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Growing Organic Vegetables in Australia

Growing organic vegetables is becoming more popular here in Australia. Organic products are said to contain more valuable nutrients, minerals and vitamins than pesticide and chemical-laden food. The level of antioxidants and vitamin C are found to be about 50 percent more in organic fruit and vegetables and can assist in improving our immune system. The state of the environment is also a major concern for some Australians; ecological agriculture being one solution to this problem. These are some of the reasons why growing organic vegetables in Australia is becoming increasingly popular. What can be more rewarding than preparing food with veggies from your own garden? You will be able to enjoy healthy organic recipes that you have grown; in the knowledge they are free from chemicals and harmful pesticides.

Australia is located in the southern hemisphere, where seasons are reversed from the northern ones. So, summer is in January and winter in July. One special feature of Australia is the contrast in the weather. Its large size means the continent is divided into four regions with different weather patterns: cool/mountain, temperate, sub-tropical and tropical. For this reason, growing organic vegetables in Australia will depend on the specific cycle of life for each plant. Generally speaking, planting vegetables is on an annual basis, no matter if it is for cool or warm season growth. There are also perpetual plants like: asparagus, rhubarb, globe artichoke that should not be overlooked. These plants will benefit from soil improvement, before they are planted for the first time, because they can grow up to seven years and more. On the other hand, this cycle of annual and perennial planting must be well organized; especially if you intend to plant everything that you want during one year.

Australia is the driest inhabited place on Earth and there are large areas where water usage water is restricted. For this reason, the garden must be water-wise; as saving water is an eco-friendly method of protecting the environment. As plants need water to the roots, do not waste it on the leaves. It is ideal to water the plants in the morning, before the temperature in the air rises too high; in this way, your garden will survive the heat of the day. Another method to save water is to group plants based on their water needs. You may also find alternative sources of water - like systems of collecting rainwater or shower warm-up water. The thirsty gardem vegetables will appreciate this.

To have a healthy organic garden you need to have healthy soil. You can improve its structure with organic compost that you are able to prepare on your own, or you can use a rich bed of leaf mould. This will help the soil keep the nutrients and moisture where  it is needed and your organic vegetables should grow strong in an eco-friendly environment. A method that you can use to keep your plants healthy is by crop rotation.  In this way, the soil will be maintained healthy and diseases will not be transferred from one crop to another.

Growing organic vegetables in Australia may be a challenge in the beginning, but very rewarding once your veggie patch is established.  If you don’t have a big block, you may like to try pots on the patio or small containers on the balcony.  There are plenty of helpful resources to get you started growing organic vegetables.  Happy harvesting!