What to plant in winter: the Melbourne Edition

 

As the winter gloom descends on Victoria, it’s time to start thinking about winter planting in Melbourne to add colour and life to the city. From hearty vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts to beautiful year-round flowers like Banksias and Grevillea, there are various hard-wearing, cold-loving plants for successful winter planting in Melbourne!

Here, we’ll share various winter vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can survive and thrive when the mercury starts to drop. 
 

The benefits of winter planting in Melbourne

 

Some gardeners think winter is a dead zone for plants, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Before diving into specific veggies, herbs, and plants, let’s look at the benefits of winter planting.  

• Less Pest Pressure: Common garden pests are less active during winter, reducing the risk of pest damage to crops.
   
• Reduced Watering: Cooler temperatures and increased rainfall mean less frequent watering, saving time and resources
   
• Extended Growing Season: By planting in winter, you can expand your growing season and enjoy fresh produce throughout the year
   
• Less Competition: If you’re part of a community garden initiative, fewer gardeners will tend to their plants in winter, so you'll have less competition for resources and space.
   

Now, let’s dive into some popular winter vegetables in Victoria!
 

Winter vegetables to grow in Victoria 

As the winter chill sets in, gardeners might assume their vegetable-growing days are on hiatus for a few months — but Melbourne’s mild winter climate offers the ideal conditions for various vegetables to thrive. You can continue growing and harvesting veggies throughout the cooler months if your plants continue to receive plenty of sunshine and consistent care. 

Here are a few winter vegetables to grow in Melbourne and Victoria!

Leafy greens

Leafy greens are a staple in any winter garden! These nutrient-packed vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, adding vibrant colours to your winter meals. 

• Spinach is a versatile and fast-growing leafy green that thrives in Melbourne winters. It can be grown from seed or seedlings and is known for its high iron content and delicate, tender leaves. Spinach can be harvested as baby leaves for salads or grown to maturity for cooked dishes.
   
• Silverbeet, also known as Swiss chard, is a cold-hardy leafy green that adds a splash of colour to your garden. Its large, glossy leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and can be harvested by picking individual leaves or cutting the entire plant at the base.

• Kale is a nutritional powerhouse that thrives in cooler temperatures. Its curly or flat leaves come in various shades of green and are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Harvest the outer leaves of kale as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

• Cavolo Noro, or Tuscan kale/black cabbage, is a popular winter vegetable in Melbourne. Its dark, crinkled leaves are tender and have a slightly bitter taste. Cavolo Nero is a versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, stews, or sautéed as a side dish.

• Rainbow chard is a visually beautiful leafy green with vibrant, multicoloured stems. It is a close relative of silverbeet and can be used interchangeably in recipes. Harvest the outer leaves of rainbow chard, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.

• Radicchio has deep red leaves and a slightly bitter taste. It adds a pop of colour and flavour to salads and can be grilled or roasted for a more intense flavour. Harvest radicchio by cutting the entire head at the base.
   

Traditional winter veggies

Alongside leafy greens, several cool-weather plants thrive throughout Melbourne winters. These veggies can withstand colder temperatures and are often a hearty, delicious addition to winter meals. 

• Carrots are a versatile root vegetable that can be grown throughout the year, including winter. They come in various colours and sizes and are rich in vitamins and fibre. Carrots can be harvested when they reach the desired size, typically around 2-3 months after planting.

• Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable that thrives in Melbourne's chilly winter climate. Its compact heads are packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to your winter meals. Harvest broccoli when the heads are tight and firm before the florets separate.

• Brussels sprouts are a classic winter vegetable that develops small, cabbage-like heads along the stem. They are rich in vitamin C and fibre and are delicious when roasted or sautéed. Harvest Brussels sprouts by picking the lower sprouts first and allowing the upper ones to continue growing.

• Onions are versatile and can be grown throughout the year, including winter. They come in various varieties, each with a unique flavour profile. Onions can be harvested when the tops start to yellow and fall over.

• Cabbages are a staple in winter gardens, and Melbourne's climate provides an excellent environment for growth. They come in different shapes and sizes, including round, pointed, and savoy varieties. Harvest cabbages by cutting them at the base when they reach maturity.

• Beetroot is not only visually stunning but also incredibly nutritious. It thrives in cool weather and can be harvested within a few months of planting. Beetroot prefers fertile soil and requires consistent moisture to prevent it from becoming tough and woody.

 

Winter herbs in Melbourne

Winter dishes call for herbs like parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme! Having these tasty, heart-warming herbs available in your garden saves a trip to the local supermarket when the temperature drops. As an added bonus, these herbs will add a delicious fragrance to the space. 

Here are some popular winter herbs in Melbourne!

• Rosemary is a woody, perennial herb with fragrant, needle-like leaves that add a warm, wintery flavour to roasted veggies, meats, and soups. Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil in your garden for success.

• Thyme is a low-growing herb with small, aromatic leaves used in stews, roasts, and marinades. It’s best to plant thyme in full sun and avoid overwatering. Be sure to trim back thyme after flowering to encourage new growth.

• Parsley is a biennial herb with flat or curly leaves, depending on the variety. It’s a popular garnish and flavour enhancer in soups, salads, and soups. Opt for a sunny or partly shaded spot with well-drained soil. 

• Coriander has delicate, lacey leaves and a distinct flavour, commonly used in Asian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern recipes. Harvest the leaves regularly to prevent bolting and keep the soil moist.

• Chives are perennial herbs with thin, hollow leaves and purple flowers, adding a mild onion flavour to dishes like soups, salads, and creamy dressings. Divide clumps of chives every few years to maintain their health. 

 

Other winter plants to grow in Melbourne

Want to add some extra colour to your winter garden? Several winter flowers will thrive in Melbourne’s cool winter climate!

• Banksias are known for their striking, cone-shaped flowers that come in various colours, from yellow to red, and can bloom throughout the winter months. They are low maintenance and can tolerate drought conditions.
   
• Camellias have delicate, waxy petals and rich green foliage. They come in various colours and can bloom from winter to spring — remember, camellias prefer a sheltered spot with filtered light and moist, well-draining soil.
   
• Grevilleas are known for their vibrant, bird-attracting flowers that come in various colours and can bloom throughout the year. They prefer a sunny, well-draining spot and can tolerate dry conditions.
   
• Wisterias are native to Australia and are known for their cascading, pea-like flowers. They come in various colours and can bloom from winter to spring, preferring a sunny, well-draining spot and tolerating drought conditions.
   
• Cyclamen winter flowers come in various colours and are known for surviving in cold temperatures, even blooming in the snow. They prefer well-draining soil and can be planted in partial shade.
   
• Geraniums are popular for their colourful, long-lasting blooms. These flowers come in various colours and can bloom throughout the year. They prefer a sunny spot with well-draining soil and are relatively easy to care for.

 

Helpful tips for winter planting in Melbourne

Winter gardening in Melbourne doesn't have to be a challenge. You can create a beautiful and productive winter garden with the right herbs and plants, all with proper care and attention. To guarantee success, keep these tips in mind:  

• Choose the right varieties: Select plants bred to withstand colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. In the same vein, if you have limited space, read up on companion planting for vegetables and herbs, so you can successfully grow multiple plants in close proximity.
   
• Start seeds indoors: To give your plants a head start, start seeds indoors before transferring them to your garden. This will ensure they have a better chance of germinating and thriving.
   
• Provide adequate sunlight: Position your garden beds in a spot that receives maximum sunlight during the day.
   
• Protect from frost: Use frost cloth or hessian to cover your plants on cold nights to protect them from frost damage.
   
• Water consistently: While plants may require less water during winter, ensuring they receive adequate moisture is important. Water deeply and less frequently to encourage deep root growth.
   
• Mulch your garden beds: Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperatures. For more information, check out our ultimate guide to preparing a garden bed for vegetables!

• Monitor pests and diseases: While winter pests and diseases are less common, it's still important to watch for any signs of infestations or infections. Take appropriate measures to control them if necessary.

• Harvest regularly: Regularly harvest your winter crops to promote continuous growth. This will also ensure you can enjoy your garden's freshest produce.

 

 Now you know what plants to grow in winter in Melbourne, it’s time to get your hands dirty!

You don’t have to hang up your gardening gloves as soon as the season's first frost arrives. With the right plants and approach, you can create a thriving winter garden that will produce the fresh and nutritious fruits, veggies, and herbs you need for delicious dishes. 

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, embrace the opportunity to grow your own food and reap the benefits of a bountiful winter harvest. If you live in an apartment or small space, we recommend opting for one of our raised garden beds, perfect for winter planting in Melbourne. Available in various configurations and depths, you’re guaranteed to have a successful season!