The best fruits and vegetables to plant in autumn

Did you know that now is the perfect time to start planting your hardy fruits and vegetables? March marks the beginning of autumn, which is an ideal time to plant your cool-weather crops so that they can thrive during winter and blossom during spring. Planting them now means they can establish their roots before the cold snap hits. Whether you have a small backyard footprint, a couple of pots on your balcony, or the luxury of space to work with, now is the time to get those green thumbs planting. 

So, what are the best vegetables to plant in autumn?

Naturally, the ones that can withstand the cooler temperatures and continue growing throughout winter. Here are some of the best vegetables to plant during autumn: 

• Leafy Greens: spinach, silverbeet, lettuce, and kale grow best in autumn and are great nutrient-rich greens for your winter meals.
  
  
• Root Vegetables: carrots, beetroot, radishes, and turnips thrive in cooler weather and are known to taste better when grown in autumn.
  
  
• Brassicas: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts will thrive in autumn and be ready to harvest in late winter or early spring.
  
  
• Herbs: parsley, coriander, and chives flourish in autumn and are great for fresh seasoning all year round.
  
  

And the best fruits to plant in autumn?

Autumn is the perfect time to plant the fruits you'll love eating in the warmer months. Giving them a head start now means their roots will grow strong and produce more sugary goodness!

Here are some top picks:

• Berry Bushes: Strawberries, blueberries and raspberries planted in autumn have time to establish strong root systems before producing fruit next season.
  
  
• Citrus Trees: Lemons, limes and oranges can be planted now, so you can have fresh orange juice and lemonade come summertime! 
  
  
• Feijoas: A favourite in Aotearoa, feijoa trees thrive when planted in autumn and will treat you to delicious fruit in the coming years–it’s a long but rewarding process. 
  
  
• Passionfruit: Planting passionfruit vines now gives them time to settle in before winter, leading to vigorous growth and fruit production in warmer months.

 

More than just fresh produce

Growing your own fruits and vegetables isn’t just about enjoying homegrown goodness—it can also play a role in shaping a more sustainable future. Did you know that organic waste from your garden could one day help produce renewable gas? Decomposing organic waste such as fruit and vegetable scraps, can create biogas which has the potential to replace traditional natural gas and contribute to renewable energy solution.