05 May Winter Gardening Guide: Tips for Planting

Winter vegetable gardening is fun, easy and rewarding. Homegrown winter vegetables are fresh and healthy for your family and save money too.

Making gardening a year-round activity isn’t as hard as you may think; it’s just knowing which vegetables you should plant seasonally. Even with minimal living space or no access to an outdoor yard, having your vegetable garden is possible no matter the limitations of your space. As an Aucklander, I am aware of our ever-changing climates; we can often have four seasons in one day, especially during the winter months! So, here are some tips for vegetable & herb planting all year round, and no matter what your space.

Prepare the Soil | Winter veggies require rich and nourishing soil to keep them thriving through the cooler climate, so start by adding compost and fertilising your soil.

Vegetable Planting | Leafy greens such as spinach, silverbeet and mustard greens are all great options for planting during the winter. Broad Beans are good for both gardener and garden. This useful cover crop sends nitrogen into your soil and provides food for your family and bees with beautiful flowers. Onions can be started as soon as temperatures start to drop around April, though you’ll only be harvesting in spring and summer, as they take six to eight months to grow.

To sow indoors in planters Asian Greens such as kailan, bok choy, pak choy, tat soi, wong bok and choy sum are high-value edibles that keep on giving. These nutritious pick-and-come-again veges can be harvested after just six to eight weeks. 

Herbs | Yes, many herbs still thrive in cooler climates. Herbs are a great alternative to a veggie garden if you’re short on space, live in an apartment or simply don’t have the time on your hands to keep up with the maintenance. Given there’s enough sunlight and a place for them to sit and flourish without being disturbed, herbs won’t require much effort on your part. Corriander is one of my favourites! 

Good things take time – So when I say planting the winter garden, it’s just that – planting, you’ll be able to reap what you sow in the coming spring and summer months. 🙂

ENJOY!