I don’t know about you, but I love Autumn days. Not too hot, not too cold. The change in colours and the crispness in the air are so brilliant. In Australia, it is time to enjoy the last few warm days outdoors, even if you have to dodge the odd rain drop (well, here in Melbourne at least). It is also a good time to remove your summer crops and plan those vegetables that grow in the cooler months.
As we are only a few months in our house, I am establishing our garden, but I am eager to get started. It feels like ages since I was gardening (just 4 months ago). Over the last few weeks I have been watching where the sun traps are and where there is shade in our new garden. Also, we are on a slope, so I have to keep in mind where the dry and wet parts exist. As you can imagine there is a bit of designing and planning involved, but I am up for the challenge.
Before I put a seed or plant in the vegetable garden I need to make sure what plants can grow in Autumn-Winter time here in the South-East of Melbourne. Over the years I have learned a lot. I had to, being an Irish woman dealing with a much hotter climate than the green hills of Ireland. However, each year I still do a bit of research to make sure I haven’t forgotten which vegetables can be planted this time of year. During my research I found a wonderful guide for all of Australia from the ABCs Organic Gardener. I thought you might find it useful too. http://bit.ly/1Vhrujt .
If you live elsewhere in the world, some good resources are:
Ireland - from Teagasc. http://bit.ly/1Q3Ni9P Refer to pages 94 -95
U.K. - from the Royal Horticultural society http://bit.ly/1Q3NmX1
U.S.A - from Urban Farmers http://bit.ly/1MUKTja.
Also, for USA, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand have a look at Gardenate http://www.gardenate.com/zones. It caters for the different climates in the different regions.
Hope this helps you out and encourages to give gardening a go this Autumn. Love to hear what you are growing this season.
Have an earthly passionate time gardening
Attracta & the team