THINGS TO DO IN MAY

COOL & TEMPERATE

VEGIES

• Plant a good range of brassicas including Asian greens. Broccoli, cabbage and kale are particularly easy growers, but cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are well worth the effort.• Put in plenty of peas, including sugar snap and snowpeas, as well as broad beans. Give the peas a structure such as a trellis or tepee to climb.• Look for purple varieties of vegies, not just for colour on the plate but for the anthocyanins indicated by the colour.• Spinach and chard are good crops• Divide overcrowded perennials such as asparagus and artichoke by digging up and replanting into soil that has been replenishd with aged manure, compost or worm castings.• Plant flowers that will add winter colour and attract beneficial visitors: violas and dianthus, for example, or nasturtiums to brighten salads.• If you’ve never grown swedes and turnips before, they’re great to bulk up warming soups or enjoy them roasted with other root vegies.