In May, we are caught in that in-between time that offers us just enough hours of residual coolness to put the finishing touches on summer gardens while feeling the first tinges of summer’s heat. Then, there is also the hope and despair of the coming rainy season. This is a critical time for turfgrass, as lawns may begin showing drought stress due to increased evaporation before consistent rains return. Finally, Florida natives and other plants keep May true to her promise of flower power.
May is the last time before fall to top up mulch without great discomfort. The beds on the south-facing side of my house are sorely in need of topping up. They will endure the brunt of heavy rains and direct sun. Topping up mulch will help retain soil moisture during the hot, dry months ahead while suppressing weeds that thrive in summer. Additionally, a fresh layer of mulch improves soil health by gradually adding organic matter, moderating soil temperature, and reducing erosion from heavy seasonal rains.
Turfgrass management is critical at this time of year. Most turf cultivars for this area are developed for their drought tolerance. Encouraging drought tolerance in turfgrass during this transition period involves allowing the grass to experience mild stress. This strengthens root systems and improves resilience. Avoid watering just because the lawn looks slightly wilted. Wait until the grass shows signs of true drought stress, like footprints remaining visible. No matter how your grass pretends to be in distress, ½ inch twice a week is all it really needs.
This is the beginning of endless blooms on magnolia and Simpson’s stoppers that fill the air with delicious citrus notes. Coreopsis, gaillardia, milkweed, and all the salvias are putting on a show attracting pollinators that flit about in the most amusing ways. Angelonia, blue plumbago, and pentas are also on the upswing of their blooming season. May might be the gateway to the hottest months, but it makes up for it with a dazzling profusion of vibrant blooms.
May is the perfect time to prepare for hurricane season, but avoid overpruning palm trees; removing too many fronds weakens them instead of making them more aerodynamic in strong winds. Take stock of outdoor furniture, decorations, and other loose items, and plan to secure them before a storm to prevent dangerous flying debris. Most importantly, review your emergency kit and evacuation plan to ensure you have essential supplies, medications, and a safe place to go if needed.
A Florida-Friendly Landscape can straddle the changing of seasons with nary a wobble, maintaining resilience through thoughtful management. Homeowners should monitor irrigation, ensuring plants receive adequate moisture without overwatering, and adjust mowing heights to promote deeper root growth. As warm-season growth accelerates, it is also important to prepare for potential pest pressures by encouraging beneficial insects and using integrated pest management strategies.
Refreshing mulch can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, while selecting heat-tolerant plants ensures continued vibrancy through the summer months. With a little proactive care, you might even take your mind off hurricanes altogether and focus on new ways to enhance your landscape in June.
Nickie Munroe is an environmental horticulture agent with the University of Florida’s IFAS Indian River County Extension.
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