WHEN winter sets in and growth in the garden slows, it is easy to give up on growing vegetables until a more productive time of year. Houzz New Zealand contributor, Carol Bucknell, is a journalist based in Auckland that knows a thing or two about winter gardens. She’s a passionate gardener with several books and columns, and she has this advice for anyone who is eager to get busy in the garden.
1. Choose the right crops
Carol says many vegetables do better in cooler weather, such a spinach, broad beans, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, kale, bok choy and other Asian greens, rocket, peas and parsnip.
2. Plant seedlings that are a good size
Raising vegetables from seed can add weeks to the time it takes them to mature, especially in the colder months. Well-established seedlings resist cold and frost, as well as attacks from pests like slugs. For good-sized seedlings, sow seed for winter in late summer or autumn, or buy sizable punnets from your local gardening store.
3. Grow veggies and herbs in pots or raised beds
The cooler the soil, the slower the growth rate of most vegetables. Soil stays warmer in raised beds or in containers, rather than in the ground. If planting in containers or pots, these can be moved to warmer parts of the garden during winter. Many vegetables will grow well in containers, particularly leafy ones such as salad greens, lettuce, spinach and silver beet.
See more winter-proofing tips for the garden at https://bit.ly/3OeY57d
