The glory of gardening: hands in the dirt, head in the sun, heart with nature

May is one of the hottest and driest months in Delhi. Success in the garden now depends largely on proper watering, shade management, and protecting plants from heat stress. While growth may slow during extreme temperatures, many tropical plants, summer flowers, herbs, and vegetables thrive with the right care.

Watering Tips (Most Important)

Water management is the key to a healthy garden during May.

  • ✓ Shade and water young plants regularly during hot days.
  • ✓ May is one of the driest months of the year, so consistency is essential.
  • ✓ Water the garden before sunrise or after sundown.
  • ✓ Evening watering is often best, as plants remain cool overnight and retain moisture longer.
  • ✓ Always use a gentle shower head so watering mimics light rainfall.
  • ✓ Avoid strong pipe sprays, which wash away valuable topsoil and expose roots to heat.
  • ✓ Mulch pots and beds wherever possible to reduce moisture loss.

Garden Focus Areas This Month

01 — House Plants

House Plants

Most house plants are tropical and enjoy summer provided they are protected from direct afternoon sun.

  • Keep plants in bright shade.
  • Water regularly and monitor soil moisture closely.
  • Cover the soil surface with leaf compost to keep roots cool.
  • Remove yellowing or damaged leaves.
  • Watch for common summer problems such as leaf spot, powdery mildew, and rust.

02 — Indoors

Indoor Plants

Indoor plants require extra attention during the hot months.

  • Keep plants away from air-conditioner drafts, coolers, and fans.
  • Place plants outdoors after sundown so they can enjoy cooler night temperatures and gentle morning sunlight.
  • Bring them back indoors before the midday heat becomes intense.

The Golden Rule of Watering

Always check the soil before watering:

  • If the soil feels dry, water thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom.
  • If unsure, wait another day.
  • Mist foliage daily to maintain humidity and keep leaves fresh.

03 — Flowering

Roses, Dahlias & Chrysanthemums

Roses: Roses continue to require care despite the heat.

  • Water regularly and deeply.
  • Remove weeds promptly.
  • Keep beds mulched to retain moisture.
  • Deadhead spent blooms to encourage further flowering.

Chrysanthemums: This is an important month for building strong, bushy plants.

  • Shift plants into larger pots if necessary.
  • Once plants reach 6–8 inches in height, pinch out the top inch of growth.
  • Pinching encourages branching and produces more flowers later in the season.

04 — Bulbs

Bulbous Plants

There is still time to plant many tropical and summer-flowering bulbs.

Good choices include:

  • Caladium
  • Canna
  • Spider Lily
  • Zephyr Lily (Rain Lily)
  • Ginger Lily
  • Bird of Paradise
  • Elephant Ears (Alocasia)

Bulbs always look more impressive when planted in groups rather than individually.

Choose bulbs that are:

  • Large
  • Heavy
  • Firm
  • Free from cuts or injuries

Healthy bulbs produce stronger plants and more flowers.

05 — Vegetables

Vegetables

May is the time to establish many heat-loving vegetables.

Sow seeds of:

  • Chillies
  • Capsicum
  • Ginger
  • Turmeric
  • Okra
  • Brinjal (Eggplant)

Prepare for the monsoon season:

  • Ready beds for soybean and rainy-season vegetables.
  • Train climbing vegetables such as:
    • Karela
    • Cucumber
    • Louki
    • Torai

Provide sturdy wooden supports or trellises early for best growth.

Harvest

  • Garlic planted in October should now be ready for harvesting.
  • Hang harvested bulbs in a dry, airy place for curing.

06 — Seasonal

Seasonal Flowers

Many summer annuals perform beautifully despite the heat.

Easy, reliable favourites include:

  • Vinca
  • Celosia
  • Coxcomb
  • Portulaca

Sunflowers, both giant and teddy varieties, also grow exceptionally well from seed during this season.

07 — Herbs

Herbs

Several herbs thrive in Delhi’s summer climate.

Grow:

  • Basil
  • Tulsi
  • Chives
  • Rosemary

Plant basil and tulsi in large, open pots to allow seeds to self-sow during the monsoon.

Other dependable herbs include:

  • Lemongrass
  • Curry Leaf

Both grow vigorously throughout the year.

08 — Garden

Lawns & Hedges

Lawns require regular maintenance to stay green through the summer.

  • Repair bald patches by loosening the soil and replanting grass roots taken from lawn edges.
  • Space new plugs approximately 2 inches apart.
  • Feed with:
    • Neem Khali
    • Bone Meal
    • Sieved Okhla Manure

Always use sprinklers or a gentle spray.

Avoid leaving an open hose on the lawn, as it encourages weeds and uneven growth.

09 — Succulents

Succulents

Succulents need protection from extreme heat.

  • Move plants into semi-shade to prevent scorching and discolouration.
  • Water approximately once a week.
  • Always water from below rather than over the foliage.
  • Avoid water collecting around crowns and leaves, as this can lead to rot.

Things To Do This Month

  • ✓ Water daily and arrange help if travelling.
  • ✓ Remove weeds completely, roots and all.
  • ✓ Spray neem oil once a week as a preventative treatment.
  • ✓ Protect vulnerable plants from snails and slugs.
  • ✓ Mulch pots and beds to conserve moisture.
  • ✓ Check plants regularly for signs of heat stress.
Happy Gardening 🌿
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