As the late winter chill begins to clear and East Gippsland edges closer to spring, local home gardeners are looking to prepare their garden beds.
This transitional period is a prime time for planting a wide variety of cold-tolerant vegetables, robust herbs, and select fruits that will establish themselves ahead of the warmer weather.
For those planning to update their garden patches, local agricultural and horticultural patterns suggest a focus on hardy green crops, early root vegetables and citrus varieties.
Here is a guide to the best vegetables, fruits, and herbs to plant in East Gippsland right now:
The vegetable patch
This season is highly suited to leafy greens, root crops and brassicas.
Many of these varieties thrive in the remaining cool soil but will continue to flourish as daylight hours increase.
Gardeners can focus on sowing or transplanting the following:
– Legumes and pods: Beans and peas.
– Root crops: Beetroot, carrots, leeks, onions, radishes and spring onions.
– Brassicas: Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower.
– Leafy greens: Kale, lettuce, rocket, silverbeet and spinach.
Stalks and celery: Celery.
Fruit selection
Late winter and early spring are excellent times to establish young fruit trees and berry patches, allowing them to settle in before summer heatwaves arrive.
The most reliable options to plant now include:
– Citrus: Lemons and limes (which perform well in warm, sheltered positions).
– Berries: Strawberries (ideal for pots, hanging baskets, or garden borders).
– Hardy trees: Olives.
The herb garden
Fresh herbs are a simple and highly productive addition to any garden, requiring minimal space while offering a continuous harvest.
The following herbs are recommended for planting this season:
– Savoury staples: Rosemary, thyme, oregano, and dill.
– Fresh greens: Chives, coriander, mint, and parsley.
– Quick harvests: Microgreens (perfect for windowsills and fast-growing indoor trays).
Planting tips
Because late winter in the region can still bring unexpected frosts, especially further inland toward the foothills, it is recommended to protect tender young seedlings with mulch or protective covers.
Preparing soil with organic compost and ensuring adequate drainage will also give these plantings the best possible start as spring approaches.
