Planting For Winter In the Tropics

Winter is the perfect season to get planting in the garden. If you live in a wet and dry tropical region such as our spot here in Hinchinbrook, North Queensland, there is plenty you can sow now to fill your kitchen with fresh produce during the cooler months.

Many of these crops are exactly what you want on hand for hearty winter meals. Think soups, roasts, tray bakes and big bowls of greens to nourish you through the cold season. Growing your own not only saves money, but it also brings great satisfaction to the table.

Now is the time to plant herbs such as dill, garlic, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, rocket, sage, Thai coriander and thyme. They will add wonderful flavour to your dishes and are easy to grow in pots or garden beds.

For fruit and vegetables, sow beans, bok choy, pak choy, broccoli, cabbage, capsicum, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, eggplant, kale, lettuce, peas, potatoes, pumpkins, radish, silverbeet, spinach, sweet corn and tomatoes.

Do not forget to plant some colour too. Marigolds, kangaroo paw and sunflowers will brighten the garden and attract helpful pollinators to keep everything thriving.

A well-planted garden now will keep your belly full and your kitchen warm all season long.