May Gardening Guide for Temperate Climate
May: Your Guide to Planting in a Temperate Mediterranean Climate This Autumn
Ah, May! Hopefully, you have crisp mornings giving way to sunny afternoons, here in SW WA, we have copped one of the longest hottest summers for decades. Drought is the word on everyone’s lips. We have seen no rain since September, but for gardeners in temperate Mediterranean climates like Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, and parts of regional New South Wales, May might mark the start of the autumn planting season – a time to get your hands dirty and sow the seeds for a bountiful harvest.
But with so many options available, where do you even begin? This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make informed choices and transform your garden into a flourishing paradise this season.
Understanding Your Temperate Mediterranean Climate:
Temperate Mediterranean climates are a gift for gardeners. Think warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters – perfect for a diverse range of plants. However, May can still be unpredictable, with occasional frosts lingering as we head into early autumn. Keeping this in mind will help you choose the right plants and protect them from any surprise chills.
May Must-Haves: Vegetables for Every Plate
Now, let's get down to the good stuff – the vegetables! Here are some superstars that will thrive in your temperate Mediterranean climate during a May planting:
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659ff6b5bb2345083f836033/e301a5d5-db4d-4640-bdff-f51dc6c7d6dc/2022-05-16%2839%29.jpg?format=original" alt>
Leafy Greens: Think silverbeet, kale, spinach, lettuce, and rocket. These cool-season heroes will provide a constant supply of fresh salads throughout winter and spring.
Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are all at home in cooler weather. Just be sure to protect them from any lingering frosts with floating row covers.
Root Vegetables: Beetroot, carrots, parsnips, and radishes are all excellent choices for May planting. They'll mature throughout winter and offer a delicious harvest come spring.
Peas and Beans: These nitrogen-fixing legumes add nutrients to the soil while providing a tasty treat. Opt for varieties like snow peas, sugar snap peas, and broad beans.
Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate any dish! Plant fragrant herbs like parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, and oregano to add a touch of life to your garden and your recipes.
Planting Pointers for May:
Prepare your soil: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Remove any weeds and enrich your soil with compost or aged manure.
Harden off seedlings: If you've started seeds indoors, gradually introduce them to outdoor conditions before transplanting them into the garden.
Read seed packet instructions: Each plant variety has specific spacing requirements. Following the seed packet instructions ensures your plants have enough room to grow and flourish.
Protect from frost: If you get frosts then you'll need to think protection. If you're worried about tender seedlings, use cloches, row covers, or harden them off thoroughly before planting.
Water wisely: While May brings rain (for some), it's important to keep your newly planted seedlings well-hydrated, especially during dry spells.
Beyond the Vegetables: May Magic for your Flower Beds
May isn't just about vegetables! This is the perfect time to plant a variety of flowering beauties that will add a splash of colour and attract beneficial pollinators to your garden. Here are some May-loving bloomers to consider:
<img src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/659ff6b5bb2345083f836033/1717743111653-P91Q6PDFX1D5R0C7WHA8/image-asset.jpeg?format=original" alt>
Pansies and Violas: These cheerful little flowers come in a wide range of colours and are perfect for borders and containers.
Snapdragons: With their tall, spiky blooms, snapdragons add a touch of whimsy to any garden and come in a variety of colours.
Stock: These fragrant beauties come in single and double blooms and are a magnet for butterflies and bees.
Calendula: Not only are calendula flowers beautiful, but they also have medicinal properties and can be used in teas and salves.
Sweet Peas: The classic scent of sweet peas evokes nostalgia and adds a touch of romance to any garden.
Remember: Planting is just the beginning. Regular weeding, watering, and providing support for climbing plants will ensure your garden thrives throughout the season.
Embrace the Journey:
Gardening is a journey of discovery and delight. There will be successes and setbacks, but the satisfaction of nurturing life and harvesting your own food is unparalleled. So, get out there, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the magic of planting in a temperate Mediterranean climate this May. After all, a thriving garden is a beautiful way to connect with nature and create a little slice of paradise right in your own backyard.
Want to learn more about growing your own food and building a sustainable lifestyle? Check out these featured articles and events!
Permaculture for Living Workshop
How to be Prepared for Disaster
Subscribe to our email newsletter for regular info on sustainable living, wherever you are. You can also follow us on Instagram & Facebook (@eightacrespermaculture) and Pinterest (Eight Acres Permaculture) for updates. Happy growing!
