May Summer is on its way … dig in! PLANTING Plant gourd seeds with plenty of room to sprawl or train on a trellis or fence. Sow seeds for warm-season vegetables such as chiles, cucumbers, melons, okra, pepper, squash and tomatillos. Plant drought-tolerant perennials such as chocolate flowers, lantana, Mexican primrose and gazania. Plant warm-season annuals that will take the heat, such as ageratum, gaillardia, sunflower, zinnia, tithonia, coreopsis and cosmos. FERTILIZING Fertilize citrus and palms at the end of the month. Feed cacti with a cactus fertilizer or an allpurpose type diluted to half strength. WATERING Check your irrigation system for leaks and damaged emitters. Readjust your watering schedule for the warmer weather. Water lawns in the morning to avoid fungal growth. Water roses deeply, fertilize and spread mulch around roots. TRANSPLANTING Plant palms as the hot weather settles in. Transplant new warm-season herbs such as basil, chives, oregano, lemongrass, yarrow, mint and pineapple sage. Divide cacti and succulents. Allow the roots to callus over before transplanting to prevent rot. Provide temporary shade to reduce stress while roots are getting established. Choose locations carefully when planting mesquite, palo verde, acacia and desert willow trees. Allow for adequate canopy and root growth. PRUNING Prune back salvia plants to promote denser growth. Do not prune the lower branches of citrus trees because this foliage shades the trunk. HARVESTING Gather the tender, young prickly pear pads for making nopalitos. Harvest any remaining spring oranges (Valencia) and grapefruit. Dig up onions and garlic when green tops turn brown. Store in a cool, dry location. PREPARING Put away your smaller containers and exchange them for larger ones for the warmer months. MAINTAINING Apply mulch around perennials, trees and shrubs to prevent moisture loss. Orient transplanted cacti in the same direction they were facing originally to prevent sunburn.