May · Late autumn

What to sow in May in Melbourne

26 crops are in their window this month in Melbourne — timed to your local frost dates.

Last frost≈ 16 Aug
First frost≈ 20 Jun
Frost-free days50 days
May averages9°–17°C

Vegetables

22 in season
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Closes 31 May
Bok Choy
Direct sow · fall crops resist bolting better than spring ones
Closes 16 May
Broad Beans
Direct sow · pinch growing tips once pods set to deter aphids
Closes 30 May
Celeriac
Start indoors · sow indoors early — celeriac takes months to bulk up
Opens 24 May
Celery
Start indoors · keep soil consistently moist for tender, mild stalks
Opens 24 May

Herbs

4 in season
Chervil
Direct sow · prefers cool shade, bolts quickly once hot
Closes 16 May
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Closes 16 May
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Closes 21 May
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
Closes 11 May

Fruit · nothing to sow this month