Spring planting
It’s the start of an exciting new planting season, but beware of late frosts! Except in warm northern climates, it’s a few weeks yet before tender crops can be safely planted outdoors. Even without frost, planting too early can set your garden back as transplanted seedlings struggle to bounce into growth in cold damp soil. Generally the last frost is around Labour weekend in late October. But always keep your eye on the weather forecast and have the frost cloth ready for a late unexpected frost.
However, starting seeds in containers on a warm sunny porch or in a greenhouse can be a great head start. By the time the ground warms up in October or early November your seedlings should be ready to plant out.
Sow seed directly
into well drained garden soil or outdoor containers filled with fresh planting mix: Peas, Lettuce, Rocket, Sorrel, Silverbeet, Spinach, Microgreens, Beetroot, Radish, Carrots, Parsnip, Coriander, Parsley, Chives, Potatoes.
Wait till late October or early November for: Beans, Sweetcorn, NZ spinach.
Sow seed in trays
or punnets for planting out later: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Basil, Silverbeet, Fennel.
Best started in October: NZ spinach, Zucchini, Cucumber, Tomato, Chilli, Capsicum, Pumpkin, Melon, Eggplant.
The container garden
Spring is a great time to grow veges in large pots and planter boxes. Whether you plant seeds or seedlings, at this time of year they grow faster in warm, well-drained potting mix than in soil that’s still cold and damp from winter. Don’t forget, veges grown in containers need regular watering and feeding.
Microgreens are quick and easy to sow in containers. Place them on a sunny window sill and within two weeks you will have a nutrient dense crop to add zing to your meals.
31-Aug-2015
Broad beans, kale, red cabbage, carrots, broccoli
Potatoes
In the Garden
