When the weather begins to cool down in Australia it doesn’t mean you have to stop growing vegetables! On the contrary, Autumn is a wonderful season to sow any vegetable and herb seeds that relish cooler conditions, and they will be ready to harvest during the Winter and into the Spring so you can enjoy fresh produce in your home all year long! Here are some things to consider that will get you started:
- Timing Your Plantings – You will do best if you plan ahead, timing your plantings so they can enjoy their full growing seasons. Be sure to check your seed packets for instructions, cold-loving varieties that take longer to mature like broccoli will appreciate being started indoors away from the heat, quality garden sheds with some strategic windows placed in them are perfect for this.
- Sunlight – The proper amount of sunlight is essential for any vegetables you want to grow. Some flowering and fruiting varieties need to have exposure to full sun to be able to produce a healthy crop. Winter vegetables need sun, too, but some like it less than others, you can plant root vegetables and leafy greens in partially shaded areas where they are sure to thrive.
- Diseases And Pests – Make sure your plants have good air circulation and adequate spacing to prevent the growth of leaf spots and powdery mildew, and try not to water on their leaves which can cause dampness that promotes disease. It’s best to water in the early morning so any excess water has a chance to dry off before nightfall. The cooler months give you a bit of time off from maintaining vigilant pest patrols, the hungry little nasties prefer it warm! Keep a few chickens around to eat any bugs that might still be lurking!
- Frost – Depending on your zone, frost can present a real danger to young, fragile plants! Some Winter vegetables tolerate frost quite well, and it can even improve their taste thanks to the triggering of higher sugar production! Snow peas, carrots, parsnips, cauliflower and broccoli all benefit from a touch of frost.
What vegetables grow best in Australia’s cool seasons? While most people consider leafy garden veg to be Summertime produce, the following fast-growing green veggies are perfect to plant and grow in Autumn:
- Cress
- Beetroot
- Rocket
- Broad beans
- Chinese cabbage
- Cavolo Nero
- Spinach
- Radish
- Kale
- Peas
- Bok choy
The Winter is the perfect time to sow the following vegetables and herbs:
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Silverbeet
- Parsley
- Onions
- Endive
- Spinach
- Carrot
- Turnip
- Cauliflowers
- Lettuce
- Kohl Rabi
- Leek
- Swede
- Parsnip
- Snow pea
The Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has more information on gardening on their website. The ability to grow fresh produce throughout the year is a major advantage in today’s increasingly difficult economy, so be sure to take advantage of the opportunity! Happy growing!
