Winter vegetables to grow

Wondering what winter vegetables to grow this year? As the cooler months approach, you might be wondering about what vegetables to plant now. Australia is a vast and diverse country, and the best winter vegetables to grow generally depends on where you live and the climate of your region.

Some popular Australian winter vegetables that are well-suited to most regions include:

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Peas
• Spinach
• Beetroot

Keep in mind, specific planting times and growing conditions for these vegetables will be influenced by your climate.

In this article, we explore:

• What vegetables to plant in winter for your climate and location
• When to prepare vegetable seedlings for winter
• What fruits grow in winter in Australia
• Winter herbs, and more.

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What vegetables to plant now

Wondering what vegetables to plant now for a winter harvest? Winter growing vegetables that are best to plant now will depend on which part of the country you are in, as different regions have different climate and weather conditions.

Here’s what to plant now, ahead of winter, depending on different climate zones in Australia:

• Tropical regions (e.g. Northern Territory, Far North Queensland): Plant vegetables such as beans, cucumber, eggplant, sweet potato, pumpkin, and tomatoes.
• Subtropical regions (e.g. Central Queensland, Northern New South Wales, parts of WA): Beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, lettuce, onion, peas, and spinach.
• Temperate regions (e.g. Sydney, Adelaide, Western Australia): Broad beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, green beans,  peas, silverbeet, and spinach.
• Cold regions (e.g. Tasmania, Southern Victoria): Broccoli, broad beans, cabbage, carrot, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, onion, peas, potatoes, turnips and English spinach.

Consult your local nursery or garden center for advice specific to your area, as they will have a better understanding of the local climate and soil conditions.

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Preparing vegetable seedlings for winter

The timing for preparing vegetable seedlings for winter will depend on the climate and weather conditions in your region. In general, you should start preparing your vegetable seedlings for winter about 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost. Here are some tips to help you get your vegetable seedlings ready for winter:

1. Choose cold-hardy vegetables: When planting seedlings for winter, choose vegetables that are known to be cold-hardy, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale. These vegetables can tolerate colder temperatures and continue to grow through the winter.
2. Start seedlings indoors: To give your seedlings a head start, start them indoors in late summer or early autumn, so they have time to grow before the colder weather sets in.
3. Harden off seedlings: Before transplanting your seedlings outdoors, it’s important to harden them off gradually by exposing them to the outdoor weather conditions for a few hours each day. This helps them to adjust to the cooler temperatures and harsher conditions.
4. Protect seedlings from frost: Once your seedlings are planted outside, protect them from frost by covering them with blankets, tarps, or other protective covers. You can also use a layer of mulch around the base of the plants to help insulate them from the cold.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your vegetable seedlings are well-prepared for the colder winter months, giving them the best chance of thriving through the season.

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When to plant winter vegetables

We suggest planting winter vegetables in stages throughout the season, rather than all at once. You can plant certain vegetables during specific months.

Vegetables to grow in winter in June:

In June, grow broad beans, cabbages, dill, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, radishes, snow peas, and thyme. These vegetables can handle the cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours that are typical in winter. They also have shorter growing seasons, which means that they can be harvested earlier in the winter season.

Vegetables to grow in July:

Chicory, endive, kohlrabi, lettuce, parsnips, radishes, sage, and shallots.

Winter vegetables to grow in August:

Artichokes, asparagus, beetroot, garlic, potatoes, spinach, spring onions, and tomatoes in August.

These vegetables have longer growing seasons and can be harvested later in the winter season, providing a fresh supply of vegetables well into the cooler months.

These recommendations may not apply to each climate and other factors may affect planting times. Seek advice from your local nursery, garden maintenance service, or garden designer to determine the most favorable planting times for your area.

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Winter fruits Australia

What fruits grow in winter in Australia? Here are some fruits that can grow during the winter season in different parts of the country:

• Citrus fruits: Oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and mandarins are winter fruits that grow well in many parts of Australia.
• Apples and pears: These fruits can be grown in cooler climates, such as the southern states of Australia.
• Persimmons: Usually in season from May to August, persimmons can be grown in many parts of Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
• Kiwi fruit: Grown in colder climates and in season from June to October.
• Quince: Grown in cooler areas and in season from May to July.
• Passionfruit: Grown in warmer regions of Australia during the winter months.

It’s worth noting that the availability of these fruits may vary depending on the climate and location. Some fruits may require special care and attention, so it’s always best to consult a local nursery or garden center for advice specific to your area.

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Winter herbs

Herbs can be grown all year round in Australia, and some herbs thrive during the winter season. If you’re planting herbs in winter, let’s explore the best winter herbs for different regions:

• Basil: This herb is a tender plant and grows best during the warmer months. However, it can still be grown in sheltered, warm spots in winter in the northern parts of Australia.
• Coriander: Grows best in cooler temperatures and can be planted in most parts of Australia during winter.
• Parsley: Grows well in cooler temperatures and can be planted in most parts of the county in winter.
• Chives: A hardy plant, chives can grow in most areas in winter.
• Oregano, Sage and Thyme: These tough herbs can be grown all year round in most parts of Australia, including winter.

Fresh herbs are packed with nutrients and are an essential to any winter garden. You can opt to grow them indoors in a sunny spot if you’re worried about frost.

Happy gardening!

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