February in Melbourne: Your Garden's Last Hurrah (Before Winter Wallops Us)
Ah, February in Melbourne. The days are long, the sun is (hopefully) shining, and the cricket's on the telly – a true Aussie summer dream. But for the keen gardener, February is also a time to get down and dirty (in the best way possible) because it's your last chance to get some goodies growing before the cooler months roll in.
But wait! Do I rip out all my summer veg and start from scratch?
Not quite, my friend. February is a bit of a balancing act. Here's the lowdown on what to keep, what to ditch, and what new heroes to introduce to your veggie patch.
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| What To Plant In February In Melbourne |
Keeping the Summer Crew Happy
Those zucchinis that have been multiplying like rabbits on Red Bull? They're still going strong! Keep picking them regularly to encourage them to keep producing. Think of yourself as a zucchini bouncer – the more you kick them out, the more new ones come in! Just don't forget to give them a good drink, because summer sun can be a thirsty business.
Tip: Reflect on what you just read.
Top Tip: Feeling a bit overwhelmed by zucchini bounty? Embrace your inner culinary whiz and try some zucchini fritters, slice them up for a summer salad, or even bake a delicious zucchini bread.
Saying Goodbye (with Gratitude) to Summer Crops
Some of your summer favourites, like corn and basil, might be starting to look a bit worse for wear. Don't be afraid to give them a gentle goodbye and clear out the space for some new players. You can even chuck them on the compost heap – they'll thank you for it later!
Embrace the New! (It's Not All About Veg)
February is the perfect time to start thinking about winter wonders like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. You can either sow seeds directly in the soil or get a head start by planting seedlings in punnets. Just remember, these guys like it a bit cooler, so they'll be much happier when the Melbourne autumn rolls around.
QuickTip: If you skimmed, go back for detail.
Looking for a splash of colour? February is also a great time to plant some winter flowering superstars like pansies, violas, and Iceland poppies. They'll add a cheerful pop to your garden even when the days get shorter.
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Feeling adventurous? Why not try planting an avocado tree? It's a bit of a long game (it can take a few years to fruit) but the reward of homegrown avo on toast is totally worth it!
FAQs for the February Gardener
How to harden off seedlings? Once your seedlings are looking strong and healthy, gradually introduce them to the outdoors over a few days before planting them permanently. This will help them adjust to the harsher conditions of the real world (without going into shock).
QuickTip: Go back if you lost the thread.
How much water do I need to give my veggies? This depends on the weather and the type of plant, but as a general rule, water your veggies deeply in the morning or evening when the sun isn't scorching them. Aim for the soil to be moist but not soggy.
How do I keep the snails away from my precious seedlings? There are lots of natural ways to deter snails, like creating a copper barrier around your plants or sprinkling crushed eggshells around the base.
How can I improve my soil? Compost is your best friend! Adding a layer of compost to your garden bed will add nutrients and help your plants thrive.
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
How do I protect my veggies from frost? If you're worried about a sneaky frost, you can cover your plants with a frost cloth overnight. Just remember to take it off during the day so they can get some sunshine.
So there you have it! With a little planning and some elbow grease, you can keep your Melbourne garden productive and colourful all year round. Now get out there and get planting!
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