Is it really possible to be thinking of Winter right now? Well as it is only 8 degrees while I am writing this, then YES, it is possible!
But Australia is a big place and not everyone experiences the same weather conditions, so please review the below thoughts based on your own location and climate – or use the sowing chart at the end of the email as a guide.
That said, here are some things you can start to sow now for harvesting during colder months.
Carrots. Seed sown now will be ready in May, at which time the colder weather will slow down growth. Once planted do not let the soil dry out, just keep it damp rather than soaking! However that may mean a couple of waterings a day if it is very hot and dry.
Silverbeet. You may well still be growing spring sown ones, but that should not stop you sowing more now as ones sown earlier could well become diseased by winter, mainly with rust. Seeds or plants can go in now and will respond well to weekly waterings with a liquid fertiliser and be ready to eat in about 10 weeks.
Winter Lettuce seeds – not the same as the summer sown lettuce, these ones will bolt in very hot weather. Imperial 847 and Mignonette are meant to be perfect. Give them plenty of water.
Turnips. Look to harvest them when they are about the size of a golf ball. White globe is popular.
English Spinach. Needing plenty of lime, place two big handfuls every sq metre along the garden bed you intend to sow the spinach in and rake it in, preferably a few weeks before planting.
Brassicas, such as Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can be planted out now as seedlings so they can form a good rosette of leaves before the weather gets cooler. They will then continue to grow strongly through winter. All of them need good rich soil, nice and firm, so the plants don’t fall over when they get bigger
So just when you thought you could put your feet up, you can’t!
Enjoy!
Peter
