May Gardening Update

Autumn in the Garden

May marks the golden end of Autumn in Christchurch — a beautiful, busy time as the landscape transforms and cooler days signal the arrival of Winter. There’s a special energy in the garden now: a race to finish Autumn tasks and lay the groundwork for a thriving Spring.

Tidy Up and Prepare
Sweep up those brilliant Autumn leaves and start a compost pile rich in future garden goodness. Keep paths safe and slip-free by clearing away moss and debris, and give lawns a little love — patch bare spots, treat any moss, and continue mowing while the grass is still growing. A neat garden now will reward you through Winter and beyond.

Planting for the Future
Spring-flowering bulbs and lilies should be tucked into the soil without delay. Keep Winter annuals like pansies, polyanthus, and primulas well-fed and weed-free to ensure cheerful colour during the colder months.

In the Veggie Patch
Clear out spent Summer crops, but compost only the healthy remains — anything diseased should go straight to the bin. Empty beds can be sown with green manure crops to rejuvenate the soil for next season.

Fruit & Vegetable Garden

Sow broad beans now for a robust Winter crop.
Keep leeks weed-free and fed — they hate competition!
Sow onion seeds for transplanting later.
Prepare beds for planting garlic.
Remove and discard mummified fruit to prevent future diseases.
Prune away old berry canes to make way for fresh growth.
At the end of the month plant strawberries for sweet rewards!

Flower Garden

Cut chrysanthemums and dahlias back by two-thirds as they finish their Autumn show.
Boost Winter annuals like pansies and primulas with a side feed.
Spray roses before they drop their leaves to prevent black spot and rust next season.
Trim old hellebore leaves to showcase their Winter blooms.
Keep gardens weed-free and lift and divide tired Summer perennials.