Late Winter Planting: The My(a)stery of Good Timing

 

What to plant in the second half of winter

While August is the last full-summer month (for those areas with four seasons), in the Northern hemisphere, it is the opposite for those in the Southern hemisphere.  Many people think a season is over when it get closer to changing from one to the other, but there is always some crops to consider, even late in a given season. There’s room for a little more this summer for those that are keen to put in the effort.

Read the following article and you will learn which produce is best planted in August (in the Southern Hemisphere).  Learn the best practices of August planting depending on how much North or South you’re situated. For those living on the Northern side of mother earth – remember these to look at these in six months time.  Use your organic garden to its full potential.

In cool climates, the second half of winter is a time of promise. Even if it might not seem like it when the wind is howling and the woodfire is cranking to stave off the chill. Gardening is as much about anticipating the future as it is about embracing the present. ………..

In temperate climates, where Jack Frost can hang around well into October, August is the month to sow “shoulder season” crops. These don’t mind germinating in cold, late winter soil (though if the soil is very wet from winter rains, wait another month before sowing) and they like growing in the gentle warmth that builds as our arc toward the sun gets ever closer………….

Arid/semi arid, warm temperate and marginal subtropical areas aren’t as prone to late season frosts. This is a boon for growing potatoes, because it means you can get an August jump start on planting these frost sensitive staples…………

If garden space is limited, try no-dig spuds. You can use a wire cage, a purpose made potato growing bag (available online and from nurseries), or simply throw some seed spuds on compost enriched ground and cover them with enough straw to exclude light. …………

Other crops to plant now in warm climates include bush beans, basil, tomato, beetroot, cucumbers, watermelons, zucchini, okra, lettuce, and corn. For something different, try planting a flour or popcorn variety. These heirloom types are more drought tolerant than hybrid sweetcorn and with just a little supplemental moisture, do well in hot, dry spring weather.

Article Source: www.organicgardener.com.au
Image Source:  Money Crashers