UC Master Gardener Terry Lewis shared a set of gardening recommendations for the week of May 15 to 21, according to a statement released on May 16. The guidance includes advice on lawn care, watering practices, pest management, pruning, fertilizing, and planting suited for this time of year.
The recommendations aim to help local gardeners maintain healthy plants as the spring season transitions toward summer. The tasks outlined by Lewis include avoiding severe lawn cutting to prevent yellowing and being cautious not to overwater citrus trees due to the risk of root rot. Gardeners are also encouraged to hand pick hoplia beetles from white and yellow rose blossoms.
For pruning activities, Lewis advised removing spent blooms and cutting back annuals that have stopped blooming in order to encourage reblooming. “De-candle black pines to encourage compact growth,” Lewis said in the prepared materials. In terms of fertilizing practices, he recommended avoiding excess fertilizer on herbs because it can reduce flavor and fragrance. He added that this month marks the last opportunity for citrus fertilization this year.
On planting strategies, Lewis noted that spring planting season is ending; anything planted now will require careful watering. He suggested fall-flowering bulbs such as crocus and encouraged timed seed plantings for crops like corn and cucumber to extend harvest periods. Among annuals suitable for planting are globe amaranth (Gomphrena) and lobelia.
Lewis also highlighted several plants currently at their best—including fibrous begonia (Begonia semperflorens), cockscomb (Celosia), gladiolus bulbs, bird of paradise (Caesalpinia), bottlebrush (Callistemon), apriums, cherries, cucumbers, and eggplants—and reminded gardeners never to use honey or artificial sweeteners in hummingbird nectar.
University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources supports these types of educational outreach through public contributions while promoting sustainable practices across its nine research centers representing California’s diverse ecosystems; it manages Cooperative Extension services as part of the University of California system with over 18,420 volunteers engaged annually in more than 33,000 events each year,according to the official website.
