Spring Is Here: Time for the Top May Gardening Tips for New Jersey Properties
May is one of the most exciting months for gardeners in New Jersey. The days are longer, the soil is warming up, and everything in your landscape starts to burst with life. But with all that growth comes responsibility—timing is everything. Whether you’re a new homeowner or a seasoned green thumb, these May gardening tips for New Jersey will help you make the most of your outdoor space.
Need help planning or maintaining your garden this spring? Call Borst Landscape & Design at (201) 822-9327 or reach out online for expert garden design and maintenance tailored to your needs.
Why May Is a Critical Month for New Jersey Gardens
In USDA Hardiness Zones 6a and 6b, which cover most of New Jersey, May marks the official start of the growing season. The danger of frost is typically behind us by mid-month, making it safe to plant tender annuals, vegetables, and warm-season perennials.
May is the time to set the stage for a healthy, vibrant garden all year long. From pruning to planting, here’s what should be on your checklist this month:
1. Plant Warm-Season Annuals and Perennials
Once the last frost date has passed (typically around May 15 in northern NJ), it’s safe to plant:
- Annuals: Petunias, impatiens, zinnias, begonias, marigolds
- Perennials: Daylilies, salvia, black-eyed Susans, coreopsis
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, beans, squash
Be sure to harden off any seedlings that were started indoors by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days.
2. Prune Spring Bloomers
After your spring-blooming shrubs (like forsythia, lilac, or azaleas) have finished flowering, prune them to encourage healthy growth and more blooms next year.
- Remove dead or crossing branches
- Shape the plant before new growth hardens
- Avoid pruning summer bloomers (like hydrangeas) too early, as it may reduce flowering
Pruning is a delicate art, and you may want to consider working with a professional.
3. Mulch Garden Beds
May is a great time to refresh your mulch. A 2–3 inch layer of organic mulch helps:
- Retain soil moisture
- Suppress weeds
- Regulate soil temperature
- Improve soil structure as it decomposes
Keep mulch 2–3 inches away from plant stems and tree trunks to avoid rot.
4. Start a Fertilization Routine
May is also the perfect time to start feeding your garden. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer on:
- Flower beds
- Shrubs and trees
- Vegetable gardens
- Lawns (opt for a nitrogen-rich blend for spring green-up)
Partner with a landscaping company that offers organic fertilization options to support plant health without harming children, pets, or pollinators.
5. Weed Control
With warm weather comes fast weed growth. Stay ahead by:
- Hand-pulling after rainfall when soil is soft
- Applying a layer of mulch to smother weed seeds
- Spot-treating with organic herbicides if needed
Consistent weeding in May sets the tone for a cleaner, healthier garden all summer.
6. Install Supports and Trellises
Get ahead of growth spurts by staking tall perennials (like delphiniums and peonies) and installing trellises for climbing plants like:
- Clematis
- Sweet peas
- Morning glory
- Tomatoes and beans
It’s much easier to add supports early than to try and fix a collapsed plant later in the season.
7. Divide and Transplant Perennials
If your garden is starting to feel crowded, May is a great time to divide spring and early-summer perennials like:
- Hostas
- Daylilies
- Coreopsis
- Astilbe
Water well before and after transplanting to minimize shock.
8. Watch for Pests and Disease
May is when many insects and plant diseases become active. Stay on the lookout for:
- Aphids on roses and new growth
- Powdery mildew on peonies
- Slugs in shady, damp areas
Early intervention with organic sprays or physical removal can prevent major issues later in the season. Consider a tree and shrub care program that can help manage this proactively.
9. Check and Maintain Your Irrigation System
As the weather warms up, your plants will need more consistent moisture. If you have a drip or sprinkler system:
- Check for clogs and leaks
- Adjust timers to reflect seasonal watering needs
- Water deeply and early in the day to minimize evaporation
10. Add Containers and Window Boxes
Time to add a final touch with bursts of extra color. Brighten up porches, patios, and decks with colorful container gardens. In May, it’s safe to use heat-loving plants like:
- Geraniums
- Calibrachoa
- Lantana
- Coleus
- Herbs (basil, thyme, rosemary)
Use high-quality potting mix and be sure containers have drainage holes.
Customized Gardening with Borst Landscape & Design
Every garden is different—and so are its needs. At Borst, we offer personalized garden design and seasonal maintenance plans for homeowners in Bergen County and surrounding areas. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just need a helping hand this spring, we’ll make sure your property looks its best.
Let Your Garden Thrive This May
Looking for the best May gardening tips New Jersey has to offer? This month is the perfect time to give your landscape the care it needs to flourish. From strategic planting and pruning to mulching and fertilizing, a thoughtful approach now sets the stage for a vibrant, healthy yard all season long. Whether you’re a hands-on gardener or prefer to leave it to the pros, Borst Landscape & Design is here to help your garden thrive.
Get expert help this season—call Borst Landscape & Design at (201) 822-9327 or contact us online to schedule your May gardening service today.