So You Wanna Be a March Melbourne Master Gardener? Let's Get DIG-ital!
Ah, Melbourne in March. The days are getting shorter, the footy finals are upon us (come on Demons!), and the once vibrant summer garden is starting to resemble a chia-pet gone rogue. But fear not, green thumb wannabes! March is actually prime time to plant a whole bunch of awesome stuff. That's right, it's time to whip your veggie patch into shape and become the envy of your neighbourhood (well, maybe just that guy who keeps asking you to borrow your hedge trimmers).
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| What To Plant In March Melbourne |
Brassicas Be Ballin'
First things first, let's talk about the brassicas. These guys - think broccoli, cauliflower, kale, brussel sprouts - are basically built for Melbourne's cool autumn weather. Get their seeds in the ground early in March and they'll be thriving before you can say "Jack Robinson" (though if you can actually say Jack Robinson that quickly, maybe you should be a professional auctioneer instead of a gardener).
Top Tip: Don't forget to harden off your brassica seedlings before planting them outside. This means gradually exposing them to the elements over a week or so, so they don't get a shock when they move into the big wide world (of your garden bed).
Tip: Skim only after you’ve read fully once.
Leafy Legends
Next up, we've got the leafy legends. Spinach, silverbeet, rocket - all these leafy greens love the cooler weather and will be ready to harvest in no time. Just imagine the smug satisfaction of whipping up a homegrown salad while your mates are still mourning the demise of their zucchini plants.
Word of Warning: Keep an eye on your silverbeet, especially if the weather gets a bit hot. If it starts to bolt (flower prematurely), don't despair! Just harvest the leaves and enjoy them anyway.
Tip: Read once for flow, once for detail.
Rootin' Tootin' Tootin' for Veggies!
Now we're getting to the good stuff - the root vegetables. Carrots, beetroot, parsnips - all these guys can be sown directly into the soil in March. Just remember, patience is a virtue. Root veggies take a little longer to grow than some other things, but the payoff is totally worth it.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling fancy, try planting some heirloom carrot varieties. They come in all sorts of crazy colours, from purple to yellow, and are a guaranteed conversation starter at your next barbie.
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
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How to Become a March Melbourne Master Gardener: FAQ
1. How to harden off seedlings? Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for a week before planting. Think shady mornings progressing to full sun exposure.
2. How much space do my veggies need? Check the seed packet! Different plants need different amounts of room to grow. Don't crowd them out or they'll get grumpy.
QuickTip: Use posts like this as quick references.
3. How often should I water my veggies? Deep watering a few times a week is better than a shallow sprinkle every day. Aim for the soil to be moist but not soggy.
4. How do I keep the nasties away from my veggies? There are lots of natural ways to deter pests. Try companion planting (planting certain herbs and flowers that deter pests) or using organic sprays.
5. How do I know when my veggies are ready to harvest? This depends on the veggie! Generally, follow the timeframe on the seed packet or do a quick Google search for specific harvesting tips.
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