Mid-autumn – weather going “backwards” – moisture back in the soil, shorter days, longer nights, but still good warmth in the soil, which helps seed germination and plant establishment.

Perpetual spinach or silverbeet will feed you for most of the winter; beetroot is a good winter crop too as is carrots. If you are in a warmer zone: sow now while the warmth is still in that lovely, friable soil. If you are in a cooler climate zone it might pay to get some seedlings and take advantage of that head-start. (Not seedlings of carrots, of course, as they don’t really transplant well at all)

This is my time to plant broccoli, spring onions seedlings and lettuce (Cos works well for me); To get that head-start I will buy seedlings and keep them in their containers for a few days, outside on the deck, to “harden them off”, before planting.

That reduces the shock after transplant.

Broad beans can be sown too. They’ll even germinate at close to 0˚C! Good vertical plants that take not too much space and will keep on providing those pods. Need sturdy climbing frame.

Soak seeds overnight in water

Depth around 3-4 cm

Make the soil nice and friable

Some slow-release fertiliser – just a little, please!

Some broad bean varieties have lovely red flowers – pretty stuff as well as food

NON-EDIBLES

Tulip bulbs are getting to the “plantable” stage at this time of the year.

They grow well in South island with very cool winters – up north they need winter chilling. In mild climates it pays to plant even later in the year – say: June)

Narcissus is the spring bulb for planting NOW in the garden.

Wait a little bit longer if you want to grow them in large pots: The soil temperatures will initially stay a bit higher in pots and speed things up too early.

For most bulb species it is important to create some area with good soil that is light and “friable” with compost and some slow release fertiliser in it. If you want to mulch the soil, ensure it is not too heavy, so the flower stems can get through the mulch.

Great bulb outlets: Bulbs direct/Garden Post/NZBulbs/Fiesta Bulbs/Hadstock Farm in Springston

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