There's still time for a fresh start

The dying days of summer and the start of autumn are the best days start the garden over.

As far as seasons go, autumn isn't a bad one. The temperatures gradually decrease, almost imperceptible until we reach winter.

On the whole, it is kind to us with less of the dramatic weather events other seasons like to impose. It conjures up earthy aromas, that draw us into the cosiness required of winter, yet allows us to indulge in outdoor pursuits in relative comfort.

It is a gradual change from one season to the next, and in our desire to cling to all things summer, we can almost miss a very important gardening window.

The dying days of summer and the start of autumn are the best days start the garden over again for the crops that will nourish us through the long bleak winter. They need the lingering warmth in the soil to give them a good start and a chance to get ahead before the chill of winter slows their growth right down.

There is something therapeutic about starting seeds. It is like a clean slate for a new season. The challenges of the previous season can be put behind you; the pests and diseases of summer will not be around in numbers great enough to bother these new plants. There is nothing ahead but hope for a successful harvest in months to come.

In the spring, this can be quite overwhelming as there are so many possibilities for things to grow and so many seeds and seedlings to take care of that will overwhelm all of the windowsills in the house to ensure they get enough light yet stay warm enough in the cool of spring.

In autumn is it a completely different kettle of fish.

They can be started outdoors as the temperature is just fine for seeds, whether you sow them in seed trays for transplanting later or directly into the spot they will spend their lives.

The same points for successful sowing in the spring also applies to the autumn.

Fresh seeds are best for successful germination rates. You can use seeds from open packets within the expiry dates and get good results if they have been stored correctly in a cool, dry dark place.

The rule of thumb is to sow seeds three times as deep as they are big and gently pat down to make sure they have good contact with the soil.

Having said that, as with all things there are exceptions so check the sowing instructions on the seed packet before beginning.

It is also important to keep the soil evenly moist throughout the germination period and as the seedlings establish.

This is one challenge autumn seedlings face — it is still warm enough for the soil surrounding the seed tucked just below the surface to dry out completely in the blink of an eye. A plastic cover used in spring to retain moisture and heat can fry poor seedlings so isn't recommended or necessary.

However, a cover is beneficial, especially if you are growing brassicas. The Cabbage White Butterfly is around in great numbers at this time of year and if she lays her eggs on your young seedlings, they won't stand a chance.

Protecting your plants with butterfly netting will ensure they get to the stage where they have all but disappeared for the winter and you can remove the net safely.

While the choice of seed isn't anywhere near the level of the summer crops, you may be surprised with what you can actually grow over the winter months.

Have a look at the advice on the back of the seed packets in your collection or in store to see what will work in your area.

If you get the right varieties, you can grow crops like carrots, beetroot and spring onion all year round so you can sow them often for a continual supply.

Now is also the time to sow more broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts, leek, fennel, silverbeet, spinach, broad beans and peas.

You can also add season crops like turnips and swedes, which gives an old-fashioned comfort to winter meals. Check out what else you can grow at this time of year to add variety and interest to your winter diet.

The winter garden need not be empty, but can be filled with wonderful things to eat, if you get started now.

●Sarah O'Neil is an author, blogger and passionate gardener writing about the trials and tribulations of growing food for her family. Her books Play in the Garden and Growing Vegetables are available at bookstores. sarahthegardener.co.nz