Townsville Bulletin

What’s in season this summer?

- CLAUDIA SLACK

With the days quickly getting warmer, it’s safe to say that summer has arrived in Australia. With the scorching temperatur­es expected this summer, it’s hard to know what plants can withstand and thrive in the heat. Before it gets too hot, it’s time to give your garden a refresh before it gets too warm, and these herbs,

sure your garden is bursting with life all summer long.

Herbs

With

their

delicate herbs in the summer. Depending on

a windowsill pot inside, it’s important to give any herb enough water and sunlight to thrive. Herbs such as basil, mint varieties, tarragon, parsley, thyme, marjoram, coriander, chives and borage are all herbs that can live in or outdoors during the summer, and are a great way to freshen-up your summer meals!

Fruit and Veg

leaves

and

Growing fruit and vegetables during the summer can be a bit complicate­d. Between ensuring it’s perfectly ripe and protected from critters, it’s a delicate balance to make sure your produce is perfect.

Choosing the right plants during the summer is dependent on the climate that you live in. If you live in a subtropica­l or tropical climate, now is the time to plant things like artichokes, capsicum, celery, spring onion, lettuce and tomato. In temperate and cool zones, you can plant beans, beetroot, cabbage, carrots, leeks, sweet corn and cucumber. If you live in a more mediterran­ean climate like Adelaide, tomatoes, zucchini and capsicum will thrive if planted before the end of January.

Flowers

in summer, it’s important to plant early, or just put plants that are already

away. Again, depending on the climate you live in, hydrangeas, agapanthus, hibiscus, frangipani, gardenia and bougainvil­lea are all due to bloom in the summer. If you’re looking to plant from seed in the summer to enjoy the blooms later in the year, it’s also important to consider your climate. In subtropica­l and tropical zones, you can plant balsam, cockscomb,

In temperate and cold climates, you should sew ageratum, Iceland poppy, marigold, pansy, cyclamen, verbena

 ??  ?? Ready to start your summer garden? Get profession­al advice and assistance from an experience­d gardener or landscaper below or online at buysearchs­ell.com.au.
Picking the best plants for your vegetable and fruit garden can be very rewarding.
Ready to start your summer garden? Get profession­al advice and assistance from an experience­d gardener or landscaper below or online at buysearchs­ell.com.au. Picking the best plants for your vegetable and fruit garden can be very rewarding.

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