Welcome to the darkest month of the Year. June is the first month of winter and although it is generally warmer than July we do get the occasional wet spell or frosty morning. The days are short and dreary which doesn't promote enthusiasm to do much outside in your spare time, not that there is all that much too do in the garden. Potentially prune a hedge, plant some strawberries and watch the grass grow? No, in winter we have a whole host of options that you can plant that will enhance your garden and give you wonderful produce for the kitchen.
What to plant:
- Garlic and shallots - these are best planted when the soil is cool, and around the shortest day of the year. Prepare the soil by digging it over to a depth of about 20cm.
- Parsnips and yams - where possible, leave these crops in the ground until a few frosts have occurred, as the cold temperatures help sweeten their flavour. In drier areas where the soil doesn't get too boggy, they can be left in the ground until you need them.
- Pumpkins - harvest and store any remaining pumpkins.
- Rhubarb - lift and divide older crowns in water when plants are dormant.
Other planting options
Broad beans, beetroot, broccoli, cabbages, cauliflowers, cavolo nero, celery, garlic, kale, mizuna, shallots, silverbeet, spinach, coriander, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme.
While microbial activity does slowdown as the soil temperature drops giving you garden a good dosing of EM will make sure you plants are stimulated and have the necessary biological protection. Also as soon as the soil starts to heat up the large biological presence will give you garden the best chance to be productive and full of life.
