May Gardening Tips in the Tropics

In our busy lives filled with concrete, asphalt, and screens, gardens give us a way to reconnect with nature. The plants we grow bring colour and new life to our world.

As May arrives in the tropical north, the warmer days and bright sunshine offer a great opportunity to get outside and tend to your garden.

Herb & Vegetable Gardens

  • To keep your herbs healthy, harvest them regularly to encourage fresh growth. Keeping your favourite herbs in pots near the kitchen makes them easy to grab while cooking.
  • Feed herbs with a liquid fertilizer like Triple Boost Fruit & Veg every two weeks to keep them thriving.
  • Rosemary grows well in sunny spots and is best grown in pots. Harvest regularly and fertilise with Nitrophoska each month to promote fresh healthy growth. Don’t forget to water thoroughly when growing in pots!
  • May is a good time to grow lettuce, especially loose-leaf varieties like Oakleaf, Mignonette, or Cos. Harvest them while they’re young to avoid bitterness, and plant a new batch each month for a constant supply. Don’t forget to water and feed them regularly.
  • Plant cool-season greens like kale, silverbeet, and spinach. These healthy greens are great for meals and smoothies, and you can freeze them for later.
  • Ginger, turmeric, and galangal are almost ready to harvest. Once the foliage dies, it’s the perfect time to lift them from the soil. Store the rhizomes in the fridge or freezer, or dry them for longer term storage. Be sure to save a few of your best rhizomes for next season’s planting.

Indoor Plants

May is a good time to add to your indoor plant collection. Plants like Aglaonema and Dieffenbachia are vibrant and grow well indoors without needing air conditioning. Orchids, like Phalaenopsis and Vanda, are starting to flower, making them perfect for Mother’s Day gifts or adding beauty to your home.

Mulching

Adding a thick layer of mulch to your garden beds helps retain moisture and keeps weeds in check.

Sugar Cane and Hay mulches work well in vegetable, herb, and flower beds, providing extra nutrients and promoting healthy soil.

 

For fruit trees, Northern Fines mulch   is best for giving your plants consistent nutrients.

 

For a decorative touch, Tea Tree Mulch or Pine Bark Chip are long-lasting and also help keep the garden tidy by supressing weeds.

Adding Colour to Your Garden

Planting annuals like pansies, violas, and dianthus in May will ensure a vibrant display of colour throughout the cooler months. Use them in garden beds, hanging baskets, or pots to bring a touch of brightness to your garden.

 

 

Enjoy gardening in May, and take the time to appreciate the beauty and calm that plants bring to your life.

 

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