Garden Tasks for May
May in Melbourne brings shorter days and cooler temperatures as winter approaches. This month is crucial for preparing your garden for the cold season ahead. Here are the essential gardening tasks for May:
General Maintenance
Adjust watering routines as rainfall increases. Water deeply but less frequently, especially on frost-prone mornings.
Continue collecting fallen leaves and add them to your compost heap or use as mulch.
Protect sensitive plants from early frosts with frost cloth or temporary coverings.
Clean and store garden furniture that won't be used during winter.
Planting
Plant winter vegetables including onions, garlic, broad beans, and winter lettuce varieties.
Add winter-flowering annuals like pansies, primulas, and polyanthus for color.
Last chance to plant spring-flowering bulbs before winter sets in.
Consider planting bare-rooted trees and shrubs as they become available in nurseries.
Harvesting
Harvest remaining autumn crops like late pumpkins, potatoes, and root vegetables.
Pick citrus fruits as they ripen.
Collect and store seeds from spent plants in labeled paper bags.
Lawn Care
Reduce mowing frequency as grass growth slows significantly.
Remove fallen leaves from lawn areas to prevent dead patches.
Avoid fertilising as lawns enter their dormant period.
Tree and Shrub Care
Begin pruning deciduous trees and shrubs once they've lost their leaves.
Clean up fallen fruit and leaves around fruit trees to discourage pests and diseases.
Apply winter oil to fruit trees to control overwintering pests.
Pest Management
Monitor for signs of snails and slugs, which thrive in damp conditions.
Check plants regularly for fungal diseases that can develop in cool, wet weather.
Remove any diseased foliage and dispose of it in general waste rather than compost.
Planning Ahead
Review your garden's drainage and improve where necessary before heavy winter rains.
Service garden tools and equipment, ensuring everything is clean and sharp.
Plan indoor gardening activities for the winter months ahead.
May is a month of preparation in Melbourne gardens. While the pace of growth slows, it's an important time to set your garden up for winter success. Take advantage of mild days to complete these tasks, and don't forget to enjoy the last of the autumn colours in your garden.