What to plant in Winter? This is a very common question we are often asked. Melbourne has a reputation for having mild winters, but spend a season here, and you will note it can be very frosty in the early mornings.
Rain is not that frequent, but the climate is full of icy winds, usually from the South coming off the Victorian Coast or Port Philip Bay. Anyone who has spent a Winter in Melbourne knows it can be cold, especially in the mornings.
Gardening, however, is very popular in Winter. People usually tend to stay at home more, which means more time to spend in the backyard. Victorians love their gardens and growing plants all year round. So, what should we be planting in the winter months?
Herbs
I would strongly recommend garden herbs. Herbs are great because they can endure the winter conditions. They are tough and hardy. People also tend to use these herbs in cooking. Winter soup, casseroles, and stews become very popular, and people have a greater demand for herbs in Winter. Let's take a look at some herbs that are great to plant in Winter.
Dill
First on the list is Dill. Dill is fantastic on freshly baked bread and soups, a winter favourite. They are also popular in Middle Eastern cooking and pickles. Dill is a hardy little herb that I would recommend growing in Winter.
Mint
Mint is another herb that is in great demand during Winter. People often associate freshly chopped mint with beans, carrots, peas, or mint teas, which are very popular in Winter, so I would suggest growing some mint through the season as it will be in demand.
Parsley
Chopped fresh parsley is exceptionally versatile and, therefore, in great demand all year round, not just in Winter. Grilled vegetables, roasted vegetables, soups, stews, and pasta all go well with parsley, and these are all Winter foods, so I would recommend planting parsley during the Winter months.
Coriander
Coriander is one of those herbs that is used by a diverse range of ethnic groups as Melbourne is very cosmopolitan. Coriander is most definitely something to consider growing in your garden during the winter months. Soups, curries sauces all utilise the strong flavour of coriander. Mexican, Indian, and South-East Asian food that are all growing in popularity make great use of this herb, so this Winter, consider growing some coriander.
Thyme
Thyme is the last herb I would recommend to grow in Winter but definitely not the least. Thyme complements any roasted meat dish, vegetables, or baked dish and therefore is in greater demand during Winter. Like all herbs, it can endure the frosty Melbourne winds and icy mornings so add this one to the list.
Potted plants
Herbs are great for the kitchen, but if you wanted to add some visual charm and appeal to the garden during the Winter season, I would strongly recommend potted plants. Potted plants can be grown both indoors and outdoors.
There are many varieties of flowering potted plants that add vibrant colour to brighten up Winter's chill. Many of our potted plants are succulent. They do well in dry climates. Even in Winter, Victoria is not known for a large amount of rainfall.
Natives
Natives have evolved to adapt to the climate and will survive all year round. The Winter, as well as the Summer, is something these plants have learned to adapt to. Let's explore some natives that can be planted during Winter.
Backyard bliss
Backyard bliss is a durable hedge that can be grown in the winter months. This hedge possesses high resistance to insects and harsh climates, including Melbourne Winters. It's versatile and can be planted directly into the soil or a container making it a great choice in the colder months.
Bottlebrush – Callistemon
Bottlebrush – Callistemon, is a shrub that is bright red in colour and is just the thing you need to brighten up the garden during Winter. When it comes to toughness, nothing is tougher than a shrub, so it is of no surprise that bottlebrush -Callistemon will do very well even in the harshest of winters.
Emu bush – Eremophila nivea
Finally, the emu bush – Eremophila nivea, like Bottlebrush, is a bright and colourful plant that is much needed during Winter. It compliments Bottlebrush as it is the other end of the colour spectrum. It is a soothing purple colour and is a great colour to add to your garden, and I would recommend planting emu brush as it can withstand a Victorian winter.
So Winter is approaching, and that means you will most likely spend more time in the backyard. Now you know what to grow during this season, whether it's for culinary use or simply for brightening up the months ahead.
So if you live in Melbourne or Victoria, visit our nursery for all your gardening supplies. Our staff are always happy to assist. For those interested, head to your local nursery.
){kind=link}
