Autumn is the sneaky secret of Coffs Coast gardening. While the weather cools off, March and April are prime time to sow the winter vegetables to grow that will feed the family right through the cooler months.
Here on the Coffs Coast, winter is one of the best times of year to grow your own veg. Our mild, dry winters take the pressure off the garden, and a lot of the crops that struggle in our humid summers absolutely thrive in the cool. The trick is to get your seed in during autumn so plants are well established before the shortest days arrive. Here is what to sow, how to prep your patch, and how to pick the right seed.
Quick summary
- On the Coffs Coast, autumn (March and April) is the best time to sow winter vegetables.
- Our mild, dry winters and still-warm soil make the cool season a top time to grow.
- Sow brassicas, leafy greens, peas and root crops like carrots and beetroot.
- Feed the bed with compost and fertiliser before you sow, and watch for caterpillars.
- Sowing from seed is cheap, gives you the widest choice, and suits root crops that hate being moved.
Why Autumn Is Prime Sowing Time on the Coffs Coast
It feels back to front, but the cooler months are when our vegie patches really shine. Sowing in autumn sets your winter garden up to succeed.
Our Mild Subtropical Climate Works in Your Favour
The Coffs Coast sits in the subtropical zone and usually enjoys mild, dry winters (Coffs Harbour City Council). That is a gift for gardeners. In autumn the soil is still warm, so seed germinates quickly, while the cooling air gives you steady, leafy growth without the heat, humidity and pests of summer. Many brassicas even taste sweeter after a cool snap. Frost is rare right on the coast, but if you garden in the hinterland or a higher, inland spot you can still cop a light frost, so keep some cover handy for tender seedlings (Gardening Australia).
The Winter Veggie Hit List
Here are the crops that do the business through a Coffs Coast winter. Sow a little and often so you are picking fresh over a long stretch, rather than everything at once.
Brassicas: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower and Kale
The cool-season champions. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and broccolini all love our winter and get sweeter as it cools. They are hungry plants that sit in the ground a while, so give them rich soil and keep an eye out for caterpillars.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, Spinach, Silverbeet and Asian Greens
These are the quick wins. Lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, rocket and Asian greens like bok choy grow fast and let you pick outer leaves for weeks. Sow a small batch every couple of weeks for a steady supply.
Root Veg and Alliums: Carrots, Beetroot, Onions and Peas
Carrots, beetroot, radish, onions, spring onions and peas all do well now. Root crops hate being shifted, so always sow these straight where they will grow, then thin the seedlings so each one has room to size up. Give peas a frame to climb.
| Crop | Sow (Coffs Coast) | Ready in | Sowing tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage | March to May | 10 to 16 weeks | Raise in trays or sow direct, then thin |
| Kale, silverbeet | March to June | 7 to 10 weeks | Pick outer leaves as you go |
| Lettuce, Asian greens | March to August | 6 to 10 weeks | Sow a little every few weeks |
| Carrots, beetroot | March to June | 10 to 16 weeks | Sow direct where they will grow |
| Peas, broad beans | April to June | 12 to 16 weeks | Sow direct and give them a frame |
| Onions, spring onions | March to June | Long season | Sow direct and thin as they grow |
Setting Your Soil Up for Success
The secret to a cracking winter harvest is what you do before a single seed goes in. Spend a bit of time on the soil and the plants will do the rest.
Feeding the Bed Before You Sow
Clear out any tired summer crops, then dig through plenty of compost and some aged manure to feed the soil and hold moisture. A handful of blood and bone or a complete garden fertiliser gives seedlings a good start, and a light sprinkle of lime suits hungry brassicas, which prefer soil that is not too acidic. Let the bed settle for a week or two before sowing. Our gardening supplies range has the compost, manure, lime and fertiliser to get your beds ready.
Dealing With Autumn Pests Early
The main culprits in a winter patch are the caterpillars of the cabbage white butterfly, plus aphids, snails and slugs. Get on top of them early. Fine netting keeps the butterflies off your brassicas, a spray of Dipel (a natural caterpillar control) is handy and organic, and a torch-lit snail patrol after rain works a treat. A quick look under the leaves every few days saves a lot of heartache later.
Choosing the Right Seed: Heirloom, Organic and Disease-Resistant
A good crop starts with good seed, and there is a variety to suit every gardener.
Picking Varieties That Suit Your Patch and Your Values
Heirloom seed gives you old-fashioned flavour and the option to save your own seed for next year. Certified organic seed suits gardeners who want a chemical-free patch from the very start. Hybrid and disease-resistant varieties are bred to be reliable and to shrug off common problems, which is great if you are new to growing. Whichever you choose, sowing from seed is cheaper than buying plants and opens up far more varieties than you will ever find as seedlings. Sow root crops straight into the bed, and if you like, raise brassicas and lettuce in trays from seed to plant out once they are sturdy. We stock seeds rather than seedlings, so pop in and we will help you pick varieties suited to your patch.
How Coffs Harbour Produce Can Help You Grow
Not sure where to start? Bring us a photo of your patch, or a sample of your soil, and our team will help you choose the right seed and get your beds ready. You will find a big range of vegetable seed, soil improvers and fertiliser in our Coffs Harbour store and our sister store Valley Rural Supplies in Nambucca Heads. We also offer free next-day delivery across the greater Coffs Harbour region (order by 3pm, conditions apply), so your seed and supplies can come to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetables grow in winter on the Coffs Coast?
Plenty. Brassicas like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale do brilliantly, along with leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach and silverbeet, peas and broad beans, and root crops like carrots, beetroot and onions.
When should I plant winter vegetables?
On the Coffs Coast, autumn is the sweet spot. Sow from March through to about May so your plants are well established before the shortest, coolest days arrive. Some quick greens can be sown right through winter.
Can I grow winter vegetables from seed?
Yes, and it is the cheapest way to grow with the widest choice of varieties. Sow root crops like carrots and beetroot straight into the bed, since they do not like being moved, and you can raise brassicas and lettuce in trays from seed to plant out later.
Do I need to worry about frost on the Coffs Coast?
Right on the coast, frost is rare thanks to our mild winters. If you garden in the hinterland or a higher, inland spot, you can still get a light frost, so keep some cover on hand to protect tender young seedlings.
What fertiliser is best for winter vegetables?
Start with plenty of compost and aged manure, then add a complete garden fertiliser or blood and bone before sowing. Brassicas also appreciate a light dusting of lime. Pop in and we can match a fertiliser to your soil and crops.
Ready to Get Sowing?
A little effort now means fresh, homegrown veg on the table all winter. If you would like a hand choosing seed or prepping your beds, the team at Coffs Harbour Produce is at 26 June Street, Coffs Harbour, on 02 6652 2599, or you can send an online enquiry. Call, email, or drop in and let us help you get growing.
References
- Coffs Harbour City Council, Waterwise Garden Guide, https://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/environment/education-and-resources/waterwise-garden-guide.pdf
- Gardening Australia (ABC), Subtropical Zone planting guide, https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/subtropical-months/10017988
- Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Best vegetables to grow for beginners, https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/discover-and-learn/gardening-home/gardening-tips/best-vegetables-grow-beginners
