but roses are heavy feeders that appreciate the extra boost.
3. Hydrangea Hydration & Mulching
Hydrangeas are starting to fill out, and with the "interesting" spring weather we’ve had, consistent moisture is key.
• Mulch is Magic: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of clean mulch or compost around the base of your shrubs. This regulates soil temperature and keeps moisture where it belongs—near the roots—as the afternoons start to heat up.
• Sustainability Note: Using local wood chips or straw is a great way to close the loop in your garden ecosystem while suppressing weeds naturally.
4. Looking Toward Memorial Day
As we prep the garden beds and the greenhouse for the upcoming re-grand opening on Memorial Day weekend, the focus is on sustainability and local resilience. Choosing plants that love our specific climate—like hardy roses and heat-loving zinnias—ensures a beautiful landscape that doesn't require constant intervention.
Keep your trowels ready and your frost blankets close just in case. The best is yet to come!
What are you most excited to plant this month? Drop a comment in the Collective and let's compare notes!
What specific aspect of the May transition would you like to highlight in the next blog?
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