Cool autumn and winter are coming soon! For those who may have missed the late summer planting, don't worry, there are still many breeding techniques you can use to plant during the following cold season. The following content also has some reference value for raised garden beds.
Here are three of the most important tips the Vegepod team has for propagating (which is a fancy planting word) in Vegepod.
1. Choose the right vegetables
Autumn and winter vegetables are easy to grow, as long as you choose the right ones. In the cooler months, we like: Brassicas (broccoli, Brussels and cabbage); Peas; Allium (onion, leek, garlic); Love herbs for shade (mint, coriander, lemon balm); And plenty of leafy greens (spinach, kale or silverbeet). All of these plants are good for growing in cold, frosty climates, however, cabbage and broccoli may only be good for medium or large pods!
- Use seeds
Even in autumn, you can plant seeds directly in Vegepod instead of sprouting and transplanting indoors. This is because our plastic container base retains the heat of the day, while the seeds themselves are made for cooler climates. However, if you live in a truly frosty area, we recommend using our winter breeding mulch, or an alternative plastic mulch, over the vegetables.
Made from PVC, creating a greenhouse environment, winter breeding mulch can help those who struggle to grow during the winter months. Place it over a regular vegetable lid, or use it on its own. Just make sure to take it off as soon as the sun comes out - otherwise all your plants will be roasted!
- Use "bulbs" or "kits"
While we don't recommend buying nursery POTS at this time of year (POTS usually die a week after you buy them), we do recommend growing "bulbs" or "sets" of certain plants, such as garlic and Onions. You can buy these at your local farmer's market.
For example, buy a set of small Onions and soak them in water for 15 minutes. Then gently pull their heads apart. Plant the bulbs two inches deep in the soil, with the bulbs resting on the surface of the soil.
Look! At the end of winter, you will harvest an onion or two. At the same time, pick out the weaker shoots to use as herbal garnishes for your meals.
- Spread debris
You can even breed soft-tip cuttings if you are using Vegepod winter mulch. The humid environment of the mini greenhouse creates the ideal environment for the cuttings to grow and be ready in the summer.
Tomatoes, peppers, basil and savoury are all cuttings that can be grown.
Simply cut the plant stem to 15cm and dip the cut ends in rooting hormones (this can be found in your local nursery). Place the cut pieces in the moist potting mixture and allow the plant roots to grow downward.
