Sunflowers come in a variety of sizes and they all add a splash of sunshine to the garden and attract bees. They are easy to grow and an excellent way to introduce children to gardening. Growth habits and planting needs As Sunflowers are allelopathic, that is, they produce toxins that prevent the growth of other plants, care should be taken about the location chosen to … Continue reading Growing Sunflowers
Turnips are an easy crop to grow, quick to mature and sown in January will be ready in Autumn. The turnip roots are rich in vitamin C. The turnip leaves however, are even richer in vitamins and minerals being a good source of vitamin K, A and C, B complex and an excellent source of important minerals like calcium, copper, iron, potassium, and manganese. If harvested … Continue reading Growing Turnips
Okra is an easy vegetable to grow that loves a sunny aspect and in Sydney that makes it a perfect plant to grow. The okra plant is related to the hibiscus and has a delicate and beautiful flower that makes it an attractive plant in the garden. Growing habits and planting needs Okra need a a very sunny spot in the garden with no shade. … Continue reading Growing Okra
Capsicums grow well in Sydney’s temperate zone and love the sunny spots in your garden. They need a long growing season so if you want to harvest your own sweet, tender fruits there is still just enough time to plant out some capsicum seedlings. Growth habits and planting needs Capsicums like a sunny position in full sun. The best way to propagate them is from … Continue reading Growing Capsicums
Broccoli is a healthy cool season vegetable that is high in vitamins A, C, Folic acid and calcium and a valuable vegetable to grow in the home garden. Growth habit and planting needs Sow your seeds in September in seedling trays to plant out in October November for a summer harvest , or in February, then planting out the seedlings in March and April for … Continue reading Growing broccoli
In the past, when the word lettuce was used, people thought of iceberg lettuce. Thankfully today there are so many varieties to choose from that our salads can be a mix of beautiful colours and varying texture and flavour. Growth habit and planting needs There are many interesting varieties available for planting in the home garden from the crisp mignionettes, oak leaf and butterhead lettuces … Continue reading Growing Lettuce
Growth habit and planting needs When planting zucchini it is important to consider the space needs of the mature plant. Zucchini can grow to a width of 1.5 x 1.5 so will need a large space to allow for the mature plant. Because of their susceptibility to mildew, leave enough space for good airflow around the plant and place in position that will get 8 … Continue reading Growing Zucchini
The following is a list of things you can plant in November in Sydney, a temperate zone: Artichokes Beans, (bush and climbing) Beetroot Broccoli Cabbage Cape Gooseberry Capsicum Carrot Celery Cucumber Eggplant Jerusalem Artichoke Lemon Balm Lettuce Luffa Marrow Okra Peanut Pumpkin Radish Rocket Rockmelon Silverbeet Spring Onions Sweet Corn Tomato Turnip Watermelon Yacon Zucchini Flower of the Month – Beautiful Purple Carrot Flowers Continue reading What to plant in November
The globe artichoke (cynara scolymus) is a native of the Mediterranean area and related to the thistle. It has been documented to have been eaten in Greek and Roman times. Globe artichokes can be planted from August to November so there is still time to include this wonderful architectural plant if you have the space in your garden. Growth habit and planting needs The globe … Continue reading Growing Globe Artichokes
The Grantham Gardener 