What to plant in Australian Capital Territory in May
May in the Australian Capital Territory marks the transition to winter, with average minimum temperatures dropping to 3.2°C and frosts becoming frequent. Gardening efforts must focus exclusively on cold-tolerant species that can withstand the significant temperature decline anticipated in June and July.
Nimm Oflivio mit
Lade die App herunter und erhalte personalisierte Empfehlungen für deinen Garten
Sowing
Recommended sowing
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Broad Beans
Sow directly into the soil; these are highly frost-tolerant and thrive in Canberra's cool autumn.
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Garlic
Plant individual cloves with the pointy end up; requires the winter chill for bulb development.
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Onions
Sow in seedbeds or direct; can handle the upcoming June temperature drop to 0.9°C.
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Peas
Provide a trellis for support; sow early in the month to establish before July's peak cold.
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Spinach
Sow directly; thrives in the current t_avg of 7.8°C.
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Radish
Direct sow every two weeks for a continuous supply.
Seedlings
Seedlings
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Kale
Transplant established seedlings now to ensure they are rooted before June's 0.9°C minimums.
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Broccoli
Protect young transplants from extreme overnight frosts with cloches if necessary.
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Cabbage
Ensure firm soil at planting to support heavy heads.
Tasks
Monthly tasks
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch to insulate soil against upcoming frosts. Clean and store irrigation timers that are not frost-rated. Begin pruning deciduous fruit trees as they enter dormancy. Prepare frost blankets or cloches for sensitive leafy greens as the t_min approaches 0°C in the coming weeks.