Welcome to May—the month Florida gardeners shift gears. April was your planting push, but May? May is all about holding the line—protecting what you’ve planted from the growing heat, unpredictable rain, and the parade of pests that show up when you least expect them.
This is the season when the garden becomes a test of endurance—for both plants and gardeners alike. But with a few smart strategies and timely tasks, you can sail through May with harvests on the horizon and a garden that thrives even as the thermostat creeps up.
Mulch Like You Mean It
If you haven’t mulched yet, now’s the time. A thick 2–3″ layer of mulch (pine straw, leaves, wood chips, or even dried grass clippings) around your plants will:
-
Lock in soil moisture
-
Block weeds
-
Regulate soil temperature
-
Keep roots happier for longer
Pro tip: Wet the ground before you mulch, and water through the mulch layer during dry spells.
Shade Isn’t Cheating—It’s Strategy
As the sun grows stronger, young seedlings and tender greens can start to droop. Shade cloths, trellised vines, or tall companion crops (like sunflowers or corn) can create cool pockets of filtered light.
Try creating:
-
A cucumber trellis that shades basil beneath
-
A simple hoop tunnel with 30–50% shade cloth
-
A patch of pigeon peas or roselle for natural dappled light
Transition to Heat-Tolerant Stars
By mid-May, cool-weather crops bolt or shrivel. It’s time to pivot to plants that like the steamier side of Florida. Here’s what thrives:
-
Okra
-
Sweet potatoes
-
Seminole pumpkins
-
Tropical spinaches (Malabar, Okinawa, Surinam)
-
Lemongrass, basil, and Thai herbs
Already planted tomatoes or peppers? Add mulch and partial shade and harvest early and often!
Keep Pollinators Cool & Happy
Your bees, butterflies, and beneficial wasps are working overtime this month—but they need water and protection too.
-
Add a shallow dish of water with marbles or stones for safe drinking
-
Let wildflowers like Spanish needles or coreopsis bloom in corners
-
Avoid spraying pesticides, even organic ones, during the heat of day
May Garden Quote
“Gardening requires lots of water—most of it in the form of perspiration.”
— Lou Erickson
Let’s garden smarter, not harder. Mulch, shade, pivot, and hydrate—both your garden and yourself. Summer’s coming, but your garden can still shine.
Need a Mid-Season Reset?
Feeling the heat already? Don’t worry—I’m here to help. Whether your tomatoes are sulking or your garden needs a full summer makeover, let’s create a plan that works for you and Florida’s wild weather.
📬 Join the Garden Coaching Waitlist
🌿 Explore My Services
Wishing you shaded paths, steady harvests, and fewer fire ants this May!
— Larissa
Founder, Stepping Stone Garden Coach