Garden update - May

Gungaderra Community Garden

It’s darker and colder but no less nourishing to get out in the garden this month – with a few extra layers of course!

There’s still time to pop in some plants, albeit a limited variety, for the winter and early spring crops. Although you’ll probably find that seedlings do a lot better this time of the year than trying to start things from seeding direct – feel free to keep popping in the pea and broad bean seeds though. Don’t be shy about adding in leafy greens. And if you forgot to get the garlic in, try to do that sooner rather than later.

The autumnal refrain for the garden in my plot is: propagation, perennials and pollination. It’s a great time to take cuttings from any perennials you want to spread through your patch or share with gardening friends. Many perennial growers appreciate an autumn plant-out where they can enjoy the not-too-cold soil and cooler daytime temps to get their roots established without the heat stress.

On the pollination front, May is home to World Bee Day (20 May) and it’s a great time to add in some pollinators to your patch. Many spring flowers can be planted in autumn ready to get some growth on before flowering in the spring. And many native flowering beauties – like correas, grevilleas and prostanthera – appreciate an autumn plant out too. 

If you want to learn more about pollinator gardens and gardening habits join us and ACT for Bees for a free online webinar on Tuesday 13 May, 6-7pm. Event details here.