Done Around: May – June
At Glover Nursery, we define “late spring” as starting in May and running through June here in Utah. Late spring is an exciting time for Utah gardeners. As the weather warms up, your garden is ready for more of your attention. We have a separate guide for early spring gardening tips.
Late Spring Shrub, Tree, and Perennial Care
Protect your fruit and shade trees from pesky aphids. Keep an eye out for these tiny insects and treat them promptly, preferably with organic methods. If you have apple trees, mid-May is the perfect time to start treating them for coddling moth.
Don’t forget to thin out the fruit on your pear, peach, and apple trees after the natural fruit drop. This helps ensure larger, healthier fruits. Watch for powdery mildew on various plants like apples, cherries, grapes, and roses. Early detection and treatment are key.
Here’s a quick checklist for your shrubs and perennials:
 Treat pruned rose tips for cane borers |
 Prune spring-flowering shrubs after they finish blooming |
 Apply supports to tall-growing perennials |
 Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and spider mites |
Late Spring Flower Bed Care
Your flower beds will need some care, too. If you’re eager to plant annuals, wait until after Mother’s Day in Northern Utah to avoid frost damage. Keep your blooming plants looking their best by removing dead flowers regularly. This encourages bushier growth and more blooms.
Mid-May is ideal for planting summer-flowering tubers like cannas and dahlias. Don’t forget to give your hanging baskets and color bowls some love with regular fertilization every two weeks.
Late Spring Lawn Care
Temperatures are rising, days are longer; these are ideal conditions for your lawn to grow! As temperatures rise, mow your lawn to a height between 2 and 3 inches. This helps it retain moisture and stay cool.
Keep an eye out for lawn diseases and treat them promptly if they appear.
Watering Guidelines
Remember to adjust your watering based on local conditions. Here’s a watering guide to keep your lawn lush:
| Month | Watering Frequency | Amount |
| Early May | Every 5 days | 1 inch |
| Late May | Every 3 days | 1/2 inch |
| Mid-June | Every 3 days | 3/4 inch |
For additional TLC, we recommend fertilizing your lawn every 30 to 90 days, but be careful not to overdo it. You can also apply iron to keep it even greener and healthier.
Late Spring Pond Care
If you have a pond, late May is the perfect time to add floating plants like water hyacinth. Don’t forget to add beneficial bacteria regularly as the water warms up.
By following these late spring gardening tips, you’ll set your plants up for a beautiful and bountiful summer season. Remember, the best time to plant a garden in Utah is generally in late spring, after the last frost date. Happy gardening!
