A Year in the Garden • All Plants

May Gardening Jobs

by The Curious Gardener
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As the weather continues to cool there’s still plenty to do in the Australian garden during the month of May.

May gardening jobs checklist

  • Research winter flowering plants that suit your area, especially perfumed varieties which can add something special to the cooler months. Plant these during May for Winter readiness. Grevilleas, Banksias and Melaleucas are great for attracting birds and pollinators.
  • Give your Star Jasmine a trim back to remove any wayward growth.
  • Protect any plants that are frost intolerant. Mulching, shade cloth and/or moving plants to a warmer, more sheltered position can all help. The use of a cloche (a cover that acts as a mini-greenhouse around a single plant) can protect vulnerable seedlings. One of these can be easily fashioned using an empty soft drink bottle – simply cut the bottom off and place over the seedling overnight.
  • Put down a fresh layer of mulch to keep roots insulated against the cold.
  • Clean up any leaf litter produced from deciduous plants. Use this as mulch or add to your compost bin.
  • Give the gutters a good clean out to remove all those Autumn leaves. Install a gutter guard if necessary.
  • Plant Spring flowering annuals such as Calendula, Pansies and Viola (see below for many more suggestions).
Pansies can be planted in all climate zones during the month of May.
Pansies can be planted in all Australian climate zones during the month of May.
  • If you live in a warmer climate, plant spring bulbs this month. If you live in a cooler region, hopefully you already planted them in March/April. In temperate climates, pop your tulip and hyacinth bulbs in the crisper of your fridge for 4 to 6 weeks before planting. This promotes stronger stems and growth.
  • Keep removing those pesky weeds.
  • Dig in compost and organic matter in preparation for Winter planting of bare-rooted roses.
  • Reduce the amount of water given to the garden as the weather cools, especially if you’re using automated watering systems.
  • Remove any dead flowering stems and flower heads.
  • Aerate your lawn.
  • Prune Hydrangeas.
  • Give your Cyclamens a good feed with a flower-promoting fertiliser to encourage healthy growth and an abundance of flowers throughout Winter.
  • If you’re considering planting a deciduous tree, have a drive around your local neighbourhood and check out which ones have the most amazing colour right now.

May flower planting guide

Add some colour to the garden this month. Plant or sow seeds based on your climate. Be sure to also check out your local nursery for any other suitable seedlings.

Tropical & sub-tropical climates
Alyssum, Brachysome, Calendula, Candytuft, Cineraria, Gypsophila, Lobelia, Marigold, Nigella, Pansy, Snapdragon, Stock, Sunflower, Sweet Pea, Sweet William, Viola, Wallflower

Warm temperate climates

Alyssum, Aquilegia, Brachysome, Calendula, Candytuft, Cineraria, Cornflower,  Dianthus, Gypsophila, Hollyhock, Linaria, Lobelia, Marigold, Nigella, Pansy, Polyanthus, Poppy, Primula, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet Pea, Sweet William, Viola, Wallflower

Cool temperate climates

Achillea, Alyssum, Aquilegia, Calendula, Cornflower, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Pansy, Polyanthus, Poppy, Primula, Viola

Lobelia is striking when planted in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates.
Lobelia is striking when planted in tropical, sub-tropical and warm temperate climates.

May fruit & vegetable planting guide

Plant seedlings or sow seeds of your favourite veges this month. Strawberries are your best bet when it comes to fruit. Be sure to also check out your local nursery for any other suitable deliciousness.

Tropical & sub-tropical climates

Asian greens, Beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Cauliflower, Celery,  Chives, Coriander, Dill (sub-tropical only), English Spinach (sub-tropical only), Garlic, Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion (sub-tropical only), Parsley, Peas, Radish, Rocket, Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Spring Onions, Strawberries, Swede, Tomato, Turnip

Warm temperate climates

Asian greens, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chives, Coriander, Dill, English Spinach, Garlic. Kale, Leek, Lettuce, Onion, Parsley, Peas, Radish, Rocket,  Silverbeet, Snow Peas, Spring Onions, Strawberries, Swede, Turnip

Cool temperate climates

Broccoli, Cauliflower, Chives, Coriander, Dill, English Spinach, Garlic, Lettuce, Onion, Parsley, Radish, Rocket

Cabbage seedlings should be planted in warm climates during May.
Cabbage seedlings should be planted in warm climates during May.

May flowering plants

Lacking some colour in the garden every May? The following flowering beauties will soon fix that problem. Not all Australian native Grevillea, Banksia and Melaleuca are in flower during May so go for those varieties you see putting on a show in your local area. Native gems attract those very special pollinator friends as well.

  • Luculia
  • Some Lavender species
  • Gordonia
  • Cyclamen
  • Chrysanthemum
  • Some Melaleuca species

Spotlight on…

Gordonia axillaris - Fried Egg Plant

Gordonia axillaris – Fried Egg Plant

An evergreen tree growing to around 4-6m in height, the Fried Egg Plant is an excellent addition to a larger garden.

Pretty Camellia-like white flowers cover the tree from Autumn to early Winter. The bark is quite the feature too.

Gordonia axillaris prefers a warm temperate climate in soil rich with organic matter.

What other jobs do you like to get ticked off the list during the month of May?

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