May 2026 Farmers Almanac
Climate, garden and farm outlook for the Dayboro valley
Climate Overview
| Zone | Max | Min | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dayboro (subtropical) | 23-25°C | 13-16°C | 60-85mm | Dry season. Mild days, cool nights. Light frost possible inland. |
How Did We Do in May?
Once a month is done we grade the almanac against what the Dayboro weather station actually recorded. The numbers below are straight from the station, no fudging.
| Metric | We said | Station recorded | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rainfall total | 60-85mm | 220.5mm | Above range |
| Average daily max | 23-25°C | 25.1°C | Just over |
| Average daily min | 13-16°C | 13.4°C | On target |
| Hottest day | not forecast | 29.8°C | Recorded |
| Coldest night | not forecast | 7.1°C | Recorded |
| Wet days (1mm or more) | not forecast | 15 | Recorded |
| Frost nights (min 2°C or below) | not forecast | 0 | Recorded |
1 of 3 forecast metrics landed inside the promised range for May.
Forecast figures are the Subtropical zone row above. Recorded figures are Dayboro station daily summaries over 31 days, rainfall as the calendar month total.
Astronomical Events
Moon Phases
Sunrise / Sunset
Days continue shortening toward the winter solstice. Here's how daylight changes across the month:
| City | 1st | Last | Daylight change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brisbane (AEST) | 6:12am - 5:26pm (11h 14m) | 6:33am - 5:05pm (10h 32m) | -42 min |
| Sydney (AEST) | 6:28am - 5:21pm (10h 53m) | 6:52am - 4:56pm (10h 04m) | -49 min |
| Melbourne (AEST) | 7:06am - 5:29pm (10h 23m) | 7:33am - 5:08pm (9h 35m) | -48 min |
| Perth (AWST) | 6:32am - 5:59pm (11h 27m) | 6:55am - 5:21pm (10h 26m) | -61 min |
Trend: Noticeable shortening, Perth loses over an hour. Winter is coming fast.
Planting Guide
Planting slows down this month but doesn't stop. Focus on hardy crops that handle the cold. It's also prime time for continuing garlic plantings in some zones.
Dayboro valley
- Broad beans, peas, snow peas
- Lettuce, Asian greens, spinach, silverbeet
- Kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Beetroot, carrots, radish, onions
- Garlic (continue planting)
- Citrus beginning, lemons, early mandarins
- Late apples
- Brassicas at their best
- Root vegetables
- Winter squash
Moon Planting Calendar
| Phase | Dates | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Waning (Full to Last Quarter) | May 2-10 | Root crops, garlic, onions. Good harvest window. |
| Waning to New | May 10-17 | Rest period. Soil improvement. Composting. Pest control. |
| Waxing (New to First Quarter) | May 17-23 | Leafy greens, hardy herbs. |
| Waxing to Full (Blue Moon) | May 23-31 | Peas, beans. Blue Moon considered powerful for planting. |
Livestock Guide
After joining management kicks in. Days are getting shorter and poultry laying drops off without a bit of extra light.
Cattle
- Joining complete
- Pregnancy testing booking
- Autumn sales
- Supplementation if pasture declining
Sheep & Goats
- After joining management
- Early pregnancy care
- Supplementation if needed
- Winter shelter preparation
Poultry
- Production declining with daylight
- Consider supplemental lighting (14+ hours)
- Coop insulation, deep litter
- Stock up winter feed
Bees
- Minimal disturbance
- Emergency feeding only if light
- Monitor for robbing
- Hive insulation if cold area
Self-Sufficiency Focus
Citrus Season Begins
The first citrus is colouring up. Lemons and early mandarins are ready in warmer zones. This is the start of months of vitamin C goodness. If you've got surplus, think about preserved lemons, marmalade, or just sharing with the neighbours.
Energy Planning
Heating needs are emerging in cooler zones. Solar output is declining but still reasonable. If you've got a wood heater, make sure your firewood supply is sorted and dry. Check insulation and draught proof before the real cold hits in June.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Moon: Two full moons this month, May 2 and May 31
- Eta Aquariids: Meteor shower peaks May 6, watch from 2am
- Citrus season: First fruit colouring, lemons and early mandarins
- Frost regular: Protect tender plants in frost prone areas
- Garlic continues: Last chance to plant in the valley
- Heating prep: Get firewood sorted, check insulation