Growing bushfood with the seasons

Planting according to the season gives your new plants the best possible chance of success. Enthusiastic novices often overlook the seasons, making their first foray into gardening a lot harder (and less satisfying) than it could be.

Developing “nature smarts” applies to adults too, so here are our top bushfood picks for planting right now, along with why we named them our favourites for the season.

Western Australia

In the southwest region of WA, there’s promise of rain though dryness and warmth still dominate. Our favourite picks fare well in the heat, and can tolerate dry days as long as they get water a couple of times a week – perfect for the season of water restrictions!

Youlk (Platysace deflexa)

Also known as “Ravensthorpe Radish”, this native carrot-like vegetable can thrive under dry conditions and low-quality sandy soils. However, for best results in your garden, plant it in a loamy soil and water generously in Summer. Learn more about Youlk.

Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)

A fast-growing shrub to enjoy as a leafy veg or herb. Mature Saltbush tolerates drought and sandy soil, but young plants will struggle to establish in conditions that are too dry and barren. Give your plant the best start with rich and loamy soil that drains easily, and water generously for the first three weeks. Learn more about Old Man Saltbush.

Round Baby Pigface (Disphyma crass. ssp clavellatum)

This saline-tolerant succulent with juicy edible leaves and sweet berry-sized fruit. Once planted, water your Round Baby Pigface well during Summer to keep the leaves green – plants left to dry out will turn pink in the heat. Learn more about Round Baby Pigface.

South Australia

It’s tricky to call out the “best” plants for SA when there are 61 different soil types throughout the state! So we made our recommendations based on flavour. These native edibles are a delight to eat and to cook with, and will bring years of joy if well cared-for in the home garden.

Muntries (Kunzea pomifera)

This is a hardy groundcover plant that bears small berries tasting of spicy apple. A healthy plant grows such dense foliage that it can be used to suppress weeds. This is a low-maintenance species, but for best results, keep the soil moist for two weeks after planting and again from Spring to early Autumn while the plant produces flowers and fruit. Learn more about Muntries.

Midyim Berries (Austromyrtus dulcis)

Midyim is a dense, bushy plant that’s relatively free from pests and diseases. Its berries are white and speckled, grow to roughly the size of small blueberries, and have a sweet gingery flavour. This plant prefers a slightly acidic soil, so add sulphur or some other soil acidifier before planting if you live in an area with alkaline or clay-based soils. Learn more about Midyim Berries.

Jambinu Zest (Chamelaucium “Jambinu Zest”)

A specially bred culinary Geraldton Wax, with edible needle-like leaves and waxy flowers similar in flavour to Lemon Myrtle. This species typically flowers from Winter to Spring, making now the perfect time to plant – this will give your Jambinu Zest plenty of time to establish before the flowering season. Learn more about Jambinu Zest.

Victoria / Tasmania

“Eel season” tends to be hot, dry and rife with red gums and native insects. Our plant picks lean towards hardier species that aren’t so bothered by bugs, that also love the region’s cooler weather in the oncoming months.

Native Oregano (Prostanthera rotundifolia)

Also known as the “Round-leaf Mint Bush”, this native mint was used traditionally to treat headaches and colds. A strongly aromatic herb, Native Oregano is an earthier and slightly tangy substitute for exotic oregano. Grow it in a soil that drains easily and water well in summer. Learn more about Native Oregano.

Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata)

This native evergreen flowers in the Spring, so plant it now to allow for a long establishment and growing period before next season’s blooms. Don’t despair if you can’t find male and female plants to cross-pollinate and produce berries – the leaves are just as peppery as the fruit! Learn more about Mountain Pepper.

Blue Lilly Pilly (Syzygium oleosum)

Lilly Pilly is one of Australia’s most popular native plants, encompassing a vast group of evergreen rainforest species. Blue Lilly Pilly is a fast grower with fruit-scented leaves and crisp purple-blue berries with hints of ginger and lavender. Grow in a rich soil and keep moist throughout the year. Learn more about Blue Lilly Pilly.

Queensland

Many native edibles adore the tropical and subtropical climate, particularly the ones hailing from rainforest biomes. Our recommendations for February & March’s plantings are proud Queensland natives, and will thrive in the warm and damp conditions following storm season, and as the weather starts to dry.

Native Turmeric (Curcuma australasica)

This plant’s tasty rhizome can be used as a local substitute for Asian turmeric, or roasted and eaten as a root vegetable. As we approach the end of the flowering season, Native Turmeric rhizomes gradually go dormant, and can be harvested or transplanted without much hassle. Plant in a rich, freely draining soil in a sunny position, keep dry during dormancy, then water well during the growing season. Learn more about Native Turmeric.

River Mint (Mentha australis)

One of the smaller, more delicate native mints traditionally used as a bushfood, insect repellent, and medicinal herb. It grows in most regions around Australia, and loves shade and boggy soil, but can still thrive in drier and sunnier areas with plenty of water. Like most mints, it grows quickly and needs regular pruning to keep tidy. Learn more about River Mint.

Old Man Saltbush (Atriplex nummularia)

A fast-growing shrub to enjoy as a leafy veg or herb. Mature Saltbush tolerates drought and sandy soil, but young plants will struggle to establish in conditions that are too dry and barren. Give your plant the best start with rich and loamy soil that drains easily, and water generously for the first three weeks. Learn more about Old Man Saltbush.

New South Wales / Australian Capital Territory

We had a hard time picking the best of the bunch here, since so much of our range occurs naturally in this part of Australia. So to celebrate the diversity of the region, we’ve diversified our choices: a unique and noteworthy fruit, a naturally pest-resistant garden gem, and a remarkable herb that packs a flavoursome punch!

Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timorense)

Also known as “Tulip Plum”, this native plum produces fruits that are only edible when ripe. Flowering usually occurs between January and March, but don’t expect many flowers or fruit straight after planting. Focus on giving your Burdekin Plum the best possible start with a long establishment and growing time before the next showy season. Learn more about Burdekin Plum.

Tucker Bush Cherry (Syzygium australe)

A dwarf Lilly Pilly species with in-built pest resistant. Tucker Bush Cherry is a psyllid-resistant variety that tolerates dry conditions and most soil types once established. Plant in a rich, well-drained soil in a full-sun or partly shaded spot. Add a slow-release fertiliser in Spring and mulch well in Summer. Learn more about Tucker Bush Cherry.

Native Thyme (Prostanthera incisa)

Also known as “Cut-leaf Mint Bush”, this species of native mint commonly features in cooking and herbal teas. Native Thyme has a more complex flavour than other Mentha mints – and it’s very strong when used fresh. A little flavouring herb goes a long way! Plant in a freely draining soil to prevent root rot, and water generously during the hot season. Learn more about Native Thyme.