Leslie Massey
February in Western Australia is characterised by scorching, dry summers and moderate, wet winters. This unique Mediterranean climate offers a favourable environment for a variety of vegetables. While the summer heat may be challenging for some crops, certain heat-tolerant vegetables can be cultivated. Towards the end of February, as temperatures start to cool, it's a good time to plant avocados, lettuce, silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery. Additionally, basil and lemongrass can be planted to add some herbal flavours to your garden. It's also important to prepare your garden for autumn planting by weeding, mulching, and digging vegetable garden beds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables to plant in February in Western Australia | Silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, lettuce, basil, lemongrass, cabbage |
| Vegetables to avoid planting in February | Herbs (except basil and lemongrass), pumpkins |
| Other tasks | Weeding, topping up mulch on vegetable patches, pruning, preparing garden beds for autumn planting |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetables that thrive in Perth's climate
Perth, Western Australia's capital city, is known for its unique Mediterranean climate, with scorching, dry summers and moderate, wet winters. This creates an environment for a wide variety of veggies and other plants that flourish in such settings.
In February, Perth experiences hot and dry weather, with temperatures frequently topping 30°C. The soil might quickly dry out during this season, necessitating more frequent watering to ensure plant health. It is preferable to cultivate heat-tolerant vegetables during this season. Some options include silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery. Lettuce can also be planted at the end of February, but it should be shaded from the intense sun.
As autumn approaches, Perth experiences cooler temperatures, ranging from 13.7°C to 25.4°C, with more rainfall. The soil remains warm, allowing many vegetables to flourish. This is a good time for planting because the conditions are less harsh than during the peak summer months. Vegetables such as cabbage, which can withstand fluctuating temperatures, are a good choice for autumn planting.
During winter, Perth's temperatures range from 8°C to 18°C, with increased rainfall. While some plants may find it challenging to grow in these conditions, cool-season vegetables thrive. Celery, a high-water-demanding vegetable, does well in Perth's winter when rainfall is higher.
Spring in Perth offers milder temperatures and sporadic rainfall, creating ideal conditions for many vegetables. Sweet potato plants, which thrive in hot weather, are a good choice for Perth's warm spring. Capsicums and chillies, which are warm-weather crops, are also suitable for spring planting.
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Preparing your garden for autumn planting
February in Western Australia is typically characterised by scorching, dry summers and moderate, wet winters. While this unique climate provides an excellent environment for a wide variety of vegetables and plants to flourish, understanding the seasonal changes is essential for gardeners to ensure a good harvest and healthy growing plants.
Know your climate zone
Western Australia, particularly Perth, is known for its Mediterranean climate, which brings a range of seasonal changes. Autumn in Perth sees cooler temperatures ranging from 13.7°C to 25.4°C, along with increased rainfall. This makes it a favourable season for planting, as the conditions are less harsh than the peak summer months.
Prepare the soil
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost, manure, or organic debris, which will encourage strong and healthy plant growth. Well-drained soil is essential, especially for crops like sweet potatoes, capsicums, chillies, and celery.
Choose the right vegetables
Select vegetables that will thrive in the autumn climate. Crops like silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery are good choices for this time of year. If you're planting lettuce, consider providing some shade to protect it from the sun.
Maintain your garden beds
Keep your vegetable garden beds well-maintained by regularly weeding and removing any plant material from finished crops to prevent diseases from setting in. Sunburnt leaves can be left alone for now, as they act as a shield against further sun damage for the healthy growth beneath them. Remove them when the weather cools down.
Pest control
Check your plants for pests like lace bugs and aphids. If present, use bee-friendly insecticides or natural pest control methods, such as hanging DIY sticky traps made with petroleum jelly and yellow cardboard.
Planting tips
When planting in pots or containers, use a premium potting mix suitable for the specific crop's needs. For example, a quality mix formulated for phosphorus-sensitive plants is recommended for winter planting in pots.
By following these steps and adapting to the unique climate of Western Australia, you can effectively prepare your garden for a successful autumn planting season.
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Vegetables to plant at the end of February
February is an unusual time for planting in Western Australia, as it is the end of summer and the start of autumn. The weather is still hot, and it is dry in Perth, the capital. However, there are some vegetables that can be planted at the end of February.
Firstly, it is worth noting that it is a good time to prepare your garden for autumn planting. You can dig your vegetable garden beds and remove dead foliage, but it is best to resist the urge to cut away sunburnt leaves. This is because shrivelled foliage can act as a shield against further sun damage for the healthy growth beneath it. It is also a good time to weed and top up the mulch on your vegetable patches.
In terms of what to plant, there are a few options. You could try planting an avocado tree towards the end of the month. It is also a good time to plant silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower and celery. Lettuce can be planted, but it may need some shade from the sun. You could also try growing basil and lemongrass.
If you are in Perth, cabbage is a good option as it can withstand fluctuating temperatures and is happy in full sun or partial shade. Celery also thrives in Perth's winter and spring when there is more rainfall to meet its high water demands. Root vegetables like parsnips are another option as they flourish in full sun and well-drained soil and can withstand both colder winters and hotter summers.
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Vegetables that grow well in winter
February in Western Australia is the summer, but the weather is moderate compared to the hot and dry summers in Perth, which can frequently see temperatures topping 30°C. The winter in Perth sees more rain and has average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C. This Mediterranean climate is great for growing a wide variety of vegetables, especially cool-season veggies.
Preparing your garden for autumn planting is a good idea in February. You can start by weeding and topping up the mulch on your vegetable patches. You can also dig your veggie garden beds to prepare for planting autumn crops.
Some vegetables that can be planted in February include silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower and celery. Lettuce can also be grown, but it is quite sensitive to the sun, so consider giving it some shade. Basil and lemongrass are herbs that can also be planted in February.
If you are looking to plant in winter, beetroot, cabbage, carrots, lettuce, artichokes, potatoes and peas are some vegetables that grow well in Perth's winter. Celery is another vegetable that thrives in Perth's winter, as it demands a lot of water and the winter sees heavier rainfall. Root vegetables like parsnips can also withstand colder winters.
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Vegetables that grow well in summer
February is an ideal month for planting vegetables in Western Australia, particularly in Perth, the state's capital city, which is known for its scorching, dry summers and moderate, wet winters. This unique Mediterranean climate offers a favourable environment for a wide variety of vegetables and other plants.
Given the hot and dry summer conditions in Perth, it is preferable to cultivate heat-tolerant vegetables during this season. Vegetables that grow well in summer include cabbage, which is a robust vegetable that can withstand Perth's fluctuating temperatures. It enjoys full sun but can also tolerate partial shade during the hottest months. Celery, a high-water-demanding vegetable, also thrives in Perth's winter and spring when rainfall is heavier, but it is essential to maintain soil moisture during the hot summer months. Root vegetables like parsnips are another good option, as they flourish in full sun and well-drained soil, and can withstand both colder winters and hotter summers.
For those looking to plant in February, there are several options to consider. According to a gardening guide for Perth, sweet potato plants thrive in hot weather and are ideal for Perth's warm spring. They should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and provided with regular watering during dry spells. Capsicums and chillies are also warm-weather crops, preferring full sun and rich, well-drained soil, but they can be cold-sensitive, so consider planting them in raised garden beds or containers for improved temperature control.
In addition to the above, February is a good month to plant zucchini, cucumbers, and beans, although there may not be enough time for these crops to fully mature before the weather turns cold. It may also be possible to get a crop of corn in before autumn. For those in southern Australia, it is recommended to seek advice from local community gardeners or nurseries to determine the best plants for the specific region.
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Frequently asked questions
February is a great time to plant vegetables that thrive in warm weather, such as silverbeet, leeks, spring onions, Brussels sprouts, bush beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and celery. You can also try planting heat-tolerant vegetables like capsicums and chillies.
Yes, it is important to keep your plants well-watered due to the warm weather. You should also consider providing shade for sensitive plants like lettuce to protect them from the sun.
Avoid planting herbs other than lemongrass and basil, as it may be too hot for them. Pumpkins may not yield a good harvest before the weather gets colder.
Avocados can be planted towards the end of February.
