With winter almost underway, it’s time to ease up on the big jobs and do a bit of planting and prep instead. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a thriving garden during the cooler months. Here’s our list of everything to plant in your garden this May.
WATCH: Charlie Albone’s top tips for autumn gardening
Ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions or get the key to your climate zone here.
What to plant in May in Australia
Flowers to plant in May
Flowers to plant in all zones of Australia
Flowers to plant in zones 1-3 in Australia
- Aquilegia
- Aster
- Chrysanthemum
- Cosmos
- Dahlia
- Erigeron
- Gerbera
- Helichrysum
- Hollyhock
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Nemesia
- Nigella
- Petunia
- Portulaca
- Zinnia
Flowers to plant in zones 4-6 in Australia
- Alyssum
- Begonia
- Erigeron
- Foxglove
- Gazania
- Lobelia
- Nemesia
- Penstemon
- Polyanthus
- Snapdragon
- Wallflower
Vegetables to plant in May
Vegetables to plant in all zones of Australia
Vegetables to plant in zones 1-3 in Australia
- Artichoke (globe and Jerusalem)
- Beans
- Beetroot
- Capsicum
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Radish
- Shallots
- Squash
- Sweet corn
- Tomato
- Zucchini
Vegetables to plant in zones 4-6 in Australia
What should I do in my garden in May?
- Clean up fruit trees and destroy any rotting fruit.
- Prepare spots for planting bare root roses and deciduous trees over winter.
- Plant broad beans into unused vegetable beds to be dug in when mature as a green manure crop.
- Clean algae from paths and steps to prevent accidental slilps over winter.
- Cut back perennials such a sedums, gauras and asters that are looking unruly following summer-autumn flowering.
- Fertilise your camellias and daphne.
- Empty your vegie beds by digging in decayed organic matter (cow or sheep manure is ideal) – or grow a green manure crop, such as broad beans, barley, peas or oats, for cutting and digging in later.
- Sharpen secateurs for pruning next month.
You may also like:
How to get your garden ready for winter
Seven of the fastest growing vegetables from herbs to beets
5 ways to add colour to your garden this winter
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