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Get Your Beds, Borders & Containers Ready for Summer

Posted on by Bruce Martin
07
May

As spring moves into full bloom here in Zone 7b, it’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the sunny season ahead. Whether you’re working on perennial borders, veggie patches, or container displays, May is a crucial month for setting the stage for healthy growth and vibrant color. Here’s your step-by-step checklist from Bru-Mar Gardens to get your garden summer-ready:

✅ 1. Mulch to Lock in Moisture & Suppress Weeds

Now is the ideal time to apply a fresh 2–3 inch layer of mulch around perennials, trees, and shrubs. Not only does this help retain moisture as temperatures rise, but it also keeps weeds in check and gives your beds a tidy look. Try Bumper Crop Organic Soil Builder for added nutrients.

✅ 2. Feed Hungry Plants

  • Perennials & Shrubs: Give a boost with a slow-release fertilizer like Espoma Plant-Tone or Holly-Tone for acid-lovers like azaleas.

  • Containers & Annuals: Use a liquid fertilizer such as Jack’s Classic every couple of weeks to support vigorous blooming.

  • Veggie Gardens: Side-dress with Jonathan Green Organic Fertilizer as seedlings take off.

✅ 3. Prune Spring Bloomers

Once your spring-flowering shrubs like Forsythia, Lilac, and Azaleas have finished blooming, prune them back to shape and encourage healthy new growth for next year. Don’t delay—pruning too late can reduce next spring’s blooms.

✅ 4. Get Veggie Gardens in Shape

  • Plant warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, and beans after the last frost date (typically early May in Annapolis).

  • Harden off seedlings before transplanting.

  • Add compost or Bumper Crop Soil Conditioner to enrich your beds before planting.

✅ 5. Fill Containers with Color

Now’s the time to create stunning mixed containers using:

  • PW Supertunias, Calibrachoa, and Sweet Potato Vine

  • Thriller-filler-spiller combinations for dramatic summer displays

  • Use Bushel & Berry plants for edible containers on patios

Ask us for container combos that thrive in Annapolis heat!

✅ 6. Watch for Pests & Diseases

With the garden bursting into life, pests may show up too:

  • Look out for aphids, slugs, or powdery mildew

  • Stock up on Bonide organic pest solutions—safe and effective

✅ 7. Add Native Plants & Pollinator Favorites

Include American Beauties Native Plants to support local pollinators and reduce maintenance.

  • Think Coneflower, Milkweed, Coreopsis, and Bee Balm

Our team can help you select the best options for your space.

🌿 Let’s Grow!

Visit Bru-Mar Gardens at 1009 Bay Ridge Road, Annapolis for expert advice, beautiful plants, and organic products to make your May garden thrive.

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