Just because the weather is cooler doesn’t mean your garden has to go into hibernation. Winter can actually be a great time to get out in the garden and start growing plants.
Growing plants during the winter in Australia means they won’t bolt to seed as quickly as they would in summer, and you’ll be able to enjoy a longer harvest.
Also, there is less competition for food because many insects are less active in the cooler months. So your plants can put all their energy into growing.
Can you plant in winter?
Yes, you can! While it might seem like the cold weather limits your options, there are actually many plants that thrive in the cooler months.
Winter planting can be a rewarding way to keep your garden vibrant year-round.
Winter planting tips
Winter gardening requires a bit more care and attention than summer and spring gardening.
Make sure to:
- Choose the right plants: Select varieties that are known to thrive in winter conditions, such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.
- Prepare your soil properly: Enrich your garden soil with compost or manure to give your plants the nutrients they need.
- Protect your winter garden from frost: Use mulch or frost cloth to shield your plants from extreme cold.
Preparing soil for planting winter vegetables and flowers
Preparing the soil for your winter garden is relatively simple and only requires a few steps:
- Rake up any leaves or debris that have accumulated on the surface of the soil.
- Turn the soil over with a spade or tiller to aerate it and improve drainage.
- Add a layer of compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and provide nutrients for your plants.
What to grow in winter in Australia
During the winter in Australia, the average temperature ranges from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Here are some of the best plants to grow in winter.
Vegetables to plant in winter
Among the most popular choices are leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, and spinach.
Root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and potatoes are also ideal for winter gardens, as they can be planted early in the season and harvested just before the first frost.
These hardy plants can withstand cooler temperatures and even a light frost.
Cabbage
Cabbage thrives in Australian winters; the shorter days allow the plant to develop a sweeter flavour.
The beauty of growing cabbages is that they can be grown from seed or transplanted. If transplanting, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
When transplants are 4-6 weeks old, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Kale
Growing kale in winter in Australia can be a fun and rewarding experience.
This hearty vegetable can withstand frost and even some snow, making it a versatile option for winter gardening.
When it comes to planting, you’ll need to start your kale seeds indoors about 10 weeks before the last frost date.
Once the weather outside has cooled down, you can transplant your seedlings into the garden.
Spinach
Spinach is one of the few vegetables that can be grown successfully during winter in Australia.
The key to successful production is to choose a variety that is suited to your climate.
For example, ‘Perpetual’ and ‘Winter’ varieties are good choices for growers in southern Australia.
Carrots
Carrots thrive in cooler weather. They can take up to 16 weeks to mature, so it is important to start them early in the season.
Carrot plants are ready to harvest when they reach about 10cm in length. You can pull them up by hand or use a spade or trowel to loosen the soil around them first.
Turnips
Cultivating turnips in winter in Australia is not as difficult as you might think.
The key to successfully growing turnips in winter is to choose a variety that is well-suited to the cooler temperatures.
Some good winter varieties include Purple Top White Globe and Snowball.
Potatoes
Potatoes are a cool-season crop, meaning they thrive in the cooler temperatures of early spring and late autumn.
To grow potatoes in winter, start by planting them in late March or early April.
Covering the planting area with mulch will help protect the potato plants from frost damage.
Herbs to grow in winter
Many herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and coriander, will continue to thrive throughout the winter months in Australia.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it a good herb choice for winter gardening.
A few weeks of chilly weather each year helps to promote more compact growth for rosemaries.
During its active growing season, rosemary will need to be watered about once per week.
Thyme
Thyme is a great herb to grow in winter, as it’s a hardy herb that doesn’t mind the cold.
Make sure to protect your thyme plant from frost damage by covering it with a cloth or placing it in a sheltered spot during extreme weather.
Coriander
If you’re looking to add a bit of spice to your winter herb garden, consider growing coriander.
Also known as cilantro, this versatile herb is easy to grow and can thrive in both humid and dry climates.
Like most plants that grow in winter, coriander doesn’t like to have its roots wet. Make sure to plant it in well-drained soil.
Mint
Mint is a perennial herb that is easy to grow and maintain.
Not only does it have a wide range of culinary uses, but it also has a pleasant aroma that can freshen up any space.
While mint can be grown outdoors year-round in many parts of the world, winter is the ideal time to grow mint in Australia.
Harvesting regularly encourages your mint plant to produce more leaves.
Flowers to plant in winter
While the days are shorter and the temperatures are cooler, there are still plenty of opportunities to get your flower garden growing in the Australian winter.
By choosing the right plants and following a few simple tips, you can enjoy a beautiful display of flowers throughout the colder months.
Dianthus
Also known as sweet William or pinks, dianthus flowers are a versatile group of flowering plants that come in a wide range of colours and sizes.
Although they are typically associated with springtime, dianthus can be adapted to grow in winter in Australia.
One way to do this is to plant the seeds in late autumn, so they have time to germinate before the cold weather sets in.
Another option is to purchase young plants from a nursery and transplant them into your garden bed.
Violas
Violas are one of the loveliest flowers, and their ability to bloom in winter makes them a welcome sight during the colder months.
If you live in an area with a mild winter, you can start your violas indoors in a sunny spot about six weeks before the last frost date.
Plant the violas in pots or raised beds. This will protect them from the coldest temperatures and ensure that they have adequate drainage.
Snapdragons
The best snapdragon variety to grow in winter in Australia is the ‘Frosted Fire’. It’s a hardy plant that can withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius.
The ‘Frosted Fire’ has bright orange flowers that bloom from late winter to early spring.
Given the right conditions, they will bloom from June until August.
How to water your plants in the winter
Winter is the driest time of year. This can be a problem for gardeners, as many plants go dormant during this season and need less water.
So how do you water your plants without harming them?
- Check the forecast before watering. If it’s going to rain, you don’t need to water your outdoor plants. Your indoor plants will thrive with some rainwater or melted snow, too, because it contains nitric acid — a natural fertiliser.
- Don’t water overhead. The key is to water your plants deeply and less frequently. This will help to prevent root rot and promote deep root growth.
- Water early in the day so the leaves have time to dry before nightfall. This will prevent fungal growth.
- Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots. This is more efficient than watering with a sprinkler.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your plants stay healthy during the winter months.
What plant diseases and pests affect winter plants?
Australian winter plants are just as susceptible to pests and diseases as plants grown in spring.
This is because many plant diseases take advantage of the cold weather to wreak havoc on gardens.
Some of the most common problems include black spot, powdery mildew, rust, and caterpillars.
These problems can cause leaves to turn brown and drop off, flowers to wilt, and fruit to rot.
Fungal rust
Rust is a type of fungus that affects plants, causing them to develop reddish-brown patches.
In some cases, it can destroy the plant’s leaves and stem, preventing them from photosynthesising properly. This can lead to the plant’s death.
If you suspect that your plant has rust fungus, remove any affected leaves and dispose of them immediately.
Black spot
While black spot is more commonly seen in summer, it can still affect winter plants if conditions are favourable for the fungus.
During winter, some plants are more susceptible to black spots because of the slower growth of their immunity tissues.
Wet weather combined with high temperatures can create an environment where the fungus can thrive.
This fungal disease causes spots or lesions on leaves, stems, and fruit. It can also lead to premature leaf drop and reduced plant vigour.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a type of fungal disease that can affect a wide range of plants, including many common winter crops in Australia.
The fungus grows on the surface of leaves and produces a telltale white powdery coating.
While powdery mildew usually doesn’t kill plants outright, it can weaken them and make them more susceptible to other diseases. In severe cases, it can also reduce crop yields.
Avoid overcrowding crops and make sure they have adequate ventilation. Crop rotation can also be effective, as it helps to break the cycle of infection.
The cold won’t bother these plants anyway
Don’t let the cold weather stop you from enjoying your outdoor space — there are plenty of plants that will thrive in winter conditions.
With a little planning, it is possible to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables from your own garden all year round.
Just remember to consult with a professional gardener before making any major changes to your landscape.