As May arrives and temperatures continue to cool across New Zealand, it’s the perfect time to shift your gardening focus to winter crops. Whether you're a seasoned green thumb or a beginner looking to make the most of the cooler months, this guide will help you prepare your Vegepod and know exactly what to plant in your region. With a bit of planning, your winter garden can be just as productive and rewarding as your summer harvest!
Regional planting guide for May
New Zealand’s diverse climate zones mean that different regions will have varying planting conditions in May. Here’s a breakdown of the best vegetables and herbs to plant based on where you live:
Auckland / Bay of Plenty / Northland: spinach, coriander, and Asian greens
These northern areas enjoy relatively mild winters, making them ideal for growing quick-growing leafy greens and herbs. Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures, producing tender leaves perfect for salads and sautés. Coriander also prefers cooler conditions and will last longer without bolting. Asian greens such as Pak choy, Tatsoi, and Mizuna grow rapidly and provide an ongoing harvest.
Waikato / Taranaki / Hawke’s Bay: silverbeet, broccoli, and spring onions
These regions experience cooler nights but still benefit from sunny days, perfect for robust winter crops. Silverbeet (also known as Swiss chard) is hardy and productive, offering colourful leaves all season. Broccoli does well when planted now, giving a delicious, nutrient-packed harvest mid-winter. Spring onions are versatile and easy to grow, continuing to mature slowly through the colder months.
Wellington / Nelson / Marlborough: garlic, carrots and beetroot
With a mix of cool temperatures and moderate sunlight, these regions are ideal for root and bulb crops. Garlic should be planted now to establish strong roots before winter – you’ll harvest it in spring or early summer. Carrots and beetroot also thrive in cooler conditions, sweetening with the cold and storing well once picked.
Canterbury / Otago / Southland: leeks, cabbage, and broad beans
In the cooler South Island zones, winter-hardy crops are key. Leeks take a while to mature but develop a rich, sweet flavour in cold soil. Cabbage is a winter staple, great for everything from soups to slaws. Broad beans can be sown now for a spring harvest – they’re cold-tolerant and enrich the soil with nitrogen, making them a great rotational crop.
Soil preparation for winter crops
Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is key to a thriving winter garden. After clearing out any summer crops, take time to refresh your Vegepod’s soil:
· Aerate the soil: Use a hand fork to loosen compacted soil, ensuring good airflow and drainage.
· Add compost: Incorporate well-rotted compost to boost organic matter and improve soil structure.
· Top up nutrients: Mix in a slow-release, organic fertiliser suited to your chosen crops to provide essential nutrients throughout the growing season.
· Check pH: Most winter crops prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0–7.0). Use a soil pH tester and adjust with lime (to raise pH) or sulphur (to lower pH) if needed.
Tips for maximising yields in cooler weather
While winter gardens can be relatively low maintenance, a few simple steps will help ensure strong growth and healthy crops:
- Sunlight: Make sure your Vegepod is positioned in a spot that receives maximum sunlight, at least 4–6 hours per day.
- Watering: Even in cooler weather, your plants still need consistent moisture. The Vegepod’s self-watering system will help maintain optimal soil hydration with minimal effort.
- Mulching: Add a layer of organic mulch (like pea straw or bark fines) to insulate the soil, retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Frost protection: In frost-prone areas, cover young seedlings with Vegepod’s Hothouse Cover on cold nights to prevent damage.
- Pest management: Cooler weather brings fewer pests, but slugs and snails remain active. Use eco-friendly deterrents like crushed eggshells, coffee grounds, or organic pellets to protect your seedlings.
Recipe ideas to inspire your winter harvest
Once your crops start coming in, here are a few tasty and seasonal ways to enjoy your homegrown produce:
- Spinach & feta filo pie: A comforting savoury dish using tender spinach leaves layered with feta and wrapped in crispy filo pastry.
- Cabbage and bacon stir-fry: Quickly sauté sliced cabbage with crispy bacon, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce for a hearty side.
- Carrot & coriander soup: Simmer chopped carrots with onion, garlic and spices, then blend into a smooth, vibrant soup topped with fresh coriander.
- Garlic roast vegetables: Toss beetroot, carrots and parsnip in olive oil and crushed garlic, then roast until caramelised and golden.
- Broad bean & leek risotto: Gently cook leeks and arborio rice together, then stir through blanched broad beans and parmesan for a creamy winter risotto.
Get your winter vegetable garden started with Vegepod
Vegepod’s innovative self-watering garden beds make it simple to maintain a thriving vegetable patch year-round, even through the cooler months.
Whether you’re growing leafy greens, root vegetables, or winter brassicas, a Vegepod provides the perfect environment for success.
With built-in protection, easy maintenance, and water-saving features, you can keep your crops happy through the cold.
Get your garden started with all the essentials for the season ahead.