Planting during the autumn months allows enough time to for plants to establish a root system before the active growth period of spring begins. 

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Some vegetables need a deep root system. These are cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, silverbeet, potatoes, garlic and leek. Get ahead and plant these now to give them time to establish. It’s also a great time to plant out your favourite winter vegetables. 

Often the best way to plan out a vegetable garden or patch is to first make a list of what you regularly eat, along with others that you enjoy but may not eat as often, and plant accordingly. 

Parsley is great to grow in the cooler months as it doesn’t require a lot of heat to grow well. 

In temperate or cool zones make the time to harvest the last of the summer crop of basil and make pesto or store frozen in ice cube trays ready to add to pasta or soups. 

Stick to perennial basil outdoors through the cooler months, or try a pot full of basil on a sunny windowsill indoors. 

Sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram and oregano will benefit from a trim back around this time of year. Bunch and tie the trimmings and hang them upside down in a cool dry place to use later in the kitchen or as natural room fresheners.

Feed vegetable plants with a good organic feed or dynamic lifter to promote new growth ready to harvest fresh and add to warming winter meals. 

The time is right for planting flowering bulbs now and will give a really bright start to your spring garden. 

And it doesn’t have to be as tricky as you think.

Tulips, daffodils and hyacinths can be planted in pots and left outside until they begin to flower, or be placed in a garden bed. 

Bulbs will flower at least once and are an inexpensive way to add some colour to your garden after the winter months. 

Bulbs should be planted in March or April in cooler regions, but can be delayed in warmer areas until May. 

Plant the bulbs pointed end up, ensure each bulb is planted twice as deep as the bulb is wide and the same distance apart, choose a sunny spot and make sure you water regularly. 

Don’t just plant one bulb. 

The more you plant the better the result; aim to plant in drifts throughout garden beds for a stunning lift of colour. You can use just one type of bulb and one colour, or mix things up and be as adventurous as you like.