Winter at Aumanns
Winter in Melbourne offers a unique opportunity to cultivate a vibrant and productive garden, even during the cooler months. With its temperate climate, Melbourne allows for a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flowers to thrive. Here are some essential tips to help you make the most of your winter gardening endeavors.
Winter Vegetables to Plant
Melbourne’s mild winters are ideal for growing a range of cool-season vegetables. Consider planting:
- Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are well-suited for winter growth. Start seeds indoors in late summer and transplant seedlings in early autumn for a bountiful winter harvest.
- Carrots, beetroots, radishes, and turnips thrive in the cooler temperatures. Ensure the soil is loose and well-drained to accommodate root development.
- Spinach, silverbeet (Swiss chard), and kale are hardy greens that can withstand frost and provide continuous harvests throughout winter.
- Garlic and onions can be planted in winter for harvesting in late spring to early summer.
Winter Herbs
Enhance your winter dishes with fresh herbs from your garden. Hardy herbs that flourish in Melbourne’s winter
- Parsley: A biennial herb that can be harvested throughout winter.
- Sage: Thrives in cooler temperatures and adds depth to winter meals.
- Rosemary: An evergreen herb that provides flavor year-round.
- Thyme: A low-growing herb that tolerates frost and adds a subtle aroma to dishes.
Winter Flowers for Color and Biodiversity
Brighten up your garden with winter-flowering plants that also support local pollinators:
- Cyclamen: These shade-loving plants produce vibrant blooms throughout winter.
- Camellias: Flowering from mid-winter to early spring, camellias add elegance to any garden.
- Pansies and Violas: These annuals offer a splash of color and can be planted in pots or garden beds.
Essential Winter Gardening Tasks
- Soil Preparation: Enrich your garden beds with organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility for spring planting.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
- Pruning: Winter is an excellent time to prune deciduous trees and shrubs, promoting healthy growth in spring.
Visit your local Aumann’s Building and Garden Supplies—conveniently located in Templestowe, Eltham, and at our Plenty Clearance Centre.