Artful Gardens: May In The Garden, Holding Steady In The Heat

By Rob Johnson

As the days grow longer and the heat settles over San Miguel de Allende, May becomes a time of pause and protection in the garden. At Artful Gardens, we think of this month as a moment to hold steady—watering wisely, shielding what we’ve planted, and preparing for the summer’s challenges.

This is not the time to plant

It can be tempting to keep adding beauty to your garden, but May is not a safe time to introduce new plants. The soil is already heating up, and without the protection of regular rain or cool nights, transplants often struggle. The golden window for planting ends in April—May is all about maintenance and patience. That said, if you must plant—maybe for a party or a last-minute garden refresh—stick to heat-hardy succulents, agaves, or potted plants you can move into shade during peak sun hours. But better yet, wait. Your future garden will thank you.

Watering is everything

As rainfall becomes more erratic, watering correctly is critical. A deep soak a few times a week is better than a little every day. Early morning or late evening watering helps reduce evaporation and gives roots time to absorb moisture. Consider using mulch—organic mulch like leaf litter, wood chips, or straw—to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. If your plants are showing signs of stress—wilting, yellowing, or sunburned leaves—it may not just be water. May’s intense UV can scorch sensitive species. Provide shade with lightweight mesh, garden fabric, or even strategically placed clay pots for temporary protection.

Lawn Love: Grubs, Reseeding& Top Treatments

By May, lawns can start to show signs of wear. If you see yellow patches or areas that feel spongy underfoot, you might be dealing with grubs—beetle larvae that feed on roots. Now is the right time to apply an eco-friendly grub treatment before they spread. This is also your window to top-dress sparse lawn areas with a fine compost or soil mix and gently reseed before the summer heat becomes too intense. We recommend early morning watering and keeping foot traffic off treated areas. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’re happy to assess your lawn and recommend a targeted approach.

Caution in the pots!

May is also a great time to refresh container gardens—replacing spent soil, trimming back roots, or giving your pots a visual update. But a word of caution: our longtime crew member José was just refreshing some large pots in an older courtyard when he got stung by a scorpion tucked into the cool rim of a ceramic planter. He's fine—but it’s a good reminder that our local wildlife is very much alive and well in these shady corners. If you're turning over heavy pots, moving rocks, or working around stacked materials, wear gloves and long sleeves. Or better yet—call in the pros.

A look back: May in the old San Miguel

Historically, May was the waiting month—campesinos and home gardeners alike would tend what they had and wait for the rains to arrive in June. It was a time of faith and patience, when the fields sat still and hopes turned skyward. In the past, families around San Miguel used simple, resourceful practices: ash from the cooking fire would be swept around citrus trees to keep bugs away. Prayers and offerings to San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers, were made in the fields on May 15—asking for rains, abundance, and protection. It’s said that elders would also listen to the behavior of ants and birds to predict the timing of the rains. A sudden burst of ant activity or the early arrival of certain birds was read as nature’s quiet forecast. These traditions remind us that gardening isn’t just technique—it’s also intuition, observation, and rhythm. At Artful Gardens, we always aim to blend this timeless wisdom with modern design.

Whether you need help setting up irrigation, identifying pests, refreshing pots, or just want a seasonal garden update, Artful Gardens is here to bring beauty and balance to your outdoor (and indoor!) spaces. We specialize in thoughtful, low-water landscapes that thrive in San Miguel’s unique climate—and we always respect the land’s history while creating something new.

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