RIDGEFIELD, CT - The month of May can be a little rough for a Ridgefield gardener.
"We waited and waited and it happened," said Lisa Chuma of the Ridgefield Garden Club.
May is the time to dress up. Chuma suggests buying it in bulk locally and applying as much mulch as possible to flower beds before summer sets in.
"It keeps weeds at bay and keeps moisture in the soil under the plants. It's one of the most important things you can do for your garden right now."
Early May, while it's still cool and a little wet, is a good time to plant perennials, Chuma says. It's easy on the plants and easy on you.
“It is raining a lot and it will make the transition easier. You don't want to plant anything on the hottest days of summer knowing it won't rain. And that only worries the plant," said Chuma.
Most of your plants do not appreciate the good spring like you and your many years, and the gardener suggests that you keep them until the last month.
"When it comes to annuals, flowers and vegetables, the general rule of thumb is not to plant those things until after the danger of frost has passed, which is usually Memorial Day weekend," Chuma said.
#No May. yes or no:
Plant May care is also a focus of the controversial #NoMowMay movement. Don't mow for a month, advocates argue, and give the newly raised pollinators a better breakfast.
Chuma is not a fan.
"It upsets the pollinators and the things that you want to attract, because you don't mow for two weeks and then all of a sudden you start mowing again, basically cut everything that has a chance to cut. This time it's growing."
Many botanists agree. According to coastal experts at the University of Minnesota, grass grows more in May than any other month, and mowing can damage it.
Everyone agrees that May is the time to visit the Ridgefield Garden Club's garden sale. This year it will be held on May 12 and 13 from 9 am to 2 pm. It's the club's biggest fundraiser and an opportunity for gardeners to harvest greens they can't find anywhere else.
