December Planting & Garden Guide

Vegetables to Plant

1. Sweet Corn
   

   Corn loves long, hot days and grows rapidly in warm soil. Plant in blocks instead of rows, for better pollination. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist and feed it with nitrogen-rich fertiliser during early growth. 

2. Capsicums
   

   These heat loving plants perform well when established and given space to grow. Plant into a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind. Use good quality soil with compost. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertiliser. Remove lower leaves if the foliage becomes dense as this will improve airflow and prevent heat-stress or disease.  

3. Cucumbers
   

   Perfect for the warming climate as they are fast growing and productive if planted now. Choose a sunny location and allow vines to sprawl or provide a trellis for them to climb if space is limited. Prepare soil well with compost and mulch. Water regularly. Pick fruit early and often to keep production high. As summer heats up, check mulch depth and shade where necessary to keep roots cool.

4. Zucchini 

   Zucchini loves heat and can produce prolifically. Make sure to water at the base, not from overhead, as this will prevent a possible mildew build up on the leaves in humid weather. Add compost before planting as zucchini are heavy feeders. Pick when small for the best flavour.

Fruits to Plant

1. Bananas 

   Banana plants will flourish in hot and humid sub-tropical summers. Plant them in rich soil and water heavily. Remove suckers, only leaving 1-2 main steams. Make sure to mulch thickly around the base.

2. Passionfruit
   

   A perfect choice for SEQ’s warm humid conditions. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and install a sturdy trellis or wire for the vine to climb. Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Keep the soil consistently moist while the vine establishes, then water deeply once or twice a week. Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage flowering and fruiting. Prune lightly after fruiting to remove old growth and maintain shape.

3. Rockmelon
   

   They love the heat and will reward you with sweet, juicy fruit in summer if planted now. Choose a full-sun position with plenty of space for vines to sprawl. Work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. Water regularly at the base and mulch heavily to keep the soil cool. Once flowers appear, reduce watering slightly to enhance fruit sweetness. Harvest when the fruit slips easily from the stem and gives off a sweet fragrance.

4. Papaya
   Quick-growing tropical trees ideal for SEQ’s warm climate. Choose a sunny but wind sheltered spot with rich, well-drained soil. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging. Mix compost through the planting hole and mulch well around the base. Water deeply 2-3 times a week while establishing. Fertilise monthly with a balanced organic fertiliser high in nitrogen and potassium. Protect from strong winds and heavy rain when young. For best results plant a few trees to ensure both male and female plants for pollination (unless you get a self-pollinating variety).

Herbs to Plant

1. Basil

   An excellent warm-season herb. Choose a sunny garden bed or pot. Use well-draining soil and plant seedlings or seeds, both will work. Keep the soil moist not soggy. When flower heads appear, pinch them off to keep the plant producing leaves. Feed lightly every few weeks or use a diluted liquid fertiliser to maintain growth.

2. Mint

   Aromatic and great in warm climates, but fast-growing so best kept in a pot to contain it. It needs part to full sun and good draining soil. Keep the soil moist and harvest leaves regularly to keep the plant bushy and vigorous. When it flowers, prune back to encourage fresh leaf growth.

3. Lemongrass

   This tropical herb loves the warmth. Plant it in well-drained soil where it has room to expand. Water regularly until it is established. To harvest it, cut whole stalks at their base.

4. Chives & Spring Onion

   Both of these herbs thrive in warm weather and are easy for beginner gardeners. Plant in clumps for a continual harvest. Make sure to water consistently. Snip leaves from the outside to encourage new growth.