May Gardening Guide
Gardening during May is a delightful experience as the weather cools down, creating ideal conditions for certain vegetables to thrive.
Here's a guide on what to plant, what to harvest, and some handy tips to ensure your garden flourishes this autumn.
Vegetables
What Vegetables to Plant in April
Broad Beans: A great crop for cooler months, broad beans can be sown directly into the soil. They thrive in well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Garlic: May is the perfect time to plant garlic cloves. Ensure that each clove is planted with the pointed end facing upwards, about 2-3 cm into the soil.
Onions: Plant onion seedlings or sets in a sunny spot. Make sure the soil is loose and well-drained.
Spinach: Spinach loves the cooler weather. Sow seeds directly in the garden bed and ensure they have access to sunlight.
Peas: These can be planted directly into the garden. Ensure they have support to climb as they grow.
What Vegetables Are Ready to Harvest
Pumpkins: Check the vine; if it starts to die back, it's likely time to harvest.
Capsicum: These can be harvested once they are firm and fully colored.
Kale: Begin harvesting leaves from the bottom up as needed.
Leeks: These are ready when they reach about 2.5 cm in diameter.
Carrots: Harvest when they have reached a desirable size and the tops are vibrant.
Great Tips for Gardening in April
Soil Care: As the temperature drops, keep the soil warm by adding mulch. This also helps retain moisture.
(Did you know? biological activity within soil not only enhances fertility and plant health but also plays a significant role in regulating soil temperature)
Frost Protection: Be mindful of frosts. Cover young plants with frost cloth or cloches overnight to protect them.
Pest Watch: Slugs and snails are more active in cool, damp weather. Use natural deterrents like crushed eggshells around seedlings.
Composting: Autumn is a fantastic time to start or maintain a compost pile. Add fallen leaves and grass clippings to your compost for a nutrient-rich addition to your soil.
Applying Lazerhume to your compost soil helps to produce a much healthier compost.
Water Sparingly: With increased rainfall, be cautious not to overwater your plants. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
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Flowers
May is a wonderful time for flower gardening in New Zealand. As the temperatures begin to cool, you can plant and nurture a variety of flowers that will brighten your garden through the autumn and into the spring.
Here's a handy guide to help you get started with flower gardening this May.
What Flowers to Plant in May
Pansies
Pansies are hardy and can tolerate the cooler temperatures. Plant them in a spot with partial to full sun, and enjoy their vibrant colours.
Primroses
These charming flowers thrive in cooler weather and prefer partially shaded areas. They are perfect for borders and containers.
Sweet Peas
Sow sweet peas directly into the garden. Provide support for these climbers, and enjoy their fragrant blooms.
Violas
Similar to pansies, violas are frost-tolerant and come in a variety of colors. They are ideal for borders and hanging baskets.
Snapdragons
Plant these flowers in well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Snapdragons will add height and color to your garden.
Great Tips for Gardening with Flowers in April
Soil Preparation
Ensure your soil is well-drained and enriched with compost. This will provide a nutrient-rich foundation for your flowers.
Applying Lazerhume to your soil can help with drainage
Frost Protection
Just like with vegetables, some flowers may need protection from frost. Use frost cloths or protective coverings on cold nights.
Pest Control
Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars. Consider using natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs.
DCT Garden products have been shown to promote the natural predators of some garden pests
Deadheading
Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms and keep your plants looking their best.
Mulching
Add a layer of mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, especially around newly planted flowers.
What to Look Out for in May
Weather Changes
Be prepared for unpredictable weather. Have frost protection and rainwater management plans ready to keep your garden healthy.
Nutrient Needs
As the growing season progresses, monitor your plants for signs of nutrient deficiencies and adjust fertilisation as needed.
Garden Clean-Up
Take the time to clean up fallen leaves and debris to prevent diseases and pests.
By following these tips and choosing the right flowers, your garden will not only survive but thrive during the cooler months in New Zealand. Enjoy the beauty and tranquility that a well-maintained flower garden brings!
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Lawn
May is an important month for lawn care in New Zealand as the cooler weather sets in.
Proper attention to your lawn during this time will ensure it remains healthy and vibrant through the autumn and into the winter.
Here is our guide on how to maintain your lawn in May.
Tips and Tricks for a Good Lawn
Soil Testing
Test Soil pH: May is a great time to test your soil's pH. Aim for a neutral pH to ensure your lawn can absorb nutrients effectively.
Frost Preparedness
Avoid Walking on Frosty Grass: Walking on grass when it's frosty can damage the blades. Wait until the frost has melted before using the lawn.
Watering Adjustments
Reduce Watering Frequency: With increased rainfall in May, you may need to adjust your watering schedule. Ensure your lawn receives about 2.5 cm of water per week from rain or irrigation.
Overseeding Thin Patches
Address Bare or Thin Areas: If your lawn has bare patches, overseed these areas to promote a thicker lawn. Use a grass seed mix suitable for your region and climate.
By following these guidelines and hints, your lawn will remain healthy and well-prepared for the upcoming winter months. Enjoy the lush green space that a well-cared-for lawn provides!
Key Lawn Care Tasks for May
Mowing
Adjust Mowing Height: Raise the mowing height slightly as the temperatures drop. This will help the grass retain more moisture and withstand cooler weather.
Regular Mowing: Continue to mow regularly, but avoid cutting the grass too short as it can stress the lawn.
Aeration
Aerate Your Lawn: If your soil is compacted, consider aerating your lawn. This will improve air circulation, water absorption, and nutrient uptake.
Apply DCT Lawn which interacts with the soil to improve Aeration for very compacted Lawns consider adding extra Lazerhume These products are effective in relieving soil compaction and promoting healthy root growth.
Fertilising
Apply DCT lawn to provide essential nutrients that will strengthen the lawn for the winter months.
Weed Control
Identify and Remove Weeds: Early autumn is a good time to target weeds before they can spread. Use a selective herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds without harming the grass. Add DCT Weed Spray Enhance to your herbicide to add an extra layer of protection for your garden and to help the herbicide get the job done.
Hand Removal: For small infestations, hand-pulling weeds can be effective. Ensure the entire root is removed to prevent regrowth.
Leaf Management
Rake Fallen Leaves: Regularly remove fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering the grass and promoting disease.
Compost Leaves: Consider composting the leaves to create a nutrient-rich addition to your garden.
read our page on composting for more hints.
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Hello, fellow culinary adventurers! May in New Zealand is a time of cozy evenings, warm kitchens, and a delightful array of fresh, seasonal produce just waiting to be transformed into something extraordinary. This may, we're taking a culinary leap and creating a dish that's as unique as it is delicious: Kumara and Fennel Gratin with a Horopito Twist. Get ready to surprise and delight your taste buds!
May Marvel: A Seasonal Delight
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to gather for this marvelous May creation:
2 large kumara (sweet potatoes): Choose orange or red varieties for their vibrant color and natural sweetness.
1 bulb of fennel: With its subtle aniseed flavor, fennel adds a wonderful aromatic touch.
3 cloves of garlic: Because what's a dish without a little garlicky goodness?
200 ml of cream: For that rich, velvety texture.
50 g of grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory depth to our gratin.
1 teaspoon of dried horopito: This native New Zealand pepper adds a unique spicy kick.
Salt and pepper to taste
A handful of fresh parsley: To garnish and add a pop of color.
This Kumara and Fennel Gratin with a Horopito Twist is a delightful way to embrace New Zealand's May produce. It's a dish that combines the earthy sweetness of kumara, the aromatic flair of fennel, and the spicy surprise of horopito, all wrapped up in a creamy, cheesy hug. Enjoy your culinary adventure, and don't forget to share the love (and the recipe) with friends and family!
Instructions
Ready? Let’s dive into the culinary fun!
Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Peel the kumara and slice them thinly. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness. Set them aside and let them bask in their starchy glory.
Slice and Dice: Trim the fennel bulb and slice it thinly. Mince the garlic cloves with the precision of a culinary master.
Create the Creamy Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream, minced garlic, horopito, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well-blended, creating a heavenly concoction.
Layer the Love: In a greased baking dish, start layering the kumara slices, followed by fennel slices. Repeat the process, making sure each layer is infused with love and care.
Pour and Sprinkle: Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the layered vegetables. Top with the grated Parmesan cheese, because more cheese is always the answer.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a touch of freshness. Serve this gratin hot and watch it disappear in no time!