If you’ve been meaning to get into a bit of gardening, there is no better time to do it than now. The days are (very) slowly getting warmer, providing ideal conditions for many plants. Here are some good options for what you should be planting in preparation for spring. You’ll find a huge selection of plants in one convenient location at the Saturday Fresh Market in Rocklea.
Flowers
If you are looking to add some colour and fragrance to your garden, these flowers are a great choice at this time of year.
Alyssum
If you’d like a flower to add some colour to a small garden bed, alyssums are a great option. This flower grows fast in early spring to early summer but will stop blooming in super-hot weather.
Azaleas
This is a beautiful flower and is a mainstay of many Brisbane gardens especially in spring when they really flourish.
Jasmine
This flower grows as a vine and looks beautiful creeping along a garden fence or purposely built structure. Jasmine is most loved for its fragrance which is often associated with the beginning of spring.
Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea is the perfect plant to grow in Queensland. It prefers full sunlight and hot dry climates. When given the right conditions to thrive bougainvillea will brighten your garden with vibrant flowers 11 months of the year.
Herbs
Don’t keep putting off that herb garden you’ve been dreaming of – now is the time to get cracking! The great thing about these herbs is that they can be grown anywhere from an apartment windowsill to a big backyard.
Mint
Mint is a fragrant and fast-growing herb. It tastes great with just about everything from fruit to meat and even has its own ice cream flavour. If you’ve tried growing herbs, mint is a great place to start because it’s easy to grow and fun to add to many recipes.
Coriander
Coriander is probably the most controversial herb there is. However, if you are a fan this is the perfect time of year to try your hand at growing it.
Parsley
Parsley is a hugely versatile herb and is used to bring together flavours in a whole range of meals from pasta to curries. Not only that but parsley is incredibly good for you and actually has more vitamin C than an orange. Don’t just relegate it to garnish on top of your dish – experiment!
Lavender
Winter to early spring is the best time to plant lavender before it gets too hot. This herb not only has an incredible fragrance but it also has a range of medicinal, cosmetic and culinary uses.
Fruit and Vegetables
Make the most of the relatively mild conditions of spring and early summer when many vegetables flourish.
Tomatoes
If you are new to growing plants but you’d like to have a go at it, growing tomatoes can be a great place to start. You can grow tomatoes in your yard or if you don’t have a yard you can grow them in a pot on your balcony or window box. Tomatoes need a sunny spot with good drainage. They will grow in just about any soil just be sure it is well dug and enriched with plant food.
Eggplant
Eggplant is often overlooked. It is an extremely healthy, low-calorie vegetable and a great source of vitamins, minerals and nutrients. The Queensland climate in late winter to early spring create the ideal weather for eggplants to flourish. Be sure not to plant them too early as they will not survive a frost – now is the perfect time! Unlike tomatoes, eggplants will require quite a bit of space to flourish.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins can grow like wildflowers at this time of year, given they are planted in an optimal position and are provided the right amount of care. Pumpkins really need space. Each vine needs about a square meter of space to flourish.
Find the best plants for your home
Now that we’ve got you excited for pre-spring gardening, it’s time to buy some plants and get to work. You’ll find a huge variety of plants at the Saturday Fresh Market every weekend. If you are still a little unsure about what plants are best for your home our knowledgeable stallholders and resident plant whispers are always happy to share their wisdom and guide you in the right direction.
