Join farmers in planting your own spring vegetables

We’ve made it out of the cold of winter! Now it’s time to put some colour back in your backyard farm.

If you’re living in the sunny Northern Territory or chilly Tasmania, AustralianFarmers have scouted the best fruit and veg for you to plant on the first weekend of Spring.

Here’s what farmers around Australia are planting this season, and you can do the same in your own backyard!

Warm climate

If you’re living in a low-frost or frost-free area like north of Coffs Harbour in NSW and across to Geraldton in Western Australiathen these plants are for your garden.

If you’re looking to plant trees avocado, passionfruit and banana trees are the go.

Otherwise try planting silverbeet, spring onions, zucchini, capsicum, cucumber, watermelon and eggplant in your garden beds.

Cooler climates

Tasmanian, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and the southern highlands of NSW are perfect places to grow delicious strawberries, tomatoes, peas, sweet corn, and leeks.

For a complete dish you’ll need herbs. Planting basil, chives, coriander, dill, mint and parsley wouldn’t be a bad idea either.

Temperate climates

If one week you get frosts and the next you could have beautiful sunny days then blueberries, citrus, olives, celery lettuce and radishes are perfect for your backyard garden.

If you’re living in South Australia, Western Australian and parts of Victoria thyme, oregano, rosemary, catnip and sage are the herbs for you.

Tips for growing spring fruit and veggies

• If you’re limited for space use containers or raised garden beds (best for fast growing varieties like strawberries).
• Prepare your soil by removing weeds and stones and dig it over to improve soil structure.
• Dig in compost or leaf mould to further improve the soil.
• To extend your harvest season, stagger your sowing by sowing seeds every two weeks rather than all at once.
• Keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry spells and covered if in frost-prone areas.