The longer days and additional sunshine that heralds the start of Spring makes it a perfect time to get back out amongst our gardens (or continue gardening if Winter didn’t put you off!) and get planting! Spring is a wonderful time to grow all kinds of delicious veggies and herbs, so I’m here to get you started with a guide to Spring planting!
Here in Melbourne we’re classified as being in the ‘temperature’ zone, so that’s what I’m basing these recommendations on. If you’re in one of the other zones in Australia (Brisbane & Perth fall into the sub-tropical zone and all of Tassie and Canberra are in the cool zone) then adjust accordingly.
So, what should we be planting? This isn’t an exhaustive list of everything you could be growing in Spring of course, but more a focus on some of the most popular veggies and herbs to grow!
Herbs
Full Sun
- Basil
- Coriander
- Sage
Part Shade
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Chives
Vegetables
Full Sun
- Beetroot
- Eggplant
- Capsicum
- Chilli
- Zucchini
- Tomatoes
- Spring onions
Part Shade
- Kale
- Peas
- Beans
- Cucumber
- Lettuces
- Carrot
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Asparagus
- Leeks
Companion Planting
These plants do particularly well when paired together:
- Basil and tomatoes
- Carrots with peas, tomatoes and lettuces
- Asparagus with basil or parsley
- Chives with peas, cucumber and lettuce
- Eggplant with beans or spinach
In my balcony garden this Spring
I already have basil and parsley happily growing on my balcony, along with mint and some chillis so I have got a jump on Spring planting already! I’ve also still got a few greens growing, a mix of chard and some Asian greens, so I will let them run their course before I replace them too!
After the success of my cherry tomato plant last year I think I’ll pop at least one of those in this year (on the traditional Cup Day tomato planting day of course!) and I think I’ll try my hand at some zucchini, capsicum and eggplant too!
Have you thought about Spring planting yet? What are you going to grow this year?
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I Spy Plum Pie is Liz, an early 30s kiwi-born, Melbourne raised girl who is passionate about the environment and sustainability, food, exploring and learning new things. Join me on my journey to a happy, sustainable life!
merilyn
September 19, 2015 at 9:26 am (9 years ago)thanks liz!
up in queensland my daughter already had tomatoes on her bushes! that’s sun for you!
all good just getting a bit of that today!
love m:)X
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 22, 2015 at 7:24 am (9 years ago)Wow, lucky her! I’m holding out a few more weeks til I plant mine I think!
Little Vegan Bear
September 19, 2015 at 10:15 pm (9 years ago)Omg, I need to do garden rescue. Things got a bit wild over winter, whoops.
Little Vegan Bear recently posted…Crumbed Eggplant Bánh Mì
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 22, 2015 at 7:24 am (9 years ago)I don’t think you’re alone there!
Emma @ Life, kids and a glass of red
September 20, 2015 at 1:22 pm (9 years ago)I am loving the sunshine in Canberra at the moment! We’re slowly getting some vegies planted, but are likely to get another frost soon so don’t want to get too enthusiastic with the planting! Lovely seeing all the flowers out though. #UltimateRabbitHole
Emma @ Life, kids and a glass of red recently posted…Woman survives dinner time without losing her mind
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 22, 2015 at 7:25 am (9 years ago)Aren’t the spring blossoms just gorgeous! But yes, best to wait until the frosts are done for!
Bec
September 21, 2015 at 8:46 pm (9 years ago)Ooooo my poor little balcony garden needs some love and attention. My chillies, spring onion and chives have gone wild again but I’d love to plant another cherry tomato tree and some basil. Thanks for the guide!
Bec recently posted…Halloumi taco Sunday adventure
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 22, 2015 at 7:26 am (9 years ago)I tried to keep things going over winter but sometimes it just wasn’t all that appealing to spend much time out there!
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid
September 21, 2015 at 10:23 pm (9 years ago)Some aphidesque things ate all my herbs a couple of years ago and this spring I am going to resurrect my balcony garden. I’ve just got to think of a genius way to store all the plants. Any tips?
Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid recently posted…Spit Bridge to Manly – A Harbour Walk
I Spy Plum Pie (admin)
September 22, 2015 at 7:28 am (9 years ago)Aphids are the only pest I can’t seem to manage, they drive me batty! Are you after pot suggestions? I have a planter fixed to my balcony wall, and another free-standing version, as well as a random assortment of loose pots. The wall & freestanding one are both from Bunnings and I’ve done posts on them in the past (just search balcony garden and they should come up!). Hope that helps!