It’s that time of year—summer’s heat finally gives way to a welcome cool respite. This shift gives us a golden opportunity to grow plants that thrive in cooler temperatures. Whether you’re seeking ideas or simply looking for a refresher on what’s best suited for winter veggie patches in Australia, I’ve got you covered.
Winter happens to be my most successful harvest season, and I’ve compiled a list of top vegetables that are not only easy to grow but also perfect for a bountiful winter harvest.
Vegetable Growing Basics
- Sunlight: Provide your plants with as much sunlight as possible—ideally 6-8 hours per day. More sunlight generally means a better harvest.
- Soil: Opt for loamy soil with good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient rich. Raised beds can also be a great option for planting.
- Mulch: Avoid heavy mulches like woodchips in your veggie patch, as they can hinder growth and planting. Grass or straw mulches are preferable as they break down faster, enriching the soil with nutrients.
- Watering: Ensure your plants get consistent moisture, especially during hot weather. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.
Seeds vs Seedlings
Before planting, decide whether to direct sow seeds or raise seedlings. Consider plant needs, climate, and your gardening experience. Seedlings offer a head start, while direct sowing suits certain plants or those with limited transplant tolerance. Additionally, seedlings can be conveniently purchased from local garden centres.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Seeds
Advantages of seeds include:
- Seeds will acclimate better to their surroundings.
- Generally a more cost-effective option.
- Offers a wider variety of plant options.
Disadvantages of seeds are:
- Requires more patience as it takes longer to see results.
- There’s a higher risk of failure, especially for novice gardeners.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Seedlings
Advantages Seedlings offer:
- Easier for beginners to get started with.
- Provides a head start in the growing process, leading to earlier harvests.
Some disadvantages of seedlings include:
- Generally more expensive than seeds.
- Limited availability of certain plant varieties as seedlings.
Personal Note: I use a mix of direct sowing for things like carrots and snow peas but raise seedlings to transplant for things like tomatoes and chillies.
When to Plant
Generally I recommend starting in early autumn when the weather starts to cool off but there is still warmth to help plant growth. The exact timing may change depending where you are so use your local knowledge of your area as well as the instructions on your seed packets to help determine this.
Be mindful of when your frost dates are if your area gets frost, consider starting seedlings then transplanting out or using a polytunnel or blanket. This will allow you to get started sooner. Feel free to experiment and learn what works for you area, every yard has a different micro climate that will change your results.
Top 10 Picks for Winter Veggie Success
1. Snow Peas
My favourite winter veggie to grow and eat, I grow for both the crispy sweet pods as well as the young tender shoots for cooking. It grows really well in my area’s mild winters and always gives me a huge harvest.
Growing Tips
Snow peas should be grown roughly 10cm apart on a trellis if you are growing for the pods. Harvest the pods frequently to encourage more pods to develop. If you want to harvest the shoots, grow them much more tightly packed and harvest every so often by chopping the tops off. You can use this cut and come again method every few weeks to encourage continuous growth and harvest of tender shoots.
To ensure strong growth and abundant harvest, provide your snow peas with consistent moisture, especially during hot weather. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.
Pests and Diseases
- Powdery Mildew: Snow Peas are quite susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. To prevent this keep the foliage as dry as you can when watering by watering at the base of the plants. Additionally, ensure good airflow among the plants by spacing them appropriately.
Common Mistakes
- Delayed Harvest: Allowing snow pea pods to mature too long can result in tough, stringy pods. Harvest pods when they reach the desired size and tenderness.
- Trellis Size: Some snow pea varieties can grow quite large, so it’s important to ensure that the trellis is large enough to stabilize the plants. If the trellis is too small, the plants may break, especially in windy weather. Use a sturdy and appropriately sized trellis to support growth and prevent damage to the plants.
2. Carrots
Just about every meal I eat uses carrots, making them a staple in my garden. As luck would have it, they’re also very easy to grow and offer a big harvest even in small spaces.
Growing Tips
Whenever the roots encounter resistance such as hard soil or stones they will fork out creating a strange looking carrot. Direct sow carrot seeds in loose, well-drained soil, slightly sandy soil is actually beneficial in this instance.
Raised beds are good for preventing soil compaction. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during germination. Thin out to allow the roots to grow large and straight over the season.
Pests and Diseases
- Carrot Rust Fly: Use row covers as a physical barrier and rotate where you plant them every year. When thinning out carrots don’t leave any sitting on the surface.
Common Mistakes
- Overcrowding: Planting carrot seeds too densely can result in stunted or misshapen roots. Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing to promote healthy growth.
- Inconsistent watering: Irregular watering can cause carrot roots to split. Keep a regular watering schedule to promote healthy root development.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is one of those super veggies full of tonnes of nutrients, it also can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s also another of my favourites, often being used in our cooking.
Growing Tips
I like to raise broccoli as seedlings and transplant out into my garden. The heads are full of nutrients coming straight from the soil it grows in so be sure to plant it in rich, nutrient filled soil.
Harvest broccoli heads when they are firm, tight, and dark green in colour. Cut the main head off but leave some stem, smaller side shoots will continue to develop and can be harvested later.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Aphids and Cabbage Worms: Use insect netting to prevent unwanted “protein” in your meals.
Common Mistakes
- Delayed Harvest: Allowing broccoli heads to mature too long can result in bitter heads. Harvest heads promptly when they reach the desired size and tightness.
- Improper Fertilization: Too much nitrogen can lead to lush foliage but poor head development. Use a balanced fertilizer such as compost and avoid overfertilizing.
4. Tomatoes
While traditionally associated with summer, certain tomato varieties do quite well in the cool temperatures of winter. Growing tomatoes out of season is a good way save on costs at the shops and will let you enjoy them year round.
Growing Tips
Although tomatoes do love hot weather, too much heat or humidity can make them more susceptible to heat stress or disease. This can make growing tomatoes in winter ideal, especially if you use cold tolerant varieties suited to winter conditions.
If you are in a cooler environment, consider a polytunnel, or green house. If you are not using a polytunnel or green house, you can start growing your seedlings in late summer or autumn while the weather is still warm, larger plants will tolerate colder weather better and give you the best chance of success. A hot wall or rocky raised bed can also provide a warmer micro climate that will help your tomatoes.
Give them a location with as much sunlight as possible and use a trellis if necessary.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Aphids and Whiteflies: Inspect plants often to detect early presence, use organic pesticides such as horticultural oil to reduce numbers.
- Early Blight: Disinfect pruners before pruning each plant and use proper spacing to minimize disease spread. Additionally use mulch to prevent soil from splashing onto the lower foliage.
Common Mistakes
- Lack of Pruning: Prune suckers and lower leaves often to prevent disease and allow improved air flow. If you want you can train the tomato to grow on a single stem. Less energy in leaves means more energy for fruiting.
- Overhead Watering: Excessive moisture on foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Water from the base of the plant.
5. Spinach
Spinach like most leafy greens thrive in the cool temperatures of winter. We like to grow for the tender baby leaves to be used raw in salads or cooked in stir-fry’s.
Growing Tips
If planting for baby leaves and cut and come again, its okay to plant them closer together as they won’t reach their full size. Provide consistent moisture and partial shade to prevent bolting in warmer climates. If you have a lot of cloud cover go ahead and give them as much sun as you can.
Common Pests and Diseases
Slugs: If high numbers of slugs are present, you can use slug bait to kill them off. If numbers are low, leave them for natural predators to take care of.
Common Mistakes
- Overwatering: Watering spinach too much can lead to rotten foliage. If you are getting a lot of rain, hold back on the watering and let the foliage and soil dry out a little.
- Neglecting Harvest: Allowing spinach leaves to mature too long can result in tough, bitter foliage. Harvest leaves regularly when they reach the desired size for a continuous supply of tender greens.
Personal Note: I’m often guilty of neglecting the harvest of my crops. I get excited growing them but sometimes forget or struggle to stay on top of the harvesting. Don’t grow too much unless you have a high demand or other hands to help you in the garden.
6. Lettuce
Another classic leafy green, perfect for more shady winter conditions and you can grow it both for the heads or for leaves to go in salads or other dishes. We always grow a lot of lettuce as it’s so flexible in cooking and has a lot of interesting varieties to try.
Growing Tips
Very similar to growing Spinach, if growing for leaves use the same closer spacing and cut and come again harvest method. If you want to harvest heads then space the plants out more. They can be direct sown or raised as seedlings, I’ve had success with both. They will do fine in a shadier part of the garden especially if only growing for leaves.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Slugs: If high numbers of slugs are present, you can use slug bait to kill them off. If numbers are low, leave them for natural predators to take care of.
Common Mistakes
- Overwatering: Watering Lettuce too much can lead to rotten foliage. If you are getting a lot of rain, hold back on the watering and let the foliage and soil dry out a little.
- Underwatering: Lettuce are a crop that like a lot of moisture, lack of water will lead to bitter leaves and poor growth, make sure to keep soil consistently moist. Monitor more closely than other leafy greens.
- Neglecting Harvest: Allowing spinach leaves to mature too long can result in tough, bitter foliage. Harvest leaves regularly when they reach the desired size for a continuous supply of tender greens.
7. Kale
Kale grows well in cooler, shadier areas, and is frost hardy making it perfect for winter gardens. I don’t grow too much in my own garden but whenever I do use it, I’m bound to get some nutritious goodness.
Growing Tips
Plant kale in well-drained soil with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, though like most leafy greens it tolerates partial shade. If growing for heads plant 30cms apart and ensure to harvest regularly to promote further cropping.
Exposing kale to frost can actually improve its flavour by converting some of its starches into sugars. If you do get frosts in your area, consider leaving some kale plants in the garden even after the first frost for sweeter-tasting leaves.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Slugs: If high numbers of slugs are present, you can use slug bait to kill them off. If numbers are low, leave them for natural predators to take care of.
- Aphids and Cabbage White Butterfly: Inspect plants often to detect early presence, use organic pesticides such as horticultural oil to reduce numbers. Additionally, consider using insect netting as a barrier to prevent these pests from reaching your kale plants and causing damage.
Common Mistakes
- Inadequate Thinning: Failure to thin kale seedlings to the recommended spacing can result in overcrowded plants. This leads to smaller harvests and can promote pest and diseases.
8. Cabbage
Gardeners appreciate growing cabbage for its resilience, productivity, and versatility in the kitchen. Its ability to thrive in various climates, coupled with its high yield per plant, makes it a rewarding addition to any garden. Additionally, its long storage life allows gardeners to enjoy fresh cabbage throughout the year, making it a valuable and reliable crop in home gardens.
Growing Tips
To produce tender, sweet cabbage leaves, consider blanching the heads. About two weeks before harvest, gently pull the outer leaves over the head and secure them with twine or rubber bands. This process shields the inner leaves from sunlight, resulting in a milder flavour and softer texture.
Rather than relying solely on fresh consumption, consider fermenting surplus cabbage to create sauerkraut or kimchi. Fermentation not only preserves the harvest but also enhances its nutritional value by promoting the growth of beneficial probiotics.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Slugs: If high numbers of slugs are present, you can use slug bait to kill them off. If numbers are low, leave them for natural predators to take care of.
- Cabbage White Butterfly: Consider using netting as a physical barrier. Netting can effectively prevent adult butterflies from laying eggs on cabbage leaves, reducing the risk of caterpillar infestations.
Common Mistakes
- Overwatering: Watering cabbage too much can lead to rotten foliage. If you are getting a lot of rain, hold back on the watering and let the foliage and soil dry out a little.
9. Beetroot
One of my favourites to add to burgers! Beets are usually grown for their delicious red roots but the leaves are also edible and can be used in salads or served as a side.
Growing Tips
Beets are best directly sown into the soil, similar to carrots, and later thinned out to allow room for good-sized roots to develop. Harvesting can be done at any point, but the longer you wait, the larger the roots will grow. Smaller roots tend to be sweeter with a softer texture, while larger roots have a more earthy flavour and firmer texture.
Common Pests and Diseases
- Aphids: Aphids can sap nutrients from beet plants and spread disease. To reduce their numbers, spray affected plants with horticultural oil. This can help control aphid populations and minimize damage to the crop.
- Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that can devastate beet plants. For mild infections, a mixture of 15 ml of baking soda and 5 ml of liquid soap diluted in 4L of water can be sprayed on affected foliage. In severe cases, remove infected plants to prevent spread.
Common Mistakes
- Inadequate Thinning: Failure to thin beet seedlings to the recommended spacing can result in overcrowded plants and small, misshapen roots. Thinning is essential to allow room for beets to reach their full size and develop properly.
10. Onions
Onions are highly adaptable in cooking and store really well, making them an ideal option for home gardeners. Although cheaply available at stores, growing onions in large quantities can be beneficial, particularly for households with high consumption rates. Growing onions throughout the season ensures a consistent provision of fresh, aromatic bulbs.
Growing Tips
When growing onions, make sure you have a dedicated growing area due to their lengthy maturation period. Cold weather is optimal for onion growth as the bulbs benefit from lower temperatures.
Adequate spacing between plants is crucial to allow each bulb plenty of room for development. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as too much moisture can cause bulbs to rot. You’ll know onions are ready for harvest when the top foliage turns brown and begins to topple over
Common Pests and Diseases
- Aphids: Onions may attract aphids to their foliage, but since the focus is on bulb growth rather than leaf development, this may not pose a significant problem. However, if aphid numbers become severe, consider using a horticultural oil spray to manage the infestation.
Common Mistakes
- Overwatering: Waterlogged soil can cause onion bulbs to rot. Monitor the soil moisture levels regularly to determine if watering is necessary before applying more water.
- Under Fertilization: Despite their small amount of foliage, onions actually require a lot of nutrients to grow large bulbs. Make sure to plant in nutrient rich soil to get the best harvest possible.
Conclusion
By carefully selecting crops, understanding their needs, and applying proper care techniques, you can enjoy fresh produce even in cooler months. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, experimenting with different crops over winter can yield surprising results. So, embrace the advantages of cool weather and get gardening!
