Spring is here for Australia, and it’s the perfect time to start thinking about adding some vibrant blooms, fresh veggies, tasty fruits or fragrant herbs to your garden. Whether you're looking to brighten up your outdoor space, enjoy quick-growing vegetables, or prepare for a delicious summer harvest, here are some easy plants to grow in spring.
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Flowers to add colour to your outdoor space
For a burst of vibrant colour in your garden this spring, consider adding the following flowers. These varieties are easy to care for and will bring a lively touch to your outdoor space:
Geraniums
Geraniums thrive in well-drained soil and require plenty of sunlight to flourish. They need regular watering, but be cautious not to overwater them. To encourage more blooms, perform a light prune. Deadheading spent flowers will also promote ongoing blooming, ensuring your garden stays colourful throughout the season.
Marigolds
These cheerful flowers prefer well-drained soil and full sun. They are relatively low-maintenance but appreciate regular watering. They also benefit from deadheading, which helps to extend their blooming period. Their vibrant colours and pest-repelling qualities make them a great addition to any garden.
Zinnias
Zinnias also thrive in well-drained soil and need a sunny location. They prefer warmer weather and require consistent watering, but be careful not to let them sit in soggy soil. Regular deadheading of spent flowers will encourage more blooms. Zinnias are known for their bright and varied colours, making them a wonderful choice for a lively garden display.
Quick-growing vegetables for spring
If you’re eager to enjoy fresh vegetables quickly, these quick-growing options are perfect for spring planting. They can be harvested in about a month and you can plant them if it’s not too warm where you are. They can also be grown in garden beds or containers, which can be kept well fertilised with compost. Find which composting method suits you best here.
Radish
Radishes grow rapidly and are well-suited to cooler spring temperatures. They need well-drained soil and consistent moisture. They grow fairly quickly and can be ready to pick in just 6 to 8 weeks.
Lettuce
Lettuce is another fast-growing vegetable that performs well in cooler conditions. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering. They can be harvested in about 6 to 12 weeks depending on the variety, position and weather.
Spinach
Spinach grows quickly and thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for spring planting. It needs well-drained soil and regular moisture. It’s a nutritious green that can be harvested in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are easy to grow and prefer cooler temperatures. They need well-drained soil, consistent watering and full sun. They can be harvested in about 3 to 5 weeks, adding a fresh touch to your meals.
Fruits to grow in spring
Starting a fruit garden in spring can lead to a rewarding harvest as the season progresses. Consider these fruits for a fruitful addition to your garden:
Strawberries
Strawberries should be planted in well-drained soil and require plenty of sunlight. They are relatively easy to grow and can even be planted in pots. For the best results, ensure they receive ample sunlight and are watered regularly. Strawberries planted in spring will produce fruits as the season progresses and into Summer.
Blueberries
Blueberries prefer sunny locations and well-drained, acidic soil. They are a bit more specific in their soil requirements but are otherwise easy to maintain. Regular watering and proper soil pH of around 4-5 are crucial, especially before planting. Blueberries planted in spring might begin to produce fruit in summer, though at smaller amounts until the plant is mature.
Figs
Figs thrive in sunny spots and require well-drained soil. They are fairly low maintenance but do best with regular watering. They can be a bit slow to establish, but once they do, they produce delicious fruit. They are perfect for a sunny garden location and can flower and fruit twice annually, once in spring-early summer and once in late summer- autumn.
Herbs to grow in spring
Adding herbs to your garden is a great way to enhance your meals with fresh flavors and aromas. Here are some easy herbs to grow in spring.
Basil
Basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions and well-drained soil. It needs regular watering but prefers not to be waterlogged. Pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage a bushier plant and prevent flowering, which can make the leaves taste bitter.
Parsley
Parsley prefers a sunny to partly sunny location and well-drained soil. It’s relatively easy to grow and can handle cooler temperatures. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.
Chives
Chives thrive in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They are hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages new growth. Chives are great for adding a mild onion flavor to dishes.
Happy gardening
We hope you enjoy a vibrant and productive garden this spring. You can also make your own compost from your food scraps to nourish your garden! Find the perfect composting method for you and save food waste.
Having a beautiful vibrant garden is also a great way to help bees. Learn why we need to protect our bees. Happy planting!