There is a common myth or misconception that the only time you can plant or sow herbs, fruits and veggies in Tasmania is in the months of Spring. This is simply not true. While the general rule of thumb is that nothing should be planted before the last frost, each plant is different and will depend on its hardiness. You should be aware that the date of the last frost can vary markedly from year to year in Tasmania and so Landscaping Hobart recommends that you use this Master Class before you start planting.

Summer (December, January and February)

What herbs, fruits or vegetables will grow in the Tasmanian summer? These will endure the drying heat, drought and full sun:

• Herbs – plant coriander, capsicum, basil, oregano, parsley, rosemary and lemongrass.
• Fruits & Vegetables – plant tomato, cucumber, sweetcorn, leek, cauliflower and sweetcorn; sow beetroot, cabbage, carrot, parsnip, pumpkin and squash.

Recommendation: Basil

Landscaping Hobart recommends planting Basil in Summer as it is extremely sensitive to cold and frost. Basil should be planted in rich soil, well-drained soil where there is plenty of sunlight (approx. 6 to 8 hours of sunlight each day). Always cut the flowers off to encourage the plant to grow new tasty leaves. Basil grows well next to tomatoes, capsicum and apricots.

Refer to our Master Class on Growing Basil in Tasmania for more information.

Autumn (March, April and May)

What herbs, fruits or vegetables will grow in the Tasmanian Autumn? These will thrive in the decreasing sunlight and dropping temperatures:

• HERBS – shallots, thyme, garlic, lemongrass, coriander, chives and rosemary.
• Fruits & Vegetables – plant kale, cabbage, winter lettuce, silverbeet, broccoli and broadbeans; sow beetroot, carrot, English spinach, Chinese cabbage, shallots and Asian brassicas.

Recommendation: Chinese cabbage

Landscaping Hobart recommends planting Chinese cabbage in Autumn. It only tolerates light frost and enjoys partial sun so avoid planting it late in Autumn. Chinese cabbage thrives in rich, moist soil with lots of compost. We recommend planting it next to dill, kale and mint. The key pest to avoid is slugs, you can create a barrier that slugs cannot cross by using crushed eggshells or copper wire. Alternatively, you can bait them with a saucer of beer or an inverted melon rind.

Refer to our Master Class on Growing Chinese Cabbage for more information.

Winter (June, July and August)

What herbs, fruit or vegetables will grow in the Tasmanian Winter? These will survive the cold, frost, lack of sunlight and heavy rain:

• Herbs – plant thyme, mint, curry, dill, chives, parsley and sage.
• Fruits & Vegetables – plant asparagus crowns, rhubarb divisions, globe artichokes, potato onions and garlic cloves; sow (in June or August only) broad beans, English spinach, turnips, swedes and broccoli.

Recommendation: Globe Artichokes

Landscaping Hobart recommends planting Artichokes in Winter, especially the hardier variety of Globe artichokes. All they need is well-drained soil to avoid crown rot and so be sure to avoid planting Globe artichokes in wet heavy clay. Aside from tasting delicious, the plant will grow large, flat and bright purple flowers which can be used for decoration indoors.

Refer to our Master Class on Growing Globe Artichokes for more information.

Spring (September, October and November)

What herbs, fruit or vegetables will grow in the Tasmanian Spring? These will thrive in the perfect growing conditions that Spring is known for:

• Herbs – sow basil, dill, mint, oregano, parsley, thyme and sage.
• Fruits & Vegetables – plant strawberries, potatoes, celery, broccoli, lettuce, onion, kohlrabi, peas in September, plant tomato, zucchini, pumpkin and squash in October or November; sow carrot, beetroot, peas, parsnip, zucchini, asparagus, climbing beans and Brussel sprouts.

Recommendation: Strawberries

Landscaping Hobart recommends planting Strawberries in early Spring before the oppressive heat of Summer arrives. The key with Strawberries is to water regularly after planting so that the roots do not dry out before the plant establishes a root system, ensure that the crowns (i.e. the tops of the roots) are at soil level to avoid crown rot, and to choose an open, sunny position for maximum air flow.

Refer to our Master Class on Growing Strawberries for more information.

Need further guidance on planting or sowing your herbs, fruit or veggies in Tasmania? Contact Landscaping Hobart by emailing landscapinghobart@gmail.com or using the Quote page.