Welcome to Lawnmowing99! It’s hard to believe we’re already in May—time flies when you’re busy gardening, right? As an Australian gardener with years of experience, I’ve learned that each month brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. And May, in particular, is an important time for those of us down under who are working hard to get our gardens prepared for the cooler months ahead. Whether you’re in the southern parts of Australia where autumn is in full swing or heading into winter, May is the month to ensure your plants are properly cared for to thrive through the colder weather.
Now, if you’re anything like me, you probably have a mixture of excitement and a bit of apprehension about what to do with your garden during this transition. After all, gardening is both a joy and a series of small challenges that need solving. Over the years, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t when it comes to May gardening in Australia, and I’m excited to share some of my expert advice with you. Let’s dive in.
Getting the Garden Ready for Winter: The Key Considerations
The first thing I always do in May is take a good look at my garden and assess how everything is going. The cooler weather is creeping in, and it’s time to think about what plants need extra care to survive the frost and shorter days ahead.
1. Transitioning from Autumn to Winter: What Needs Attention
May is that pivotal month where you really have to pay attention to what’s coming to the end of its growing season and what can continue through the colder months. For example, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and silverbeet thrive in the cooler temperatures, and this is the perfect time to plant them. I love the richness of these greens as they start to grow better when the weather cools, and they add so much to winter meals.
A few years ago, I had a patch of my garden that I didn’t prepare well enough for the winter. I didn’t give the soil a break, nor did I plant the right crops for the season, and I ended up with stunted, sickly plants come July. After that, I made it a priority to plant cool-weather crops during May, and it made all the difference for the following winter. Trust me, you don’t want to make the same mistake I did!
2. Preparing Your Soil for the Winter Season
Speaking of soil, this is an essential step you can’t skip. As the temperatures cool, it’s easy to overlook the state of your soil, but believe me—healthy soil is the backbone of a healthy garden. In May, I recommend giving your soil a boost with compost or well-rotted manure, especially if you’ve been growing summer crops like tomatoes or peppers that might have depleted the soil.
A few years ago, I made a rookie mistake by not adding compost to my soil before winter. The plants that I tried to grow in spring the following year just didn’t have the same energy. The soil wasn’t rich enough, and I didn’t see the same level of growth as I had in previous seasons. Since then, I make sure I add a good layer of organic matter each autumn to keep the soil rich and productive.
Tip: Don’t forget to mulch! Adding a layer of mulch will help lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and protect your soil from heavy rains. I use a mix of straw, wood chips, and leaves. If you’re a beginner, try layering your mulch about 5-10 cm thick, and you’ll be amazed at how much more resilient your garden becomes during the cold months.
May Planting Tips: What to Sow and Grow
May is also a great time to start sowing seeds for winter harvests. Let me share a few things I’ve learned along the way about what does well in May in Australia.
1. Cool-Season Crops
It’s the perfect time to plant:
- Garlic – May is the best month to plant garlic in many parts of Australia. I learned this tip a few years ago when I planted garlic too late in the season and didn’t get the full benefits of a winter harvest. Now, I make sure I plant garlic in May, and I get a beautiful, strong crop by late spring.
- Onions – May is also the right time to plant onions. I love growing different varieties—yellow, red, and even some shallots for cooking. They take a while to grow, so planting them in May gives them plenty of time to mature before the weather warms up.
- Peas – Peas love cooler weather, so May is an ideal month to sow them. They’ll thrive in the autumn and winter chill, and you’ll get a lovely spring crop. I’ve had great success with growing snow peas and sugar snap peas this time of year.
2. Protecting Tender Plants
If you have plants that are sensitive to the cold—like basil or tomatoes—May is the time to either harvest the last of them or pull them up to make way for winter vegetables. I remember the first year I planted basil and left it too long into the autumn. One cold snap, and it was gone! Now, I’m much more aware of the timing and make sure I pull up tender plants before the frost hits.
3. Starting Seeds Indoors for Spring Planting
May is a good time to start thinking about what you’ll plant in spring, especially if you’re in the southern states where the frost can last until August. I like to start my spring crops indoors, so they’re ready to go into the garden as soon as the frost passes. Think about starting seeds for tomatoes, peppers, and herbs inside this month, so you’ll be well-prepared for the warmer months.
Garden Maintenance Tips: The Essential Jobs for May
In addition to planting, May is a great month for a few key maintenance tasks around the garden. Let me share my favourite tips:
1. Prune and Trim
May is the ideal time to prune back any of your perennial herbs like rosemary or thyme, as well as any fruit trees that may need shaping. A few years ago, I didn’t prune my apple tree enough, and I ended up with a lot of unnecessary growth that didn’t produce the best fruit. Pruning in May helps improve airflow and encourages healthy growth come spring.
2. Pest Control
Pests are still active in May, especially with the cooler temperatures. I recommend keeping an eye on your plants and using organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap to protect your crops from aphids and other insects. I learned this the hard way a few years ago when aphids took over my spinach plants in late autumn. Since then, I regularly inspect my crops and keep a preventive routine in place.
3. Keep Your Garden Clean
It’s easy to let fallen leaves, old plants, and weeds pile up, but trust me—cleaning up your garden in May can save you headaches later on. Removing debris helps reduce the chances of pests and diseases taking root over the winter. Plus, it’s a great way to refresh the garden and get ready for the next planting season.
Final Thoughts
May is one of those months where everything slows down a little bit, but the work isn’t over—there’s still plenty to do! From planting garlic to protecting tender plants and preparing your soil, there’s no shortage of tasks to keep you busy in the garden. With my years of experience, I can confidently say that May is a crucial time for ensuring the health of your garden and setting the stage for a successful winter harvest.
If you found this information helpful, be sure to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more expert gardening advice and tips throughout the year. And if you have any questions or gardening stories of your own, feel free to drop them in the comments below! Happy gardening, and may your garden flourish this May and beyond. 🌿