The Dallas County Master Gardener Association, Inc. (DCMGA), a division of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, has released its Garden Task List for May.    

The DCMGA’s list of tasks to help your landscape be its prettiest and healthiest includes:   

Planting 

  • Plant ground covers and hot weather annuals such as periwinkles, portulaca, salvia, zinnias, and coleus. 
  • Continue to plant warm season turf grasses.  

Pruning 

  • Prune spring blooming shrubs such as forsythia and Indian hawthorn after they finish flowering. 
  • Snip off the dried foliage of early spring bulbs such as daffodils and the faded flower stalks of irises. 
  • Do not prune live oaks and red oaks between Feb. 15 and June 30.  

Plant Care 

  • Watch for bagworms on junipers and other conifers, treat as required. 
  • Continue regular mowing of warm season turf grasses every 5 to 7 days. 
  • Mow Bermuda, maintained at 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches, and St. Augustine, maintained at 2 1/2 inches in full sun to 3 to 3 1/2 inches in moderate shade. 
  • Mulch planting beds to conserve moisture, deter weeds, and keep soil cool. 
  • Be attentive to the water needs of new plantings.  

Complete list: click here