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In May When grosbeaks show a damask rose
Amid the cherry blossoms white,
And early robins' nests disclose
To loving eyes a joyous sight; When columbines like living coals
Are gleaming 'gainst the lichened rocks,
And at the foot of mossy boles
Are young anemones in flocks; When ginger-root beneath twin leaves
Conceals its dusky floral bell,
And showy orchid shyly weaves
In humid nook its fragrant spell; When dandelion's coin of gold
Anew is minted on the lawn,
And apple trees their buds unfold,
While warblers storm the groves at dawn; When such delights greet eye and ear,
Then strike thy tasks and come away:
It is the joy-month of the year,
And onward sweeps the tide of May. Excerpt from "In May" by John Burroughs |
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Cover crops are not just for big farms! Join us to learn about the best cover crops for use on a small scale in the home garden in Michigan. Cover crops are excellent for weed and disease suppression, as well as adding valuable organic matter to your soil. Timing is everything, so we will show you when to plant the different cover crops and when to terminate them. Attendees will leave with sample packets of various cover crops to try in their own garden. |
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Growing a Tea GardenMonday, May 5 @ 6:30 pmHerbal teas are loved not only for their delicious taste, but for helping to de-stress, energize, or heal our bodies. Join us as we explore the herbs that you can grow in your own Michigan garden and how to harvest, dry, and preserve them for use all winter long. We will end the presentation with a "tea party" featuring samples of some of the teas that were discussed. Seeds for some of the tea plants will also be available for attendees to take home and grow. |
It's May! New additions are being added weekly! Check back often for best selection of new arrivals. In early May, direct sow seeds for greens like lettuce, kale, mustard, arugula, collards, calendula, and cilantro before the hot weather hits later in the month. In late May, plant warm-weather crops that can be direct sown after danger of frost has passed. The seed library has seeds for squash, melons, beans, corn, cucumbers, okra, sunflowers, and annual herbs and flowers. Our seed starting handout outlining what seeds to start when is available at the seed library. The LTPL Seed Library is open for business all year long with seasonally appropriate seeds added on an ongoing basis. The mission of the seed library is to promote gardening and encourage sustainability through seed saving. The seeds are available at no cost to you. Although it is not required, we hope that you will attempt to save seeds from your crops and return them to the seed library to help keep it self-sustaining. To use the seed library, simply make your selections and log your initials and number of packets taken on the clipboard. The clipboard and instructions are on top of the Seed Library cabinet.
Gardening handouts are available at the Seed Library and also on the LTPL Grows Webpage, along with informative videos! |
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In May: - Early in May, continue to sow seeds and transplant fast-growing, cool-weather crops like spinach, radish, small turnips, kale, broccoli raab, kohlrabi, lettuce and other greens.
- Mid-to-late May, weather permitting, sow seeds for warm weather crops. These include squash, melons, corn, beans, cucumbers, okra, sunflowers and annual flowers like zinnias, cosmos, calendula, nasturtiums, and marigolds. Annual herbs such as basil and borage can also be direct-sown.
- You may begin transplanting tender vegetable, herb, and flower plants outdoors when all danger of frost has passed and the soil is warm. Make sure to harden off the plants by gradually exposing them to the outdoor weather or putting them in a cold frame. This list includes tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, basil, impatiens, and celosia.
- Plant potatoes and onion sets. Sweet potatoes must wait until the soil is very warm, usually the first week of June.
- Continue to succession plant carrots, beets, scallions, and chard.
- Fertilize houseplants and place them outdoors in a protected location if you wish.
- Information and online resources for starting and saving seed can be found on the LTPL Website.
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Learn how to design a resilient and sustainable garden inspired by nature's patterns. |
This book explains how to set up a no-dig garden that leads to higher fertility and less weeds. |
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Michigan Gardener Magazine no longer publishes a print magazine. You can still visit the Michigan Gardener website for occasional new articles and the calendar, and browse through digital back issues of the print magazine and newsletters. |
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Find more information on LTPL Grows and other resources! |
Visit and "like" for gardening news, tips and upcoming events. |
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