WINTER VEGES: L-R: Kale; Leafy Greens; Purple Broccoli; Onions.
You can’t beat homegrown veges. They taste better, you know that they’re pesticide-free, and they have the added bonus of saving you money. Winter is a great opportunity to plant your garden with some different kinds of crop to compliment your winter meals, and it’s easy as.
Plant type & timing
There is a wide range to choose from, so the easiest thing to do is to think about what you eat the most and grow them.
June through September is the right time to be growing and harvesting your winter veges.
Our yearly growing plan will show you what to plant and when, so they’re ready for winter harvesting.
The main trick with vege gardens is making sure you have a long harvest, with no waste. This is why succession planting is important — don’t plant everything at once, as it will all be ready at once. You’re better off staggering them so you don’t end up with too much of one thing.
It’s easier to grow veges from seedlings. Modern hybrid varieties of vegetables are higher yielding, better tasting, more disease resistant, and grow more uniformly than old varieties of plants.
When selecting plants look for seedlings with 4-6 true leaves and that are 5-8cm high.
Winter veges
Here are some of the most common winter veges to grow:
Brassicas – Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts, and lots more.
Leafy Greens – Lettuces, spinach, silverbeet.
Alliums – Onions, leeks, garlic, shallots.
Celery – A great space saver.
Winter Root Vegetables – Carrots, beetroot, parsnip, broad beans.
Location
Veges do best in sunny, sheltered spots either in the ground or in raised garden beds – which are very easy to make.
Soil
The easiest thing to do is use a vegetable mix. It’s a high quality natural-based planting mix with the right blend of nutrients that’ll give your veges the best possible start, and sustained growth throughout the season. You can also boost your soil with a liquid fertiliser like seaweed tonic.
If you’re digging yourself a new vege garden , you’ll want to have a good look at your soil before you start, as there’s no point going any further if it’s not in good condition. For example, if your soil has got a lot of clay in it, or if it’s alkaline, your veges won’t grow well. But you can prep the soil for next year by treating it — so come in store and we’ll tell you how.
Planting seedlings
Lay out your plants according to your growing zones. Leave space for succession planting and companion planting.
Dig a hole to fit each pot size. Remove each seedling from its pot, place into the hole and backfill with soil. Press each plant firmly, but gently, into place.
Stake or frame any vegetables, such as beans, that require a structure to grow around.
Add a layer of pea straw mulch to protect your plants against the elements. This’ll also help keep the roots moist, and keep the weeds at bay.
Water your plants.
Add slug and snail pellets to protect against these pests.
Planting seeds
It’s best to grow root veges from seed. Create a small V-shaped trench.
Check the planting depth for your specific plant then sprinkle the seeds in and cover them over.
Once they germinate, you’ll need to thin outor remove some seedlings to give the others room to grow.
Watering
Water your veges regularly. Luckily, with the winter rain this is a bit easier to stay on top of.
Give them a boost by adding in a liquid fertiliser
Feeding
Feed regularly with Vegetable Food to encourage healthy vegetable growth and microbial and earthworm activity in the soil.
Pests & disease
Winter keeps most of the common pests and diseases away. However, it always pays to be vigilant with slugs and snails with some slug and snail bait. You don’t want them eating your precious crop.
Protect your plants with layers of pea straw mulch or mulch & feed. It’ll help keep their roots moist and help keep your garden weed-free.
And remember — you’re eating these plants, so it’s very important to check the instructions of any spray or chemical you are using. When choosing your spray please look at the withholding period, this is the time allowed between spraying and harvesting.
If you do spot other pests or diseases just take a photo and bring it in store. Our staff will help you find the right solution. — Courtesy of Mitre10