I am a passionate, year-round gardener and do not really have a favourite season. However, there is something extra special about the incredible diversity of a summer vegetable garden. Our Mediterranean climate is mild, meaning we can select our crops from all over the world. Each season, I trial at least four new varieties alongside my favourites. Many resourceful gardeners even manipulate growing conditions to be able to grow subtropical crops.
Spring is just around the corner and quick-cropping salad greens, radishes and Asian veggies can all be sown now to take advantage of the warmer days and longer daylight hours. One of my favourite spring greens to grow is Mache or Lambs lettuce. It can be cooked like spinach or eaten raw in salads.
Raising plants from seed is the cheapest way to produce abundant vegetables. Try to purchase organic, open pollinated seed as it gives you the option of keeping your own seed at the end of the season and gives you greater choice of varieties. There are online seed merchants, seed exchange groups or check out the seed bank at the Collie Library. Many crops are best sown directly into the area where they are to grow. These include peas, spring onions and root crops, such as radishes, carrots and parsnip. Corn, zucchini and pumpkins also prefer to be sown direct, but will tolerate being transplanted if not too root bound. While the days seem much warmer lately, the soil is still quite cold. Many seeds need warm soil temperatures for best germination. Broad beans, Asian greens, radish, lettuce, rocket and silverbeet prefer soil temperatures between 10-12 degrees C. While most summer crops such as beans, corn, cucumbers, tomatoes and zucchini need warmer soil at 15+ degrees C. Melons and pumpkins are one of the most sensitive to cold and need soil temperature above 18 degrees C, so are best planted in ground in November. There is an old saying that you should plant summer crops once you can comfortably sit 'bare' on the soil, however I prefer to use a soil thermometer. Crops such as tomatoes, capsicums, silverbeet and okra benefit from being raised in pots or trays before planting out. You can grow these in a greenhouse, on a window sill or a sheltered sunny corner. Now is the perfect time to get them started.
Punnets are a great way to give you a quick start in the garden. They are usually 2-4 weeks more advanced than using seed and, in the case of tomatoes, chilli and capsicums, they can be six weeks more advanced. This makes a significant difference, especially when you think that it takes 12-16 weeks before some varieties of veggies begin producing. Recycled containers can make cheap seedling pots, but remember to wash them out before using. Egg cartons and old newspaper are also a great green alternative. They can be buried into the soil with the plant and help to reduce root disturbance. To give your seeds the best start, a good quality seed raising medium is important. You can purchase ready-made ones or make your own with compost, coir peat and sand. There are lots of 'recipes' on the internet; just remember it should be light and airy, while retaining moisture without getting waterlogged.
