Gardening in Dallas during May can be a challenge. The heat is building, storms pop up out of nowhere, and the bugs are getting busy. But it’s also one of the best months to get your garden in shape for summer. Here’s what you should focus on right now.

1) Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Green

May is the time to fertilize your lawn if you haven’t already. Neil Sperry recommends using a high-nitrogen fertilizer, where the first number is much higher than the others. Look for something with 30 to 40 percent slow-release nitrogen to keep your lawn looking fresh.

Also, mow often and at the right height for your type of grass. St. Augustine should be kept about 3 inches tall. Bermuda should be kept shorter, about 1 to 1.5 inches. Mowing too low can stress your grass and open the door to weeds.

If you see weeds, treat them now with a post-emergent spray that’s labeled safe for your type of lawn. Be careful not to spray when it’s windy — you don't want to drift herbicide onto your flowers or shrubs.

A well-fed, properly mowed lawn stands out — especially in the Texas heat

2) Plant Heat-Loving Flowers and Vegetables

May is your last call for planting summer favorites before the real heat hits. You can still plant zinnias, marigolds, and periwinkles. All three thrive in the Dallas sun.

When it comes to vegetables, it’s time for summer squash, corn, melons, peppers, okra, sweet potatoes, and southern peas. These plants don’t just tolerate the heat — they love it. Make sure you water them deeply and regularly until they get established.

New plants need about an inch of water per week. It’s better to water deeply a couple of times a week than to sprinkle lightly every day. Deep watering helps plants grow stronger roots.

3) Watch for Insects and Disease

Insects are starting to wake up, and so are the diseases they spread. Keep an eye on your garden and lawn for early signs of trouble.

If you spot chinch bugs in your St. Augustine lawn — usually a dead-looking patch that doesn’t bounce back after watering — you’ll need to treat it quickly. Use a labeled insecticide and follow the directions exactly. The best time to treat is at the end of the month and then again 30-days later in June.

In your flower beds, look out for aphids. They’re tiny and usually hang out on the tender new growth. A strong blast of water can knock them off. If they come back, use insecticidal soap.

Also, this is a good month to check your trees for problems. If your oak trees are dripping sap, you might have a pest called a scale. Again, catch it early for an easier fix.

May is a key month for garden care in North Texas, especially as the Dallas heat starts to settle in. From applying the right fertilizer for a lush, green lawn to planting heat-tolerant flowers like pentas and marigolds, and staying alert for pests like aphids and chinch bugs — small tasks now lead to a thriving yard all summer long.

If you want a beautiful, low-maintenance garden designed to handle Texas weather, let Splendid Gardens take care of it for you. Contact us today for expert garden design and seasonal maintenance in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

Splendid Gardens provides professional landscape services to Dallas and surrounding cities in North Texas. We take great pride in delivering customized services to each client. Our experienced teams provide a variety of services including landscape design, installation, scheduled maintenance services, custom flagstone and redesign of existing landscapes. We actively give back to the community by volunteering our services to local projects in need.

Let’s Get Your Garden Summer-Ready 🌿

Dallas Gardeners: Don’t Skip These 3 May Must-Dos

1) Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Green

2) Plant Heat-Loving Flowers and Vegetables

3) Watch for Insects and Disease

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