Wondering what to plant now? Whether you’re starting a new garden bed or filling in gaps, choosing the right vegies and flowers for the season makes all the difference. To help you get growing, here are 5 top vegies and 5 flowers you can plant now to bring fresh harvests and bright colour into your garden.
5 top vegies to plant now
1. Beans
Beans are one of the easiest crops to grow and reward you with loads of crunchy pods. Plant climbing beans along a trellis or teepee, or choose dwarf bush beans if you’re short on space. Keep the soil moist and pick regularly to encourage more growth. Kids love helping to harvest beans straight off the vine.
2. Beetroot
Beetroot is a fast-growing root vegie that’s perfect for salads, roasting, and juicing. Sow directly into the garden, keeping the soil loose and free-draining. The young leaves are also edible and make a tasty addition to mixed greens. For a continuous harvest, sow every few weeks.
3. Capsicum
Bright, glossy capsicums add colour and crunch to summer meals. Plant them in a warm, sunny spot with rich soil and mulch to keep roots cool. Regular watering is key to preventing fruit from shrivelling. Harvest when they’re green, or leave them longer to ripen into reds, yellows, or even purples.
4. Eggplant
Eggplants thrive in warm weather and reward you with glossy purple fruit. Give them full sun, fertile soil, and consistent moisture. Support plants with stakes as they grow heavy with fruit. Try grilling or roasting for a rich, smoky flavour.
5. Pumpkin
Pumpkins love room to sprawl, so plant them where they have space to spread their vines. They thrive in fertile soil enriched with compost and need regular watering while fruit is forming. Once the stems dry and harden, your pumpkins are ready to harvest and store for hearty winter meals.
Try this delicious pumpkin recipe!
5 top flowers to plant now
1. Cosmos
Cosmos are cheerful, daisy-like flowers that bloom in a mix of pinks, whites, and purples. They’re easy to grow from seed and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Perfect for filling gaps in the garden or adding colour to borders.
2. Lavender
Lavender is a classic cottage favourite with fragrant purple spikes that bees and beneficial insects adore. Plant now in a sunny, well-drained spot and enjoy months of blooms along with its calming scent. Snip stems to use in the home as dried flowers or potpourri.
3. Marigold
Bright and bold, marigolds bring a splash of orange and yellow to garden beds. They’re also brilliant companion plants, helping to deter pests from vegie patches. Plant them around beans, tomatoes, and capsicums for both beauty and protection.
Did you know marigolds are a natural pest repellent?
4. Salvia
Salvias are tough, drought-tolerant plants that flower for months. Their tall spires of red, purple, or blue blossoms make a striking statement and attract nectar-loving birds. Plant them in sunny beds where they’ll thrive with little fuss.
5. Zinnia
Zinnias are a summer favourite with big, bold blooms in a rainbow of colours. They’re heat-loving, long-lasting, and perfect for cutting gardens. Plant them in full sun and enjoy constant flowers right through the season.
Final thoughts
Planting the right mix of vegies and flowers now will set you up for months of fresh harvests and vibrant blooms. From beans and beetroot to cosmos and zinnias, these easy-to-grow plants add both productivity and beauty to your garden. So grab your seeds and seedlings, and plant now— your garden will thank you!
to read more content from Phil head to his website: Grow Your Food – with Phil Dudman
