Grow Your Own Autumn Harvest: Beetroot, Spinach, and Broccoli
Autumn in New Zealand is the perfect time to grow a thriving vegetable garden. In our third post, we’ll again focus on 3 nutritious veggies to plant - beetroot, spinach, and broccoli. These nutrient-rich vegetables are not only easy to grow but also offer a range of health benefits. Here’s how you can successfully cultivate them in your home garden.
Beetroot: A Nutrient Powerhouse
Beetroot is packed with antioxidants, fibre, and essential vitamins such as B6 and C. It promotes heart health, improves digestion, and adds a vibrant colour to salads, juices, and roasts.
Planting Tips:
Soil Preparation: Beetroot thrives in well-drained, loose soil enriched with compost. Avoid heavy clumpy soil as it can hinder root growth.
Sowing: Directly sow seeds 2 cm deep and space them about 10 cm apart. Keep rows around 30 cm apart.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Harvesting: Ready in 8-10 weeks, beetroot can be picked when golf ball-sized for a sweeter taste
Spinach: The Ultimate Superfood
Spinach is an excellent source of iron, calcium, and vitamin K, making it a great addition to a healthy diet. It’s a fast-growing leafy green that thrives in New Zealand’s autumn climate with the right care.
Planting Tips:
Soil Preparation: Spinach prefers fertile, well-draining soil. Dig in compost or organic matter before planting.
Sowing: Plant seeds directly into the garden about 1 cm deep, with 5-10 cm spacing between each plant.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, to prevent bolting (going to seed too early).
Harvesting: Ready in about 6-8 weeks, you can pick outer leaves continuously to encourage new growth.
Broccoli: A Cool-Season Favourite
Broccoli is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a hardy vegetable that thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for autumn planting.
Planting Tips:
Soil Preparation: Broccoli grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Add compost and a balanced fertilizer before planting.
Planting: Space seedlings about 40 cm apart to allow room for growth. Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvesting: Broccoli heads are ready to harvest in about 10-14 weeks. Cut the central head before the florets open, and side shoots will continue to develop for extended harvesting.
Harvesting Tips for Maximum Flavour
Use mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Regularly feed with a balanced fertilizer to encourage strong growth.
Monitor for pests like aphids and caterpillars, using organic methods for control.
With the right care and attention, beetroot, spinach, and broccoli can flourish in your autumn garden, providing you with fresh and nutritious produce straight from your backyard!
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