Autumn officially starts on March 1st, which means very little garden-wise other than a reminder that true Autumn is very close with the equinox occurring in about a month, around the 20th. Some would suggest it's already here, judging from the poplars that are already starting to shed their vibrant yellow leaves. So, time to think about what you'll be eating this winter and prepare those beds. Brassicas are, of course, a staple but do require a slightly less acidic (higher pH - between 6.5 and 7.0) soil than most summer vegies, so soil amendments might be in order. Check your pH first. They're constant feeders that love organic matter so dig in some rotted manure and leaf compost, which will raise pH and supply nutrients, or cover-crop with nitrogen-fixing clover or simply grow them where you've recently harvested beans.
How much manure and compost? Until it looks good, feels great and smells wonderful. If you're growing brassicas in containers, throw in some coconut coir as well to aid drainage and water retention. This sounds a negation of terms but what roots need is a soil with an excellent water-holding capacity that drains well - something coir is very good at, while being far more sustainable and less expensive (financially and environmentally) than peat.
If you've amended the soil, leave it for a few days, watering occasionally to settle before planting/sowing. Air is the greatest killer of plants. Those tiny air pockets created by turning and digging are instant death to even tinier plant roots, so give it a few days and a gentle though thorough water.
Once you get to planting/sowing, water in again with liquid seaweed which will give soon-to-be seedlings a food boost as well as help prevent transplant shock. Four to six weeks later, side-dress with more compost, or apply seaweed emulsion or other organic fertilizer in moderation. Continue feeding every month or so until harvest.
How to defeat cabbage moth, the scourge of the brassica grower? It'll never happen. They can, however be deterred by planting white-flowering decoratives nearby or paper "butterflies" on top of thin canes poked into the ground or by growing onions around the plants. An even sterner method is to plant Land Cress, as explained in this Gardening Australia factsheet "Friends or Foes"
To plant in March: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, peas, shallots, spinach, swedes and turnips.
What to plant now:
Beetroot, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, potatoes, silverbeet, spinach, swedes, turnips.
How much manure and compost? Until it looks good, feels great and smells wonderful. If you're growing brassicas in containers, throw in some coconut coir as well to aid drainage and water retention. This sounds a negation of terms but what roots need is a soil with an excellent water-holding capacity that drains well - something coir is very good at, while being far more sustainable and less expensive (financially and environmentally) than peat.
If you've amended the soil, leave it for a few days, watering occasionally to settle before planting/sowing. Air is the greatest killer of plants. Those tiny air pockets created by turning and digging are instant death to even tinier plant roots, so give it a few days and a gentle though thorough water.
Once you get to planting/sowing, water in again with liquid seaweed which will give soon-to-be seedlings a food boost as well as help prevent transplant shock. Four to six weeks later, side-dress with more compost, or apply seaweed emulsion or other organic fertilizer in moderation. Continue feeding every month or so until harvest.
How to defeat cabbage moth, the scourge of the brassica grower? It'll never happen. They can, however be deterred by planting white-flowering decoratives nearby or paper "butterflies" on top of thin canes poked into the ground or by growing onions around the plants. An even sterner method is to plant Land Cress, as explained in this Gardening Australia factsheet "Friends or Foes"
To plant in March: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, peas, shallots, spinach, swedes and turnips.
What to plant now:
Beetroot, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, leeks, lettuce, potatoes, silverbeet, spinach, swedes, turnips.