Colder Months Grow Guide

As the colder months descend upon the land down under, the idea of gardening might seem less appealing. However, winter can be an ideal time to cultivate a variety of plants, vegetables, and herbs. While the climate may vary across the country, there are several resilient options that can withstand the chill and continue to flourish. Here are some of the best plants to grow during winter, helping you create a vibrant and thriving garden all year round… 

Kale: Known for its exceptional hardiness, kale is an excellent choice for winter gardening in Australia. This leafy green vegetable thrives in cooler temperatures and is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. Kale can be grown in containers or directly in the ground and requires ample sunlight. Regular harvesting of leaves promotes continuous growth, ensuring a bountiful supply of fresh, nutritious greens throughout the season.
 

Broccoli: Broccoli is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that performs exceptionally well in winter. With its preference for cooler temperatures, it can be sown during autumn and harvested in winter. Broccoli requires well-drained soil, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering. The heads should be harvested when they are firm and tight, providing a delightful addition to your winter soups, stir-fries, or steamed vegetable medleys.
 

Parsley: Parsley is a culinary herb that thrives in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for your winter garden. It is relatively easy to grow and can be cultivated in pots, raised beds, or directly in the ground. Parsley prefers partial shade and requires consistent watering. Its fresh leaves can be harvested as needed and used as a flavourful addition to a wide range of dishes, such as salads, sauces, and marinades.
 

Spinach: Another leafy green that flourishes during winter is spinach. Rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants, spinach is a highly nutritious vegetable. It is best grown in well-drained soil, receiving at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. Regular watering and the removal of any damaged leaves will promote healthy growth. Harvest the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue developing for subsequent harvests.
 

Cabbage: Cabbage is a robust and cold-tolerant vegetable that thrives during winter. There are several varieties of cabbage available, including green, red, and savoy. It requires full sun exposure and fertile, well-drained soil. Adequate spacing between plants is crucial for proper air circulation and to prevent disease. Harvest the heads when they are firm and compact, and enjoy adding them to winter stews, salads, or even making your own sauerkraut.
 

Coriander: Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a popular herb that can be grown during winter in Australia. It prefers cooler temperatures and requires well-drained soil and ample sunlight. Regular watering is important to prevent the plant from bolting and producing seeds prematurely. Harvest the leaves as needed for fresh garnishing, or allow the plant to bolt and harvest the coriander seeds for culinary use or as a spice.
 

Setting yourself up for success:

Free draining, compost rich soil with an alkaline pH level (7.5)
pH soil test kit 
If your soil pH is acidic you can add dolomite or garden lime to the soil in a powder or liquid form to raise the pH to alkaline
Regular fertilizer applications - we recommend the Rocky Point ActivGrow Fertiliser Pellets
 

Don't let the winter season hinder your gardening enthusiasm. Australia’s warm climate offers an array of plants, vegetables, and herbs that can thrive during the “winter” months. Embrace the opportunities provided by this season and enjoy the pleasure of growing your own fresh produce.