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28 August, 2023

The perfect time to get planting

WITH the sun shining and more daylight hours, now is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and enjoy some fresh air.

By Staff Writer

With spring set to start next week we can already feel a subtle hint of the promise of better weather just around the corner.

Spring is the perfect time to start planting fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and flowers. 

For many gardeners of all ages there is nothing more satisfying than seeing a garden full of colour, or a veggie patch bursting with tasty, fresh produce the whole family can enjoy. 

What you can and cannot grow successfully depends on both the condition of your soil and the climate where you live.

Before you undertake any new planting, make sure you prepare your soil by digging in some manure and compost so your plants have the nutrients they need to grow – and make sure the soil is well watered. 

Adding a layer of mulch after planting is an effective means of ensuring the moisture in the soil is retained. 

Some of the best spring colours to add to gardens in Australia’s southern states are petunias, marigolds, geraniums and snapdragons. 

In most of Victoria, where there are low temperatures for long periods of time, the best herbs to grow include thyme, sage, mint, oregano, parsley, coriander, chives and basil. 

When deciding which fruits and vegetables to plant, suggestions include strawberries, cucumber, turnips, swedes, lettuce, peas, silverbeet, beetroot and sweet corn. 

Tomatoes, spinach, radishes, onions, leeks and parsnip also grow well in colder climates. 

Some areas of Victoria are also prone to occasional winter frosts. 

Here, blueberries, passionfruit, paw paw, citrus, spring onion, leeks, carrots and radishes also tend to grow well. 

And for those who love to grow their own herbs, the likes of chives, parsley, rosemary, oregano and sage can also be planted in early spring. 

With the onset of spring comes endless opportunities to get out in the garden, add some colour and enjoy the health benefits that being in the great outdoors can also bring. 

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