June in your Melbourne Garden: Beanie Time for Beans, Not Basil!
So June has rolled around in Melbourne, and let's face it, it's colder than a witch's kiss. While your social media might be flooded with sunshine and sandals, Melbourne gardens are a different story. But fear not, veggie enthusiasts and flower fanatics! June isn't a write-off, it's just a time to get cunning with your plantings.
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| What To Plant In June Melbourne |
Embrace the Chill: The Hearty Winter Veggies
While your basil dreams will have to wait a few months, June is prime time for some fantastic cool-season crops. These guys thrive in the crisp air and will be ready to grace your table just as those summer scorchers hit.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
Leafy Legends: Think spinach, kale, rocket, Asian greens like mizuna and pak choi. These guys are the Usain Bolts of the winter veggie world, popping up fast and offering a delicious dose of vitamins.
Cruciferous Crew: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi – these fellas love the cold and will reward you with healthy heads and crunchy florets come spring. Just be sure to protect them from pesky cabbage moths with some netting – nobody likes a caterpillar invasion!
Rootin' Tootin' Radishes & Co.: Carrots, beetroot, turnips, and radishes are all happy campers in a June veggie patch. They'll take a little longer than the leafy types, but the sweetness of a homegrown carrot is unbeatable.
Don't Forget the Frocks! Winter Flowers for a Chilly Chic Garden
It's not all about veggies, folks! June is a great time to plant some show-stopping winter flowers. These beauties will add a pop of colour to your garden when everything else seems a bit grey.
Tip: Keep your attention on the main thread.
Pansies & Violas: These cheerful little guys come in a rainbow of colours and will flower all winter long. Perfect for brightening up window boxes and garden edges.
Stock & Sweet Peas: Their perfume is divine, and they come in a range of gorgeous colours. Plant sweet peas somewhere they can climb – a trellis or fence works perfectly.
Daffodils & Tulips: Technically spring bulbs, you can plant these in June for a spectacular show come spring. Just remember, patience is a gardener's virtue!
Top Tips for June Planting Success
Sunshine Soldiers: Even in winter, your plants still need a good dose of sunshine. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
Soil Saviour: Melbourne clay can be a beast. Amending your soil with compost or manure will help with drainage and give your plants a fighting chance.
Water Wisely: Don't overwater! Just because it's cold, doesn't mean your plants need constant moisture. Check the soil regularly and water only when it feels dry to the touch.
Remember: June is the time to lay the groundwork for a thriving spring and summer garden. So get out there, embrace the chill, and plant something awesome!
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
FAQ: June Planting in Melbourne
How to: harden off seedlings bought from a nursery?Answer: Gradually expose your seedlings to outdoor conditions for a few hours a day over a week before planting them permanently.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
How to: protect seedlings from frosts?Answer: Use frost covers made from shade cloth or recycled materials like milk bottles.
How to: improve drainage in clay soil?Answer: Add organic matter like compost or aged manure to your soil. This will help it to drain more effectively.
How to: keep winter weeds at bay?Answer: Mulch around your plants with a layer of straw or bark. This will help to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
How to: attract beneficial insects to your garden?Answer: Plant flowering herbs like parsley, dill, and coriander. These will attract pollinators and good bugs that will help to control pests.
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