Time to start planting your summer vegies

It’s mid September, which means that winter is well and truly done and it’s time to plant summer vegies such as tomatoes and corn.

Prior to beginning your summer planting push, however, either wait until the risk of frost has passed in your area before planting tender vegies, or start them inside, or in a frost-protected greenhouse (for those of you in temperate climate zones). 

With that said, let’s look at what to plant in the various climate zones across the country: 

• In the tropics, take care with water and use things like shadecloth to help create slightly cooler microclimates for tender young plants. Try planting snake beans, rosellas, okra, zucchinis, cucumber, sweet corn, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. If you have water to spare plant ginger and galangal, otherwise hold off until we get closer to the first storms of summer. 
• In the subtropics, September is a great month to plant corn, carrots, beetroot, lettuce, basil, rocket, beans and spring onions. It’s also a good time for solanaceae plants like eggplant, chilli and capsicum along with tubers such as turmeric, arrowroot and yacon. Warmth loving cucurbits such as rockmelon, zucchini, and cucumber can also go in now but be prepared for powdery mildew as we get closer to summer.
• In arid-/semi-arid areas it’s time to get in some quick growers that will provide fast returns before the onset of hot weather. Try quick growing roots such as radishes and turnips, Asian greens, rocket, bush peas, lettuces, mustard, and kale. Get in a crop of potatoes early in the month.
• In temperate climates, plant Asian greens, rocket, spinach, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, turnip, radish, broccoli, onions, parsnips, peas, potatoes, and silverbeet. Hold out until the risk of frost has passed before planting heat lovers such as cucurbits, tomatoes and corn.

Now, get outside and enjoy the sun on your back, the scent of blossoms on the breeze, and  getting your hands well and truly dirty.