The garden is easing into the quiet rhythm of late autumn.
Cooler mornings are arriving more often now, with light stretching lower across the garden. Growth is slowing, but not stopping. Plants are holding steady and roots continue their quiet work below ground. While the pace has changed, there’s still plenty to do, particularly if you’re thinking ahead to winter and early spring.
Veggie patch
By May, the window for sowing is narrowing, but it hasn’t closed entirely. Success now is less about abundance and more about choosing wisely and giving plants the best possible start before winter sets in.
Cold-hardy crops are your mainstay. Broad beans and garlic are well suited to planting now, both happy to establish through the colder months and push ahead when the warmth returns. You can still sow quick growers like radish, spinach, and rocket in sheltered spots, though they’ll take longer to mature. Asian greens, such as tatsoi and mizuna, are also worth continuing with, especially if you can offer a little protection.
If you’ve already planted out autumn crops, the focus shifts to care. Keep an eye on soil moisture as cooler weather doesn’t always mean wetter soil, particularly with the dry season we’ve been having. Seedlings and young plants will still need consistent moisture to establish properly. Applying a seaweed tonic now will encourage strong root growth and strengthen the cell walls of your leafy greens, giving them greater protection against frosty mornings.
Protection becomes increasingly important now. Simple measures, like cloches or horticultural fleece, can make all the difference, helping to buffer against cold winds, frost, and hungry pests. Slugs and snails remain active, particularly in damp conditions, so regular checks will help keep damage in check.
May is also an ideal time to plant strawberries and cane berries if you haven’t already. Getting them in the ground now allows roots to settle in before winter, setting them up for strong growth and better yields next season.
Bare-rooted fruit trees will start appearing towards winter. If you’re planning to plant, now is the time to finish preparing the soil. Digging in compost, improving drainage where needed, and thinking carefully about placement will guarantee healthier plants and better fruit. Check out our article on how to prepare your soil for fruit trees.
General maintenance
May is an ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, as the soil has cooled enough to trigger root development without encouraging premature top growth. Tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and alliums all benefit from being tucked into the ground now, giving them time to establish before winter sets in. A light dusting of bulb fertiliser or compost in the planting hole will support strong root growth, while a layer of mulch helps regulate soil temperature and moisture. Once planted, water them in well and then allow the natural rhythm of the season to take over.
The shift this month is towards protection and preservation rather than active growth. A gentle tidy through the garden will go a long way. Clear away fallen fruit, remove any diseased material, and cut back plants that have fully finished for the season. At the same time, it’s worth leaving some structure behind. Seed heads, grasses, and dense plantings provide shelter for insects and help soften the impact of frost.
Soil care remains one of the most valuable things you can focus on. If you haven’t already, continue topping up beds with compost and organic matter. There’s no need to dig it in. Letting organic materials to sit on the surface protects the soil while feeding it slowly over time. Through winter, this layer becomes a buffer against temperature swings and helps maintain soil structure.
Mulching is especially worthwhile now. A fresh layer will help conserve what moisture is available, regulate soil temperature, and protect plant roots as conditions cool further. Around trees, shrubs, and perennial plantings, this simple step makes a noticeable difference.
Feeding shifts towards gentle, slow-release options. Rather than encouraging new top growth, the goal is to support root development and overall plant health. Winter-flowering shrubs and perennials will benefit from a light application now, giving them access to nutrients as they prepare to bloom.
Pruning is best kept light. Remove any dead or damaged wood, but hold off on major pruning until the coldest part of winter has passed. Frost-tender plants are better left alone for now, as their existing growth offers some natural protection.
Finally, take a moment to step back and observe. The garden may be quieter, but it’s far from dormant. There’s a different kind of beauty in this season that is unapologetic and breathtaking.
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What to plant now |
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Sow direct |
Broad beans, garlic, radish, rocket, spinach, tatsoi, mizuna, corn salad, mustard greens, peas for pea shoots |
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Plant |
Broad beans, garlic, strawberries, raspberries, boysenberries, loganberries, thyme, sage, rosemary, winter lettuce, silverbeet, kale seedlings |
