What to plant in December in Melbourne
Plant in punnets
It is too late to raise most summer vegies in punnets because, by the time they are big enough to fruit, the season will be almost over. The following quick growing vegies and herbs are the exception:
- lettuce, rocket, and salad greens
- mustard greens (peppery tasting greens)
- all types of basil, dill, and chamomile.
Plant out seedlings of:
- basil
- beans (in partial shade)
- capsicum and chilli
- celery (needs a huge amount of water)
- cucumber
- eggplant
- lettuce and salad greens
- melon
- pumpkin
- rocket
- silverbeet
- sweet corn
- tomato
- zucchini
Sow seed direct into the soil
Asian greens, beans (in partial shade), beetroot, carrots, parsnip, radish, and potato.
Note about water and cover.
All summer vegies need plenty of water so that they do not go to seed. Water deeply at least twice per week and deeply for several days before any heat wave. Well hydrated plants will not scorch. Cover with shade cloth or fabric to protect fruit from being sunburnt during a heat wave.
For the best site (sun, partial sun, partial shade) in the garden for each vegetable refer to ‘How much sun do my vegies need?’
For preparation refer to ‘Preparing a spring/summer or autumn/winter vegie garden’
For directions for planting in punnets and for soil preparation for direct sowing refer to ‘How to plant seeds in punnets’
Written by Robin Gale-Baker
Hi Robin,
The 2020/21 summer, and probably autumn too, are likely to be hotter than summers and autumns in the past. In view of this, perhaps the planting guides can be changed, and seeds that previously should be planted by the end of spring could now be planted in early summer. For me, this means planting Blue Lake climbing beans in peat pots that can be moved into shade on hot days. Also, I have just transplanted eggplant seedlings from seeds which were planted about six weeks ago. As the season progresses, I will keep an eye on how these late plantings (and transplantings) perform, and let you know.
Regards,
Howard