Garden Therapy: How I use Gardening as a Mood Boost!

Winter can sometimes feel dull and unproductive for me, like everything is in a rut. Do you know the feeling?

However, I've discovered that doing small tasks in the garden brings me a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment. Rather than pressuring myself with a long to-do list, I approach it with a simple mindset which gives me a sense of fulfilment. Just simply by pruning and tidying up the soil, it will kickstart my joy for gardening.

I keep my time commitment short, around 15 minutes, and as I immerse myself in the activity, I often find myself enjoying it more. It's important for me not to overextend myself.

As I stumbled upon a newfound love dabbling in mini missions in gardening that brings me so much happiness and peace. I can't wait to nurture my little 'babies' every now and then. And believe it or not, don't laugh, I’ll devour them once they're all grown up! Yep, I'm talking about raising veggies during the cold season for a bountiful spring and summer harvest.

Alrighty, then! I'm ready to rock 'n' roll! I found some pointers here, but hey, let's keep those expectations chill. Remember, we are not trying to juggle more than we can handle. As the wise ones say, don't go biting off more than you can chew!

In Perth, Western Australia's mild winters provide an excellent opportunity to grow a variety of winter vegetables.

1. Broccoli: This cool-season crop thrives in Perth's winter climate. It's nutritious and can be harvested over several weeks.

2. Cauliflower: Another great choice for winter gardening, cauliflower prefers the cooler temperatures and can produce large, healthy heads.

3. Cabbage: Cabbage varieties grow well in winter and are relatively easy to care for.

4. Kale: Kale is hardy and can tolerate cold weather, making it an ideal winter vegetable. It’s also highly nutritious.

5. Spinach: Spinach grows quickly and can be harvested multiple times over the winter season.

6. Lettuce: Many varieties of lettuce thrive in cooler weather. They grow quickly and can be harvested as needed.

7. Brussels Sprouts: These plants take a bit longer to mature, but they do well in the cooler months and can be harvested in late winter.

8. Beetroot: Beets are a versatile root vegetable that grows well in winter. Both the root and the leaves are edible.

9. Carrots: Carrots can be planted in late winter for a spring harvest. They require well-drained soil and consistent moisture.

10. Leeks: Leeks are hardy and can withstand colder temperatures. They require a long growing season, so planting in late autumn ensures a good winter harvest.

11. Garlic: Planting garlic cloves in winter allows them to establish roots and be ready for harvesting in late spring to early summer.

12. Broad Beans: These beans are perfect for winter sowing and can provide a good yield in cooler weather.
    

Tips for Growing Winter Vegetables in Perth

• Soil Preparation: Ensure your soil is well-drained and rich in organic matter. Adding compost before planting can improve soil fertility.

• Planting Time: Start planting your winter vegetables in late autumn to early winter to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.

• Frost Protection: While Perth winters are mild, occasional frost can occur. Protect young plants with cloches or frost covers if necessary.

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture levels, but be cautious not to overwater as wet conditions can lead to root rot.

• Mulching: Use mulch to help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

By selecting the right winter vegetables and following these tips, you can enjoy a productive and rewarding winter gardening season in Perth.