The summer garden menu is here! It’s the season of growth, so let’s get planting and enjoying fresh produce straight from your patch.
1. Eggplant
Eggplants (Solanum melongena) are small shrubs grown as annuals in cooler climates or short-lived perennials in warmer zones.
Grow: Sow seed directly into containers filled with Rocky Point Seed Raising Mix or plant established seedlings in a full-sun position in the garden or a pot.
Cultural Tips: Prepare soil with ActivGrow Soil Improver and Organic Health Garden Soil before planting. Fertilise every 4–6 weeks with Chicken Manure Pellets and mulch at planting with Lucerne Mulch.
Harvest: Around 12–16 weeks after planting.
Varieties: Black Beauty, Casper, Listada de Gandia, Early Long Purple, Thai Green, Rosa Bianca, Red Ruffle.
Position: Full sun. Watering: Regular. Seed spacing: 45 cm.
2. Chilli
Chillies (Capsicum spp.) are perennials in subtropical/tropical areas, but usually grown as annuals in cooler climates.
Grow: Plant chillies in a hot, full-sun spot with free-draining soil improved with ActivGrow Soil Improver. In pots, use Organic Potting Mix.
Cultural Tips: Give consistent watering, especially during heat. Avoid high-nitrogen fertiliser which promotes leaves instead of fruit.
Harvest: Ready in 10–12 weeks.
Varieties: Jalapeno, Habanero, Tepin, Serrano, Thai, Birdseye, Purple Tiger, Tabasco, Cayenne.
Position: Full sun. Watering: Regular and consistent. Seed spacing: 45 cm.
3. Zucchini
Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo) is a fast, productive summer vegetable, ideal even for beginners.
Grow: Choose full sun. Beds should have generous Rocky Point ActivGrow added. Create mounds spaced 1 m apart.
Cultural Tips: To prevent blossom-end rot apply dolomite at planting and water consistently. Avoid wetting leaves to prevent powdery mildew.
Harvest: Begin picking when fruit appears to encourage more flowering and fruit.
Varieties: Lebanese, Black Beauty, Golden, Cocozelle, Romanesco.
Position: Full sun. Watering: Regular and consistent. Seed depth: 2 cm. Seed spacing: 2 per 1 m.
4. Mulch & feed
Maintaining soil health is crucial on the summer garden menu. Apply a layer of organic mulch to retain moisture and prepare soil with ActivGrow Soil Improver for rich, healthy growth. Regular feeding with optimised fertilisers ensures plants are strong and vital throughout the heat.
5. Pest watch
Pests love the rapid growth of summer. Caterpillars, grasshoppers and sap-sucking insects can quickly invade. Choose organic control options to protect pollinators and beneficial insects that help your garden thrive naturally.
6. Lawn care
Lawns deserve attention too. Watch for lawn grub attacks and treat organically to protect birds. Mow higher in heat, water deeply and less frequently, and consider a summer application of Rocky Points Hose-On Lawn Food or Wetting Agent.
7. Indoor tropicals & plants on the summer garden menu
Don’t forget indoor plants and tropical species. Clean leaves regularly with Plant Foliage Spray, rotate plants for even light, and avoid overwatering. For tropical outdoor interest, try flowering gingers, caladiums or hoyas in a free-draining mix like Coco Pro Potting Mix.
8. Seasonal extras on your summer garden menu
Living Christmas trees, fruit-crop protection and container planting all make this season’s menu diverse. Move living trees to semi-shade after Christmas, hang fruit-fly traps and use fruit exclusion bags to protect soft-skinned crops from pests.
For more inspiration on summer vegetable planting in Australia, visit Sustainable Gardening Australia’s seasonal planting guide
