February in Melbourne: Your Garden's Last Hurrah (Before Winter Wallops Us)
Ah, February in Melbourne. The days are long, the sun is (supposedly) out, and everyone's sporting that fetching shade of lobster red they forgot to apply sunscreen for. But fear not, fellow veggie enthusiast/flower fanatic! While you might be busy hiding under the porch from the heat, your garden doesn't have to take a dirt nap. February is actually prime time to get some fresh produce and flowering friends going before winter throws its chilly blanket over our city.
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| What Can I Plant In February In Melbourne |
So, what CAN you plant in February's fiery furnace?
Hold onto your hats (because the wind will probably steal them anyway), because you've got options! Here's a breakdown of what you can shove in the ground this month:
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
- Veggie Verve: Think leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and silverbeet. These guys love the cooler nights that start creeping in towards the end of February. Just be sure to give them a good drink, because let's face it, Melbourne in February can be a thirsty business (for both plants and people). You can also get a head start on some root veggies like carrots, beetroot, and parsnips.
- Herbs with Bite: February is your last chance to plant basil, coriander, and chives before the frost nips them in the bud (pun intended).
- Flowers that Flaunt: Feeling fancy? Plant some pansies, violas, or calendula for a pop of colour. These beauties will keep blooming well into autumn.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the heat, start your seeds indoors in punnets. By the time March rolls around (and hopefully the temperature with it), your seedlings will be nice and strong, ready to take on the Melbourne elements (which, let's be honest, can be just as unpredictable as a rogue tram).
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
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But Wait, There's More! (Because Gardening is Never That Simple)
Even though February is a planting party, there are still a few things to keep in mind:
QuickTip: Don’t skim too fast — depth matters.
- Summer's Last Stand: While you can plant some new things, it's also a good time to harvest what you've already sown. Don't let those zucchinis turn into hedgehogs – nobody wants a zucchini hedge!
- Sun's Out, Seeds Out? Not Quite: Melbourne in February can be a bit of a fickle beast. If you're planning on planting seeds directly in the soil, wait until the very end of the month when the heat starts to settle down a bit.
- Water, Water, Everywhere: Remember, it's still summer down under! Make sure you're giving your plants a good soaking, especially the new arrivals.
FAQ: February Planting in Melbourne, You've Got This!
- How to keep my seedlings cool in the February heat? Shade cloth is your friend! Drape it over your seedlings to give them a little protection from the harsh rays.
- What if I don't have punnets for seeds? Don't despair! You can use egg cartons, yoghurt tubs, or even toilet paper rolls (as long as they have drainage holes).
- How much water do my new plants need? The golden rule is to water deeply but infrequently. Stick your finger in the soil – if it's dry up to the first knuckle, it's watering time!
- Should I fertilise my plants in February? Hold off on the heavy fertilising for now. You can give your established plants a light feed with some liquid fertiliser, but it's best to wait until spring for a full feeding frenzy.
- What if I miss the February planting window? No worries! There's always next season. March brings cooler weather and a whole new range of things you can plant.
So there you have it! With a little planning and some elbow grease (or should we say, thumb grease?), you can keep your Melbourne garden thriving well into autumn. Now get out there and get planting! Just remember to bring a hat, some sunscreen, and maybe a water bottle (for yourself, not necessarily for the plants... although if you're feeling generous...).
Tip: Each paragraph has one main idea — find it.
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