On a sunny Sunday afternoon, there’s nothing quite as relaxing as a spot of gardening. Whether you’re pulling out weeds or reimagining your winter veggie patch, there’s just something about gardening that nurtures the body, mind and spirit. And yes, horticultural therapy is a genuine thing!
Of course, gardening isn’t quite as easy as it sounds. You need to be pretty savvy when it comes to seasons, soil conditions and what to plant. Lucky for you, we’ve got it covered with this handy guide covering the best things to plant in your garden right now. And the great news is, you don’t have to be Jamie Durie to get your garden looking lovely! These suggestions are easy, and seriously satisfying.
In winter, there’s nothing quite like a colourful bean and beet salad to accompany a juicy steak. Harvest beans in as little as 12 weeks, and plant alongside dill and potatoes if you’re short on space. If it gets windy from May onwards, your beans will probably need support.
Broccoli
A hearty winter green, broccoli is easy to grow and adds a delicious crunch to any dinner. Start to grow now in seed trays, and replant in early May.
Delicious in salads, scrambled eggs and savoury muffins, chives add a touch of flavour to so many meals. Plant now so they have plenty of time to send down roots before winter kicks in. They’re compatible with carrots, tomatoes and parsley.
Kale
Healthy and hardy, kale is a garden staple. Space seedlings 50 to 100 centimetres apart and start to harvest in as little as six weeks.
Swiss chard
With glossy dark green leaves, is reasonably tolerant when it comes to frost. Opt for rainbow chard and use as an edible and decorative plant.
Spinach
Best suited to cooler weather, spinach is a great way to beef up your winter kitchen garden. Sow seeds now and place 20 to 30 centimetres apart. If you want to enjoy homegrown spinach throughout the winter, make sure you opt for succession planting.
Peas
What’s your favourite veg, herb or flower to plant in April? We’d love to hear your tips!