Welcome to our seasonal planting guide at M&S Home & Garden! If you’re gardening in Perth, understanding what to plant and when is crucial due to our unique climate. Perth’s Mediterranean weather—hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters—shapes our planting strategies. This guide will help you navigate Perth’s seasonal planting calendar to keep your garden vibrant and productive all year round.
Spring Planting: Bloom in the Sunshine
Spring in Perth is a time of warming temperatures and occasional rains, making it an ideal period for planting. In your vegetable garden, sow seeds for crops like carrots, lettuce, and radishes. These cool-season vegetables thrive in the milder spring weather and will be ready for harvest as the weather warms up.
For your flower garden, spring is perfect for planting hardy annuals like petunias and snapdragons, which will brighten up your garden beds. In your herb garden, now is a great time to plant basil and parsley, which will flourish with the increasing warmth. Following a seasonal planting guide ensures your Perth garden is off to a great start.
Summer Planting: Embrace the Perth Heat
Perth summers are hot and dry, so it’s crucial to select plants that can handle the intense sun and limited water supply. In your vegetable garden, plant heat-tolerant crops such as tomatoes, capsicums, and cucumbers. These plants thrive on long, sunny days and can withstand high temperatures.
For your flower garden, consider drought-resistant varieties like marigolds and gazanias, which can handle Perth’s summer conditions. In your herb garden, continue growing basil and introduce sage and thyme, which are well-suited to the summer heat. Using a seasonal planting calendar tailored to Perth’s climate helps maintain a flourishing garden even in the peak of summer.
Fall Planting: Prepare for the Mild Cooler Months
Autumn in Perth brings cooler temperatures and more rainfall, making it an excellent time for planting. In your vegetable garden, consider sowing seeds for crops like spinach, kale, and broccoli. These cool-season vegetables will thrive in the milder temperatures and increased moisture.
For your flower garden, plant perennials such as chrysanthemums and dianthus, which will continue to grow and bloom in the coming seasons. In your herb garden, now is a good time to plant garlic and shallots, which will benefit from the cooler, moist conditions. Following a seasonal planting guide ensures your Perth garden stays productive through the fall.
Winter Planting: Make the Most of Perth’s Mild Winters
Winter in Perth is relatively mild with occasional rain, creating a favourable environment for certain types of planting. For your vegetable garden, this is an ideal time to plant onions, broad beans, chillies and peas, which can handle the cooler temperatures and benefit from the winter rains.
In your flower garden, winter is a good time to plant winter-flowering varieties like pansies and violas. For your herb garden, continue growing hardy herbs like rosemary and thyme, which are well-suited to Perth’s winter conditions. Use this seasonal planting guide to plan and prepare your garden for the upcoming spring.
Tips for a Successful Seasonal Garden in Perth
- Know Your Climate: Perth’s Mediterranean climate means hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Choose plants that can handle these conditions and adjust your planting schedule accordingly.
- Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and capable of holding moisture. Amend your soil as needed to provide the best-growing conditions for your plants.
- Watering Needs: Adjust your watering schedule based on seasonal conditions. During the hot summer, water deeply and less frequently, while in winter, take advantage of natural rainfall.
By following this seasonal planting guide and considering Perth’s unique weather conditions, you can ensure a thriving garden throughout the year. For more gardening tips and resources, visit M&S Home & Garden and explore our comprehensive guides to help you make the most of your Perth garden.
Happy gardening!
