Winter Planting Guide: What to Grow in the Cold Season
Just because the temperatures have dropped doesn’t mean your garden has to go into hibernation. With the right plants and a little planning, winter is a wonderful time to get growing. Whether you're new to gardening or a seasoned green thumb, this winter planting guide will help you make the most of the cooler months.
What to Plant in Winter
Winter vegetables are a great place to start. Hardy winter crops like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, silver beet, and broad beans thrive in cold conditions. Cool season vegetables are less likely to be affected by pests, making winter an ideal time to grow your own food. If you're short on space, consider winter container planting – perfect for patios, decks, or even windowsills.
Winter herbs to grow include parsley, thyme, mint, and coriander. These herbs are not only frost-tolerant but also add warmth and flavour to your winter cooking.
Flowers and Bulbs for Winter Colour
Winter doesn’t have to mean a dull garden. Brighten things up with winter flowers NZ gardeners love – think pansies, violas, hellebores, and calendulas. Add interest and early spring colour by planting winter bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths.
If you’re after year-round structure, evergreen plants for winter such as camellias, box hedging, and heuchera can offer foliage and flowers through the coldest months.
To protect your roses and ornamentals during the wetter, colder months, we recommend Yates Super Shield – an all-purpose spray that defends against insects, mites, and fungal diseases. It’s a great winter garden essential for keeping plants strong and healthy.
Winter Garden Tips and Care
Successful gardening in winter starts with preparation. Improve soil drainage, use compost, and mulch around plants to protect roots from frost. Installing cloches or cold frames can help with winter sowing techniques for more delicate seedlings.
Winter also brings an increased risk of fungal diseases, particularly in fruit trees and vegetables. Yates Liquid Copper is a great tool to have on hand – it helps control a wide range of common diseases and is safe for use on fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.
When it comes to winter garden care, regular weeding and checking for frost damage are key. Water in the mornings so soil doesn’t stay wet overnight and encourage root rot.
Growing Indoors and Small Spaces
Don’t let frost stop you! Indoor winter gardening lets you grow greens like lettuce or microgreens on sunny windowsills. It’s also a great way to start winter seedlings before transplanting outdoors when the weather warms.
Stay Ahead with a Winter Planting Calendar
Use a winter planting calendar to stay on track with what to plant and when. Planning helps stagger your harvests, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce even during winter.
Final Thoughts
Winter is a surprisingly productive time for gardening, offering a chance to grow nourishing food, enjoy bursts of colour, and set your garden up for success in spring. Whether you’re focusing on frost-tolerant plants, hardy winter crops, or simply adding some life with evergreen plants for winter, now’s the time to dig in. And with garden essentials like Yates Super Shield and Yates Liquid Copper in your toolkit, your plants will be well-protected all season long.