Its busy winter garden days and lovely cosy nights here on Pretty Produce farm.
We just saw the passing of the winter solstice back in late June.
This marks the end of darkest days and longest nights reversing back into the normal for us here in Canungra which is long days with humid and sunny dispositions.
I think we get about a third of the winter we used to get and that has roll on effects in the garden.
Many vegetables, fruits and flowers need some time to sit in almost a meditation state.
They slowly build bulk and energy that they need to be robust plants in the spring.
I’ve found that we are getting a situation of confused fruit trees blossoming early, bolting annuals and garden plants that don’t know what season it is.
So, this season I’m trialling a few different things.
I’m hedging my bets with the seeds I’m planting.
I’ve putting in a succession (staggering repeating seed planting) so that I’ve got winter and spring things in together.
For example, I’ve planted winter veg (brassicas, lettuce, parsnips, carrots, kale and peas but I’ve also included “some heat” happy edible plants like Chinese leaf celery, Ethiopian spinach, spinach and beans.
Regarding flowers – I’ve planted a bunch of bare rooted roses and hardy perennials.
I know a few people in the district who have purchased roses from southern retail growers and we all hope that our summer doesn’t overwhelm the little softies.
I’ve dug out all my Dahlia tubers and replanted them into higher rows as the excess rain events took their toll.
I’ve got tonnes of dahlia seeds if anyone wants to try and grow some in their gardens for summer?
Happy to donate some seeds to you and give you some advice. Just send me an email and check your spam folder after a bit.
Seeds suppliers are doing lots of EOFY sales so it’s a good time to scoop up sales of cheaper seeds. I freeze my seeds.
Like the doomsday vault, it extends the viability of your seeds by many years.
I also keep seeds in the fridge that I’m defrosting slowly and ready to plant out.
If you want more information, please contact me on info@prettyproduce.com.au
Otherwise, happy planting in your happy place.
