May Desert Gardening List

Things to do in your desert garden in May:

Plant:

Care:
-For bulbs, cut spent flowers anytime. Remove seeds that you don't plan to save, as they rob the plant of valuable nutrients.
-Geraniums will still be very much alive even after having a great run in the late winter/spring. If you want to extend their season a bit longer move them into a spot that has filtered sunlight or afternoon shade and keep the soil fairly moist.

Watering:
-Once iris has finished blooming, cut the watering back significantly. Once every 10-14 days is fine. They will need the dry to rest and get ready for fall.
-Start adjusting your watering timers for the warmer season. Once the overnight temperatures start creeping into the 70s you will want to bump up the watering. Wilting plants are the first sign that you need to adjust your emitters.

Fertilize:
-Fertilize iris one last time early in the month then leave alone the rest of the summer.

-If you notice some of your palms really starting to wake up this month it's a good idea to toss some fertilizer their way. Remember to water thoroughly immediately afterward.