Not sure what to grow in winter? With just a little extra care and useful knowledge, you’ll be able to keep your garden flourishing well into winter.
Here’s what to grow in winter for a thriving garden:
Succulents
Your succulents are hardy plants. In winter, keep the soil as dry as possible, only giving the plant enough water to keep it hydrated. If you live in a freezing part of the country, consider blanketing your succulents, or if they’re in pots, put them in a sunny spot inside.
Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean you should skip going outdoors:
Herbs
Thyme, sage, parsley and oregano are all perfect examples of herbs that thrive in the winter. Keep them in full sun, and water as usual, but make sure the soil is draining well.
Vegetables
Start your winter garden between March and May, while the weather’s still mild. Veggies like onions, broad beans, asparagus, radishes, spinach, garlic and spring onions not only provide you with the perfect ingredients for a delicious soup, but also do well in a winter garden.
If you’ve never grown veggies at home before, here’s a comprehensive guide:
Flowers
Keep your garden beautiful with bright flowers that flourish in the cold. Flowers like antirrhinums (snapdragons), begonias, calendulas, marigolds, pansies, petunias, and zinnias are the most likely to bloom right into winter.
Try these gardening books for some inspiration:
Field Guide to Succulents in Southern Africa by Gideon Smith and Neil R. Crouch
100 Favourite Herbs by Margaret Roberts, R205 at Takealot
Jane’s Delicious Urban Gardening – Sustainable City Living by Jane Griffiths, R241 at Takealot