Backyard Farmer May Newsletter

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May Newsletter

SAVE THE DATE: MAY 30, 3-5p CT

You are invited to attend this Backyard Farmer event at Schramm Park State Recreation Area.

Colorful Blooms, Smart Care, and Seasonal Alerts

May is when the garden really starts to wake up—and with it comes a mix of beauty, maintenance, and a few seasonal cautions. In this month’s Backyard Farmer newsletter, we’re highlighting the stunning Northern Lights Azaleas as our Plant of the Week, offering vibrant color and cold-hardy performance perfect for our region. As birds settle into nesting season, we’ll also cover how to respectfully deter nests in unwanted spots without disrupting wildlife. With our mild winter and warmer weather bringing more time outdoors, it’s important to stay alert for ticks and take simple precautions to protect yourself and your family. And finally, if hydrangeas are part of your landscape, now’s the time to give them the care they need to ensure a full, beautiful bloom later this summer.

Featured Plant: Azaleas (Northern Lights Series)

Looking for stunning spring color that thrives in colder climates? Kim Todd highlights beautiful azaleas—including the hardy Northern Lights series—perfect for regions like Nebraska. Learn how to successfully grow azaleas with minimal maintenance by focusing on proper planting, soil acidity, and moisture levels. Discover why these shrubs require little pruning and how improper trimming can actually reduce blooming. Kim also showcases mature azaleas that have thrived for decades, proving that with the right conditions, these plants can provide breathtaking spring blooms year after year.

Pollinator Plant List

Looking to bring more life and movement into your landscape? Here is a pollinator plant list designed to support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season. From early bloomers to late-season favorites, these plants not only provide essential habitat and food sources, but also add color and texture to your garden. This curated selection will help you build a more vibrant, pollinator-friendly yard.

Deterring birds from nesting in unwanted places

Dennis Ferraro highlights the Migratory Bird Act of 1974, and some useful tools to deter birds from nesting in unwanted places around your landscape. If you welcome birds of all kinds in all places, you can also watch this short video for the comedic relief that Dennis offers.

Tick Season Is HERE | How to Protect Yourself

Ticks can be active anytime temperatures rise above 50°F—so it’s important to stay protected when enjoying the outdoors. Dr. Jody Green explains how to prevent tick bites and safely remove ticks if you find one. Ticks often start low and crawl upward, which is why they’re commonly found near the head—especially in kids after outdoor activities.

Check out the monthly Garden Checklist

May is a busy month in the garden, and a little attention now goes a long way later. Late in the month is the perfect time to plant gladiolus bulbs. In vegetable beds, dried grass clippings or layered newspaper make effective mulch, but avoid any clippings treated with herbicides.

Check out the garden checklist from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County.

👉 Read the full May checklist

Upcoming Events

LAWN AND LANDSCAPE WEEDS

Date: May 13, 2026, 12pm-1pm CT

Zoom: Register Here

Details: Scott Evans, Extension Associate dives into weeds, the most visible and persistent landscape pests, competing with desirable plants for space, light, water, and nutrients. Any plant growing where it’s not wanted can be considered a weed, making effective management essential for every gardener and landscape professional.

Backyard Farmer at Schramm Park

Date: May 30

Time: 3p-5p CT

Details: You are invited to attend this free event at Schramm Park State Recreation Area, 21502 W. Hwy. 31, Gretna, NE. The question-and-answer session starts at 3:15 p.m. CT with the show recording at 4 p.m. CT. More Details will be announced soon.