“In many ways, autumn and winter are the better times to grow veggies here in Australia. There are fewer pests and diseases now, plants need less water, and with everything growing that little bit slower the annoying weeds are easier to keep on top of too.”
– Burkes Backyard magazine, March 2011
The catch 22, would be you freezing your socks off in the winter, but none the less there are plenty of advantages to planting veggies in the cold seasons that should be taken.
At first thought, autumn and winter may be regarded as the 'plant death and dormancy' season. This may be partly true as things such as Nasturtium (Tropaeolum majus), and Mint seeds will refuse to germinate due to the child abuse known as cold weather and lack of sunshine.
However, this simply means that there is a different selection of veggies that can be grown (and sometimes can only be grown) in the cool autumn and harsh winter.
Autumn
March: This month is best buddies with February so it’s still quiet warm, as a general tip, whatever wasn’t planted for summer should (and can) be planted now!
Plant: Pumpkin, Broccoli, Lettuce, Cabbage and Coriander. (Pumpkin and Coriander in my garden have self sown at this time of year).
April: Now the leaves have started to change colour, with most of the flowers gone by now, it’s time to admire the sunset coloured foliage of deciduous trees.
Plant: Broccoli, Chives, Cauliflower, Parsley, Parsnip and enjoy the beautiful foliage of the trees or you have no soul.
May: Under the affects of the La Nina, expect colder and wetter Mays. Wear more clothes. Put your nudist hobby on hold until spring arrives.
Plant: Garlic bubs. Mine have the urge to be planted and have spawned to life without the help of moisture, or light, or soil…
(Whatever happened to WOLT???)
Winter
June: Winter has officially started, even though May practically felt like winter.
Plant: All Peas and Beans will do fabulously; they can both be started in late autumn (ideally) right through to the end of winter.
July: It’s very, very cold now and you can definitely notice how short the days have gotten.
Plant: Gai choy, Onion, Shallots, Peas, Beans and Parsnip.
August: It’s almost spring! Get ready for the warmer weather and the dreaded hay fever.
Plant: Peas and Beans still, Potato, Spinach and Sunflower (because there’s actually sun).
For what you can’t sow from seed, you can always purchase seedlings from the Temple of Bunning’s or simply propagate from what you have.
Dress warm!
Today I went to the Temple of Bunning’s. Just discovered that Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus); can be sown in winter! According to the Jekka Mcvicar New Book of Herbs, it has edible flowers which are used as a tonic and a ‘stimulant’. Giggity, giggity, giggity.
