What to plant now in your April May subtropical garden

Vegies

It’s been a busy time out there as we try to keep up with the phenomenal growth in the garden after the rain and while the soil is still warm. Beds have been cleared, compost and humates are now dug and watered in, and a sprinkle of manure has been added.

So, what can you grow now? Tip: Try growing from seed as its so much easier without the oppressive heat and humidity we experienced this last summer. And please do remember to plant a range of things, adding flowers in with your vegies to confuse pests.

Brassicas are standouts for cooler weather. I’ve just put in seeds of broccolini, seedlings of cauliflower Sicilian Violet, the mini caulis and a range of cabbages. I sow the seeds in rows and pluck them out with a spoon or trowel when they are 3-7 cm tall, transplanting them with space between each so they can grow.

Kohl rabi are also brassicas. Please do try them They are awesome to eat.

Beetroot. These are best from seed so they can establish their roots in the spot they are to grow. Grow rocket, Spinaches,  Lettuce, Asian greens, Onions, Leeks and spring onions. Potatoes can go in now as can tomatoes.

Beans of many types do well now too. For small gardens, grow climbing beans like Italian Flat stringless and Purple King Climbing beans (pictured)  to save space. Bush beans like Cherokee Wax are compact and fruitful.

The carrots and purple topped parsnips are shooting out of the ground too. They love the rainy, damp soil. And our soil improver crops are Broad Beans and Fenugreek. Both are edible.

Edible Flowers

Plant seeds and seedlings of violas, pansies, Queen Anne’s Lace, Stocks (pictured) and Snap dragons. Yellow California poppies are edible, but the seed is miniscule!

Phlox, Nigella (Love in a mist) and Cornflowers can all go directly into the ground.

I’ve had disasters with the usually reliable Dianthus over the last 6 months. Not sure why, but I’m giving them a rest for a while. Perhaps I’ll put in Torenias instead. And I ordered a half dozen Day lilies from Mountain View Daylily Farm a month or so ago. They are already showing signs of becoming established and shooting new growth.

The dahlias have been excellent this season. I’ll be saving seed the next few weeks to add to my supplies of plants for next year.