13/07/2013 - Research for the month of June

Actual Temperature
9 degrees Celsius
Humidity : 80%
Rainfall : 1.2mm
Wind : Lighty Wind


Half the fun of gardening is attempting the impossible and succeeding. You may find that a sheltered corner of the garden provides just the right conditions for that special vegetable plant. Mircoclimates exist in every garden and in every part of the country, so it pays to not be too inflexible when it comes to deciding what will or will not grow in your area.

The following are frost tolerant : beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, coriander, garlic, kale, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, onions, parsley, rocket, spinach, and yam.

Getting Ready 

There isn't much to be done in the garden expect where conditions allow a little digging and turning of the soil. Building up soils with compost now will prepare them for crops to be planted in the coming months. 

Take care not to compost wet soil by walking on it. Place a plank of wood on the soil and work from that. Covering wet soils with black plastic can also help to dry them a little before sowing seed or planting out. Liquid fertiliser applied to the leaves of sulking plants will boost their vigour.   

The vegetable garden will also benefit from a good dressing of dolomite lime at this time of the year. Lime is great for leaf crops and produces fine broccoli, cabbages, rhubarb, and silver beet. Florence fennel, especially the delicious "Zefa Tardo" grows best when the temperatures are cool. Seedlings planted in the autumn will grow steadily through cold winters and ready for spring use. The occasional pilfered leaf also makes an aromatic addition to winter salads. Seedlings started now in a sheltered part of the garden or in a greenhouse will be ready for planting out in the spring. Plant out seedlings on warm days and only if the soil is reasonable friable.

Frost-prone Areas

It is often better at this time of the year to sow in trays and plant out later when the conditions are warmer. Seedlings are a better bet, as they are less liable to rot in wet, cold weather. Cabbage and cauliflower seedlings can be planted in areas where frosts are not severe. Garlic should be planted at least 10cm deep. Shallots can also be planted at the same time, however, if the soil is cold and wet it is better to wait until August before planting.

Frost-free Areas

In frost-free gardens, the first potatoes of the season can be set out. In areas where frosts are light, they will still need covering at night with frost cloth or fleece. Broad beans, strawberries, celery radish, lettuce, and silver beet can be planted if the soil is warm and well drained. Broad beans, celery, strawberries and potatoes will benefit from a fungicide spray. Plant garlic 5cm deep and shallots slightly proud of the soil level.