Planting Options for Autumn in Victoria
In the cooler months of autumn, Victoria's gardens come alive with a variety of plants that thrive in the milder weather. Here's a guide to help you make the most of this season.
When it comes to choosing the right vegetables and herbs for your autumn garden, it's important to consider their sunlight requirements. Vegetables like kale, lettuce, spinach, and brussels sprouts prefer full shaded areas, while beans, peas, broccoli, onions, cabbage, and radish prefer partially sunny areas.
As for herbs, a mix of both seeds and cuttings can help you establish a vibrant herb garden. Herbs like rosemary, lemongrass, oregano, and thyme grow fastest from stem cuttings taken from healthy, green plants. Basil varieties (including Thai and holy basil) are best grown from cuttings rather than seeds. Parsley, coriander, and dill, on the other hand, are best sown from seeds in autumn, ensuring fresh, continuous harvests.
Herbs generally prefer a sunny spot with some shelter from harsh midday sun, especially for leafy herbs. Well-drained soil and protection from strong winds established during autumn help plants thrive through the cooler months and set strong roots.
Autumn is an ideal time to plant a variety of herbs, including coriander, garlic bulbs, marjoram, oregano, parsley, thyme, tarragon, lemongrass, mint, rosemary, shallots, and native river mint. Strawberry plants also prefer sunny areas with some afternoon shade in hot summers.
When it comes to vegetables, a diluted liquid fertiliser like Seasol Powerfeed should be applied every 10 to 14 days during their growth. Containers with plants need regular checking for water and protection from direct sunlight in summer to avoid heating up the soil and causing stress to the plants.
In addition to vegetables and herbs, autumn is also the perfect time to plant flowers and shrubs. Daffodil, jonquil, freesia, ranunculus, anemone, crocus, hyacinth, tulips, calostemma, pansy, viola, polyanthus, primula, primrose, cineraria, correa, bottlebrush, banksia, lilly-pilly, gum tree, and grevillea are some flowers and shrubs that do well when planted in autumn.
Warren Worboys, curator of horticulture at Royal Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne, recommends planting flowering bulbs from mid-March to late April. Evergreen trees and shrubs prefer shadier locations, while bulbs should be planted in a spot with plenty of sunlight or dappled shade.
For those with limited space, herbs, fruit like strawberries and dwarf citrus, and plants like succulents and cacti are suitable for balcony locations. Stonefruit trees also do well in autumn, but when they start flowering, they should be fed with a fruit and citrus fertiliser.
Brassica plants like cabbage and broccoli need soil enriched with organic matter and animal manure. After planting, top up soil with an organic-based mulch like peastraw in a vegetable garden, or bark or wood chips for shrubs.
Lastly, remember that autumn is the ideal time to start digging, prepping, and planting in the garden. The cooler, wetter weather makes it perfect for planting various flowers, shrubs, herbs, and fruits. Happy gardening!
[1] Gardening Australia, "Autumn Planting Guide," ABC, https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/article-10035344.htm [5] Better Homes and Gardens, "Autumn Gardening: What to Plant Now," BHG, https://www.bhg.com.au/gardening/growing/autumn-gardening-what-to-plant-now-2820634
- To ensure a productive home-and-garden during the autumn season, consider the sunlight requirements when choosing the right vegetables and herbs, such as kale, lettuce, and rosemary, and plant them accordingly.
- While gardening in autumn, remember to create a vibrant home-and-garden by planting a variety of flowers and shrubs, like pansy, viola, and evergreen trees, in suitable locations for optimal growth.
