- Begin planting gladiolus bulbs as the ground warms. Continue at 2 week intervals.
- Plant hardy water lilies in tubs or garden pools.
- Continue monitoring pines, especially scotch and mugo, for sawfly activity on new shoots.
- Begin planting sweet corn as soon as white oak leaves are as big as squirrel ears.
- Control caterpillars on broccoli and cabbage plants by handpicking or use biological sprays such as B.T.
- Don’t spray any fruits while in bloom. Refer to local Extension publications for fruit spray schedules.
During week 2:
- Begin planting warm-season annuals.
- Watch for striped and spotted cucumber beetles now. Both may spread wilt and mosaic diseases to squash and cucumber plants.
- Plant dill to use when making pickles.
During weeks 3-4:
- If spring rains have been sparse, begin irrigating, especially plants growing in full sun.
- Trees with a history of borer problems should receive their first spray now. Repeat twice at 3 week intervals.
- Begin fertilizing annuals. Continue at regular intervals.
- Bulbs can be moved or divided as the foliage dies.
- Set out peppers and eggplants after soils have warmed. Plant sweet potatoes now.
- Take houseplants outdoors when nights will remain above 50 degrees. Most prefer only direct morning sun.
- Sink houseplants up to their rims in soil or mulch to conserve moisture. Fertilize regularly.
- Watch for fireflies on warm nights. Both adults and larvae are important predators. Collecting may reduce this benefit.
