Autumn is the best time on the Gold Coast to plant many of our favourite vegetables in the garden, so the time is now to prepare and plant for your autumn/winter harvest.
· Pull out weeds and any crops that are nearing the end of their life to make space.
· Dig in some manure and or compost by spreading an inch or two over the top of the soil and blend thoroughly.
· Plant Tomatoes from now as by the time the tomatoes are maturing, the dreaded fruit fly population will be at it’s lowest and be least likely to ruin the fruit. If large fruited tomatoes proved too hard to grow in spring/summer, try them now but ensure you don’t replant them in the same spot as last time.
· Plant the Broccoli Family now. They include Cauliflower, Broccoli and Cabbages. These plants like to grow fast in the autumn then mature in the cool. They also prefer an alkaline soil so test your soil ph before planting or bring a soil sample in to your local garden centre for testing then add lime or dolomite if necessary.
· Put in a second planting of Zucchini and Cucumber as the new plants will take over from your old spring/summer plantings that will be getting tired.
· Wait another 2-4 weeks to plant Spinach and Silverbeet as they are fast growing and really prefer the cooler weather.
· Watch for Grasshoppers and Caterpillars that chew and shred at a rapid pace. Both Dipel and Success are naturally derived products and work very well on Caterpillars while Success has some effect on Grasshoppers. Besides that, net plants with a fine weave net. If you’re not too squeamish, squish the caterpillars and chop the grasshoppers with your secateurs first thing in the morning while they’re still a bit slow (sounds awful I know but better than spraying poisons on your garden!).
The best time to vegie garden on the Gold Coast is just around the corner so get ready!
Marika Whitfield Dip.Hort.
Marika runs regular vegie garden classes on the Gold Coast.
For inquiries call 5539 1110 or email thevegiegarden@gmail.com
