May is good time to plant seedlings, grass

According to the Becker County Master Gardeners, May is the time that most flowering annuals are available as sturdy seedlings at garden center and nurseries but many will grow just as well or even better when you seed them directly into the garden.

Zinnias, cosmos, bachelors buttons, California poppies and marigolds are good examples of annuals that grow rapidly from seed. But if you want annuals for containers, buy well developed transplants that will look good the minute you pot them up.

Early May is a good time to plant grass seed, but for good results you need to rough up the soil first. Unfortunately, this exposes crabgrass and other weed seeds that will sprout right along with your new grass.

To stop most weed seeds, apply a specially formulated version of pre-emergence herbicide right after seeding. The label must state clearly that its meant for newly seeded lawns, otherwise it will kill desired grass seeds, too.

Attract butterflies to your yard by planting many good nectar-producing flowers. Include coneflowers, Russian sage, Joe-Pye weed, butterfly weed (Asclepsias), beebalm, catmint, Mexican sunflower, and single or semi-double zinnias.

Though butterfly larvae (caterpillars) may feed on your plants, dont use any insecticides in the garden. And dont put up butterfly houses unless you enjoy them as garden art butterflies will never inhabit them.

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May is good time to plant seedlings, grass