What should I plant Now?

Winter plants in the temperate zone

AMARANTH

Botanical Name: Amaranthus sp.

HARVEST:

12 to 16 weeks from seed.

HINT:

To make planting easier, mix tiny seeds with compost or sand before sowing.

ASPARAGUS PEA

Botanical Name: Psophocarpus tetragonolobus

HARVEST:

Harvest pods when about 3cm in length.

HINT:

Plant sparingly as they are good producers. Harvest pods at about 3cm as they toughen quickly.

BEETROOT

Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris

HARVEST:

From about 8 - 10 weeks, but can be harvested before that if the root is deemed 'big enough'. Some varieties have been developed to provide a leaf crop also, leaves can be harvested as needed but don't take too many or the root will suffer.

HINT:

Sow direct in ground. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Thin as required.

BROCCOLI

Botanical Name: Brassica olerace

HARVEST:

About 12 weeks

HINT:

Sow seed in punnets, plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow regularly for continuous harvest.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea - Gemmifera Group

HARVEST:

14 - 16 Weeks

HINT:

Sow seed in trays.

BURDOCK

Botanical Name: Arctium lappa

HARVEST:

Any time between 2 and four months. Or after the leaves have died back.

HINT:

Plant densely to encourage longer straighter roots at 10 to 20 cm apart depending on variety.

CABBAGE (TIGHT-HEADED TYPES)

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata

HARVEST:

Harvests in 8-20 weeks

HINT:

Tight-headed cabbage includes plants such as Drumhead, Savoy, Wombok. Feed liquid nutrients at planting, then weekly. Mulch to keep moisture and warmth consistent. Cabbages can be harvested at any stage, and if cut deeply to remove primary head they can be encouraged to produce a secondary head. If a secondary head is not wanted, remove the whole plant before trimming

CARROT

Botanical Name: Daucus carota var. sativus

HARVEST:

10 weeks, but before they flower

HINT:

Direct sow in rows, mix seed with some sand first to space plants out. Choose shorter varieties for heavy soils.

CHIVES

Botanical Name: Allium tuberosum

HARVEST:

Wait 8-12 months to establish your clump, this will ensure great supply

HINT:

Plant seedlings in clumps, use as a companion for tomatoes.

CORIANDER

Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum

HARVEST:

Can be harvested at any time after plant is over about 10 cm tall, harvest seeds from dry pods.

HINT:

Sow every few weeks to ensure supply, let some go to seed.

CUCUMBER

Botanical Name: Cucumis sativis

HARVEST:

Cut fruit from vine after 8 weeks

HINT:

Can be unreliable during wet season

ENDIVE

Botanical Name: Chicorium endive

HARVEST:

10 weeks

HINT:

Sow seed in cell packs, as seedlings don't like their roots being disturbed, try blanching your endive to improve flavour.