How to Grow Vegetables in Western Australia

A variety of vegetables can grow in Western Australia.

The Government of Western Australia's Department of Agriculture and Food lists a number of reasons for homeowners to grow vegetables themselves: home-grown vegetables can be picked at the optimum time for best taste, homeowners can store excess vegetables and the vegetables from a home garden are fresher than those bought in a store. Gardening itself can also be therapeutic and can provide a healthy hobby. Growing vegetables takes attention to detail, including soil selection and planting time.

Things You'll Need

• Vegetable seeds
• Watering can

Instructions

1. Choose a location for your vegetable garden. According to the Government of Western Australia's Department of Agriculture and Food, vegetables should receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Avoid choosing an area that is well-shaded by buildings or trees. Plant taller vegetables at the south end of the garden so that they do not shade other vegetables.

2. Plant warm season vegetables between September and January in the south and between January and August in the north. The Department of Agriculture and Food advises that this planting time will allow for optimal day length and temperature for the plants to thrive.

3. Follow all instructions on seed packets to know the depth at which the vegetables should be planted. In general, most vegetables thrive better when planted shallowly in the soil, with only 1 or 2 inches of soil over top.

4. Water the vegetables every one to three days, depending on the rain. The soil should never dry out between watering. Water gently with an irrigation system or dripping water can; direct strong pressure from a hose can damage vegetables or their seeds. The Department of Agriculture and Food states that watering before 9 a.m. is best for absorption.

5. Apply a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer every two weeks, followed by a good watering session. The Department of Agriculture and Food suggests you apply one handful per square meter of your garden.

6. Remove weeds from around your garden. Weeds compete with your vegetables for water and nutrients. Treat insect infestations as they occur with specialized pesticides or by removing diseased or infected plants before the illness can spread to other vegetables.

Tips & Warnings

• Vegetables can also be grown in greenhouses or as potted plants.

• Soil should maintain an acidity or pH level between 6 and 7. If you are unsure about the pH level of your soil, conduct a soil test or consult an expert at a local gardening center.

References

• Government of Western Australia Department of Agriculture and Food: Growing Vegetables and Herbs in Home Gardens in Western Australia
• Government of Western Australia: How to Start a Vegetable Garden