Usually in central Victoria we’ve well and truly had the first frost for the year and this signals the brakes being applied to growth. This year, we’re still experiencing mild conditions and plants are going for growth while things are good. It means your winter veges can get a spurt on before cold weather slows things up and you can get a few more plantings in to ensure constant supply through the season. Not too late for the broadies or garlic either! Be guided by the following bd dates:
| May 2010 | |
| What to Plant, When:
Guide for temperate areas in SE Australia |
Leaf Days: 1-2; 9 – 12; 18 – 21; 27 – 29
cabbage, kale, bok choi, chicory, endive, mibuna, mizuna, orach, rocket, tatsoi, lettuce, mustard, silverbeet, chard, spinach, borage, chives, garlic chives, dill, parsley Fruit Days: 2 – 4; 12 – 14; 21 – 23; 29 – 31 broad beans, peas, Root Days: 3 – 7; 14 – 16; 23 – 25; beetroot, carrots, celeriac, kohlrabi, leek, bunching onion, parsnip, radish, daikon radish, turnip Flower Days: 7 – 9; 16 – 18; 25 – 27 broccoli#, cauliflower |
| Other Dates to note:
Moon Descending Moon Ascending Full Moon/New Moon Nodes*: Perigee***: Apogee***: |
2 – 16; 29 – 31 1 – 2; 16 – 29 28/14 3; 18; 31 21 7 |
| Garden Tasks:
Apply soil food Apply foliar food Mulch Transplant seedlings, plants, cuttings Graft |
2 – 16 1; 16 – 29 anytime 4 – 7; 14 – 16 25 – 27 |
Dates are a guide for these particular crops. Timing will vary from region to region (particularly with climate change) and even within a garden’s own microclimates. Of course, rainfall, weather conditions and your own schedule will influence when you garden.
# Broccoli can be grown year round, apart from the hottest months. I prefer to plant through the colder months to avoid having the broccoli forming heads when the cabbage moth butterfly is active, in late spring and summer.
* Each month there are a couple of ‘node days’ when the sun and moon are in opposition. Many biodynamic gardeners choose not to plant on these days, or at least a couple of hours either side of the node.
** Perigee is the point where the moon is closest to the earth, so the influence of the moon is strongest. Apogee is the furthest point from the earth, so the opposite occurs.
