When the weather cools, we begin to consider what winter crops we can cultivate during these months by taking a closer look at our gardens. Winter crops that are produced seasonally are the most nourishing crops to add to a meal when it's time to transition from summer salads to something that will warm your spirit.

The cooler months are the perfect time to create those home cooked hearty meals which can be packed with flavour from winter veggies. Autumn is also a great time to get into the garden for a bit of DIY for those looking to have vegie patches full of delicious produce right through winter.

The best winter crops to grow in Australia

The arrival of autumn is the time to plant winter crops. Cold season crops include brassicas which love chilly conditions and provide a hearty harvest throughout the season. You will need to refresh your soil and dig in plenty of matter, such as compost and aged manure, to give your new vegetables the nutrients needed. 

Here are 6 crops to grow in winter in Australia:

1. Carrots: grown all year round, carrots can withstand a large variety of temperatures. These veggies go great in those winter broths and soups. Make sure that your soil is cool and doesn’t dry out – water regularly and keep the soil moist for the first two weeks of germination. Try using a specialised vegetable potting mix to make your new carrots healthier, stronger and more resistant to disease.
2. Garlic: a great tip for growing garlic is to not water your soil until your cloves have germinated, which will occur approximately two weeks after planting. Following this, ensure you water the soil often enough so that it remains moist but not wet. Regardless of the cuisine, garlic will add that bit of extra flavour to any meal. Quite often, garlic is a staple in many Aussie kitchens and is a great addition to home cooked roasts or marinades. 
3. Spinach: don’t forget to water your growing spinach regularly and feed once seedlings begin to emerge with a plant food and soil improver that feeds your crops above and below the ground by creating a balanced growing environment for bigger, healthier crops. Depending on the type of spinach variety you’re growing, it should be ready to enjoy in six to eight weeks.
4. Snow peas: high in protein, resilient and a quick tasty snack, snow peas are an excellent addition to any winter menu. Snow peas thrive in the cooler months and will fit right in with your winter vegetable patch. Remember these peas love to climb, so a pole in the soil for them to grow up will do wonders, and don’t forget to water the ground around them, not the leaves, as the plant itself is especially prone to mildew.
5. Cauliflower: baked into a pie or mashed in a soup, cauliflower is a wonderful winter veggie to add to your collection. This cooler growing plant can be a little fussy, so it’s not the best plant to start with as a beginner. Cauliflower requires consistent moisture, rich soil, and cool temperatures to thrive, making it a bit challenging for new gardeners. However, with patience and care, it can produce delicious, versatile florets that are worth the effort.
6. Leeks: a member of the onion family and are known for the mild, sweet flavour. Leeks are fairly frost tolerant and hardy, making them an excellent choice for those new to growing vegetables. Leeks thrive in cooler weather. To grow leeks successfully, ensure the plant has well-drained soil and consistent moisture. As leeks grow, you can mound soil around the base of the plants to blanch the stems and enhance tender texture.

For the best results for crops to grow in winter, gardening experts recommend staggering your vegetables throughout the winter months, rather than planting them all at the same time. As a general rule, it is recommended to plant: beans, cabbages, dill, garlic, artichokes, snow peas… 

These are general rules only and may depend on your climate. When you grow crops throughout the year, you will save money and have healthy, season friendly vegetables for your family to enjoy. A garden rich with vegetables can be a beautiful and edible part of your garden that can take a little work to get started, but after planting, you will only have to keep it weeded and watered.

If you are new to crop cultivation, you need to be aware of the insects that infest winter crops in Australia. Some of the insects are beneficial whereas some are destructive for your crops. Some of the common garden pests include Aphids that feed on vegetables, fruits, and ornamentals. 

Other than that you are good to go! 

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