Spring gardening calendar
These activities can be done on any day of the week — By Ellen Wells, Globe Correspondent
(Aram Boghosian/Globe Staff)
Suppress weeds in your garden with a 3-inch layer of mulch.
Monday
18
During May, water annuals twice a week. Use liquid fertilizer every other week.
Tuesday
19
Overseed with grass seed to create a thicker lawn and fill in bare spots. Leave grass clippings to return nutrients to the soil.
Wednesday
20
DO NOT cut leaves of spring bulbs. They need them to feed and strengthen the bulb!
Thursday
21
Read directions of synthetic and natural weed and pest controls for best results.
Friday
22
Outfit your patio and deck with colorful mixed containers and hanging baskets.
Saturday
23
Suppress weeds in flower beds and the veggie garden with a 3-in. layer of mulch.
Sunday
24
Sow seeds of bush, lima, and pole beans, sweet corn, cukes, squash, melons, carrots, chard, zinnias. Transplant eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkins.
These guidelines are all dependent on Mother Nature, of course, and your location. For the Boston area, Zone 6 hardiness puts the last frost date around May 1. For Zone 5, add a week; Zone 4, add two. But that doesn't mean cold nights are gone for good. Keep a careful eye on your local weather forecast to watch for unseasonably cold temperatures. Find your USDA Hardiness Zone at
www.garden.org/zipzone.
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