Waikato Garden Guide: Fruit To Plant In May

Waikato Garden Guide: Fruit To Plant In May

As autumn deepens across the Waikato, it’s a great time to get your fruiting favourites into the ground. May offers ideal planting conditions as the soil still holds warmth, there’s good rainfall, and young trees & berries can establish strong root systems before winter hits. Whether you're expanding your home orchard or tucking a few edibles into the backyard, this guide will help you plant with confidence.

Here are the best fruits to plant in may:

Apple: Best planted as grafted trees rather than from seed. We recommend choosing varieties suited to the Waikato climate like 'Granny Smith', 'Braeburn', or 'NZ Queen'. Choose a full sun site, with well-drained soil. Avoid frost pockets. Dig a wide hole, loosen the roots, and backfill with compost-rich soil. While establishing remember to water regularly if rain is scarce. Winter offers a great time to prune existing apple trees to encourage new growth.

Pear: Like apples, pears are usually best grafted onto rootstocks. Its good to plant them in pairs for better pollination. Choose a sunny spot with shelter from wind. Deep, fertile soil enriched with compost is recommended. Stake young trees so they survive wild weather. Remember to water during dry spells and prune annually in winter to maintain structure.

Strawberry: May is a great time to start your strawberry planting. Ensure your soil drains well and is rich in organic matter. Space plants 30cm apart. Ensure crowns are just above the soil surface. Mulch with straw or pea straw to keep berries clean. Water consistently and add a net to protect from birds if necessary.

Blueberry: Best planted from potted plants, not seeds (seeds can take years to mature). Ensure your soil is acidic and free-draining (pH 4.5–5.5). We recommend mixing in peat moss or pine needles to help aerate the soil and allow for drainage. Plant in full sun and some wind shelter. Keep moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Plant more than one variety for cross-pollination and better yields.

Feijoa: Hardy and low-maintenance and perfect for Kiwi gardens. Plant in a sunny, well-drained area. Feijoas can tolerate light frost and wind. We recommend planting them in pairs for better pollination. Feed in spring with fruit fertiliser. Prune after fruiting to shape and encourage larger fruits next year.

Lemon: May is an ideal time to plant young citrus trees. 'Meyer' is the most cold-tolerant variety and does well in Waikato. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with good drainage. Add compost and a handful of citrus fertiliser when planting. Young trees may need frost cloth or cover on cold nights. Feed monthly with citrus fertiliser from spring through autumn for the best chance at a large yield.

Orange: Choose hardy varieties suited to cooler regions. ‘Washington Navel’ oranges are good bet. Plant in a warm, frost-free microclimate. Citrus are shallow-rooted so mulch well and keep moist. Fertilise with a citrus-specific blend.

Final Tips:

• Compost & Mulch: Enrich planting holes with compost and top with mulch to retain soil warmth and moisture.

• Staking: Young fruit trees benefit from staking in exposed sites to avoid wind damage.

• Frost Prep: Citrus and other frost-sensitive fruits may need protection in their first few winters.

• Feeding: Hold off on heavy feeding until spring. Focus on root establishment during the cooler months.

• Pollination: Check if your chosen fruit variety needs a pollinator, some need a buddy tree to fruit well!

Wrap Up:

Whether you're tucking strawberries into a raised bed or planting your very first citrus tree, May is the perfect time to get growing. By planting now, you’re setting up your garden for juicy harvests in the seasons to come. Grab your spade, pop your gumboots on, and get planting!