May Planting & Garden Guide

May is a fantastic time to plant a diverse range of vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The weather is consistently cooling down, but the soil still retains some warmth from the long summer. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced gardener, here’s your guide to what you can plant this month, along with some handy tips to help your garden thrive.

Vegetables to Plant

Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)
Hardy and colourful, silverbeet is perfect for cooler weather and adds vibrance to the garden. Plant in full sun to part shade. Water consistently and harvest leaves from the outside to encourage continued growth.
Onions
May is the perfect time to start onions for a winter harvest. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Keep the area weed-free and water regularly, but avoid waterlogging.
Peas (Sugar and Sugar Snap)
Peas love the cooler months and will reward you with sweet pods. Provide a trellis or support for climbing varieties. Sow directly into the soil, water well, and enjoy a harvest in just a few months.
Turnips
Turnips are fast growers and can be used for both their roots and greens. Sow directly into the garden in a sunny spot. Water consistently and thin seedlings early to give roots room to develop.
Wombok (Chinese Cabbage)
Wombok is a fantastic winter crop, perfect for soups, stir-fries, and salads. Plant in a sunny spot with rich, fertile soil. Keep well-watered and mulch to maintain even moisture. Protect young plants from snails and slugs.
Kale
Kale is a nutrient-packed leafy green that thrives in cooler temperatures. Plant in full sun to part shade. Water regularly and harvest the outer leaves first to promote ongoing growth. Mulch well to keep roots cool and weeds at bay.

Fruits to Plant

Strawberries
May still gives time to plant strawberries to produce fruit in spring. Plant in well-draining, compost-rich soil and keep them mulched to retain moisture and prevent rot.
Blueberries (Potted)
Great for urban gardens, blueberries enjoy the cooler subtropical autumn. Use acidic potting mix, place in full sun, and water regularly with rainwater if available.

Herbs to Plant

Chives
Easy and low-maintenance, chives do well in pots or garden beds. They love sunny spots and only need moderate watering. Trim regularly to keep them lush and productive.
Parsley
A hardy herb that thrives in autumn. Water consistently and grow in a partly shaded area if the weather is still warm.
Coriander
Best grown in autumn to avoid bolting in the heat. Prefers a cooler, shaded position and consistent watering. It can grow quickly, so harvest often to encourage more leafy growth.
Thyme
Thyme thrives with minimal care and adds great flavour to winter dishes. Needs full sun and well-drained soil. Prune lightly to keep plants compact.

Garden Care Tips for May

Put protection into place for plants vulnerable to the cold. Mulch your garden beds. It helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Feed newly planted winter and spring-blooming annuals with a seaweed extract liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks. We recommend Dyna-Maxx or Pure Kelp.
Use a garden fork (or an aerator tool) to put holes into the lawn to help aerate the grass roots.
Keep an eye out for pests. Slugs, caterpillars and aphids can be active.
Feed your soil – use compost or worm castings to enrich the soil before planting.
Water in the mornings to reduced disease risk, as cooler weather means less evaporation.

Handy Products for Your Garden

Based on the above information, here’s a round-up of just a few products to get your garden thriving. We recommend using the specifically designed UltraGrow range of soils, bio stimulants and fertilisers. The liquid ranges are perfect for foliar spraying.