February Gardening Guide for Temperate Australia
February in the Garden: Planning for Autumn Gardens
February in Australia is synonymous with heat. While it might feel like summer is in full swing (and it is!), savvy gardeners know it's the perfect time to start planning and preparing for the cooler months ahead. This blog post will guide you through essential February gardening tasks, focusing on setting up your autumn harvest and managing the summer heat.
Why Start Thinking About Autumn Now?
As kids head back to school, we parents often find a bit more time for planning and projects. Thinking ahead to your autumn garden now allows you to:
Get a Head Start: Starting seeds or preparing beds now gives your autumn crops a crucial head start before the weather cools down significantly.
Avoid the Rush: Beat the autumn rush with local suppliers by planning your purchases and potentially starting your own seedlings.
Maximise Your Harvest: With careful planning, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout autumn and into winter.
Save Money: Growing your own food is a great way to reduce your grocery bills and enjoy fresh, healthy produce.
Key Gardening Jobs for February:
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Seed Starting (for Autumn Harvest): Start seeds indoors or in a protected area for cool-season crops like:
Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, kale.
Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, rocket, endive, kale.
Root Vegetables: Carrots, beetroot, turnips.
Onions and Leeks: These need a long growing season, so starting them now is ideal.
Prepare Garden Beds: Clear existing beds of spent summer crops by cutting the tops (leave the roots to compost in place). Add compost and well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure. This is a great time to implement or top up no-dig beds.
Weed Control: Stay vigilant with weeding. A weeds job is to cover the soil, especially important during hot weather, so take control and cover it with plant life or mulch.
Watering Wisely: Continue deep watering, focusing on the root zone of plants. Water early in the morning or late in the evening to minimise evaporation. If you are getting summer storms, you can reduce the water supply to suit your needs.
Mulching: Maintain a thick layer of mulch (7-10cm) to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Pest and Disease Monitoring: Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, especially in humid conditions. Take action early to prevent infestations from spreading.
Specific Advice for Western Australia (Temperate Zones):
Western Australia's varied climate means specific tasks will differ slightly. In Perth and similar regions, February is still very hot and dry. Focus on water conservation and protecting plants from the sun. In the south-west, like Pemberton, conditions might be slightly milder, allowing for more direct sowing of cool-season crops.
Water Conservation: WA summers are dry. Prioritise water-wise gardening practices like drip irrigation and water tanks.
Native Plants: Consider planting native species that are well-adapted to the local climate and require minimal watering. Companion plant these with your food!
Bushfire Preparedness: This is also a crucial time to maintain firebreaks around your property and clean out gutters.
Indoor Gardening Tasks:
Seed Saving: Collect and store seeds from your successful summer crops for future planting.
Plan Your Autumn Garden: Research varieties suitable for your area and create a planting schedule.
Tool Maintenance: Clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools to keep them in good condition.
Looking Ahead to 2025:
February is a time for reflection and planning. Think about what worked well in your garden this year and what you'd like to change next year. This is a great time to start sketching out your dream garden for 2025.
By taking these steps in February, you'll set yourself up for a successful and bountiful autumn garden. Happy gardening!
About the Author
I'm passionate about living with resilience and I love sharing my knowledge with others. I believe that everyone can make a difference in the world, no matter how small. I'm excited to be a part of the growing movement of people who are committed to living a more sustainable lifestyle.
I'm also the founder of Eight Acres Permaculture, and I’m a resilient living educator in Western Australia. At Eight Acres, I offer a variety of workshops and courses on topics such as permaculture, growing your own food, and homesteading skills. On our small farm, I grow our own food and raise animals.
I believe that education is key to creating a resilient lifestyle. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to inspire others to make positive changes in their own lives.
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