Early to Mid May

Only a 10% chance that Kansas City will experience a frost after April 30th. This reduces to a 5% chance after May 4th.

Lawn Fertilizer - Apply a slow release, high nitrogen fertilizer in late Apr-mid May only if lawn will be regularly watered during the summer and if not applied with crabgrass control earlier in spring.

Annuals-Remove the center flowers from transplants for a bushier and healthier plant.

Fertilize Roses in May, continue pruning winter damaged canes. Dab a bit of Elmer's glue to the ends of the rose canes after pruning to keep stem-boring insects from drilling into the soft plant tissue.

Sets pots of dahlias stored in the garage over the winter, outside after danger of frost has passed.

Divide late blooming perennials.

Begin irrigating plants growing in full sun if spring rains have been sparse.

Put hanging plants outdoors but bring back in if frost is predicted.

Source: Missouri Environment and Garden, published by the Integrated Pest Management Program at the University of Missouri-Columbia.