If you love shopping for fresh organic wholefoods, then why not consider growing your own fresh organic veggies in the comfort of your own home?
Making gardening a year round activity isn’t as hard as you may think, it’s just a matter of knowing which vegetables you should plant seasonally. Even with minimal living space or no access to an outdoor yard, having your own vegetable garden is possible no matter the limitations of your space.
As a Melbournian, you’d be well aware of the ever-changing climates that we face, especially during the winter. Understanding what vegetables are best to grow during which season is crucial to having a healthy, sustainable vegetable garden that produces fresh goods all year round.
Winter veggies require a rich and nourishing soil to keep them thriving through the cooler climate. If you’re wondering how to replenish your old soil, simply add animal manures (whether it be from horses, chickens, rabbits, sheep) along with plenty of compost and rake it through lightly. This will eventually break down and supply the soil (and therefore the food) with rich nutrients that are beneficial for both you and the veggies.
Vegetables that will grow successfully during the winter time:
- Garlic
- Spring Onions
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Potatoes
- Kale
- Leek
- Onion
- Brussel Sprouts
What Leafy Greens Thrive In Winter?
Leafy greens such as spinach, silverbeet and mustard greens are all great options for planting during the winter.
Can I Grow Herbs In Winter?
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.
What Are The Main Uses Of Herbs?
Herbs are often used to flavour meals, garnish food, medicinal purposes or for their fragrance. Growing herbs at home allows you to flavour any meal at your convenience, without going over budget.
What Are The Healthiest Herbs to Grow In Winter?
Did you know that herbs have an extensive range of health benefits, they provide support for your immune system, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties, as well as may help to reduce the risk of
of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Increasing your daily intake of herbs during the winter when you’re more susceptible to catching a common cold is always recommended.
Here is a list of some of the healthiest herbs:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Mint
- Coriander
- Basil
- Oregano
- Parsley
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about the best vegetables to plant during winter in Melbourne and if you’re looking to grow your knowledge more why not check out article on, The Best Vegetables to Grow During Spring in Melbourne.
Growing Vegetables In Container Gardens During Winter
Planting vegetables in a container is a versatile solution for winter gardening in Melbourne if you have limited space, such as a small balcony and or outdoor area.
It’s important to first choose the layout (desired location) for each of your containers before planting your seeds. Whether you choose to use terracotta pots, concrete containers or wooden planters, this is an important step as once you’ve packed in the soil, they will be very difficult to move.
Vegetables that grow well in containers:
- Spinach
- Silverbeet
- Cabbage
- Lettuce
- Bok Choi
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
Whether you’re using a larger container to fit a desired space or a cluster of different pots that can be arranged freely around your home, both options will expand the range of vegetables available to you. It’s important to keep in mind that the size of your container will affect the quality and lifespan of your vegetables, as smaller containers can only take so much soil, making it likely to dry out sooner than a larger container.
No matter the season, vegetables thrive best in sunny locations and like to be exposed to as much light as possible. This can be tricky during the winter months, so be sure to set up your veggie garden or container in the sunniest location available in your home. If you’re growing your vegetables inside your apartment then this will most likely be outside on your decking.
There are plenty more winter vegetables out there for you to test growing for yourself, but we thought this would be a good list for you to start out with.
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