As winter settles in, many Kiwi gardeners mistakenly think it’s time to take a break. But June is full of potential when it comes to growing cool-season crops, especially when using a Vegepod! Our raised, self-watering garden beds make it easy to keep your veggie patch productive, even through the colder months.
In this month’s planting guide, we break down the best vegetables and herbs to grow in June across New Zealand’s climate zones, provide tips for making the most of winter conditions in your Vegepod, and share delicious seasonal recipes using your homegrown produce.
Understanding winter planting zones in New Zealand
New Zealand’s climates vary from subtropical in the north to alpine in the south. Thankfully, Vegepod makes it easier to garden in every region by creating a protected, temperate microclimate inside your bed. Here’s how to tailor your June planting by region:
What to grow in June in your region
Auckland | Bay of Plenty | Northland
Asian greens, spring onions, and coriander. These northern regions have milder winters, so you can grow fast-growing greens and herbs with confidence.
Asian greens like bok choy and tatsoi thrive in the cooler months and grow rapidly. Spring onions are hardy and a great pick-and-use crop. Coriander prefers the cooler weather and won’t bolt as easily in winter.
Winter recipe idea: Stir-fried Asian greens with coriander and spring onion. Quickly fry chopped greens in sesame oil, add coriander and spring onions, and finish with a splash of soy sauce and lime juice for a zesty side dish.
Wellington | Taranaki | Hawke's Bay
Kale, silver beet, and beetroot. Cooler coastal areas are great for leafy greens and root crops with a bit of chill tolerance.
Kale loves cool weather and becomes sweeter after a light frost. Silver beet grows steadily through winter and is very low maintenance. Beetroot prefers cooler temps and will reward patient gardeners with rich, earthy flavour.
Winter recipe idea: Roasted beetroot and silver beet salad. Roast beetroot with olive oil and thyme. Toss with lightly wilted silver beet, goat cheese, and walnuts for a hearty warm salad.
Canterbury, Otago, and Southland
Cabbage, garlic, and onions. Southern regions face the harshest winters, making frost-tolerant crops ideal.
Cabbage grows best in full sun and crisp air, and is perfect for winter stews and stir-fries. Garlic thrives with a long, cold growing period. Plant individual cloves now for a late spring harvest. Onions need loose, well-draining soil and benefit from the slow, cool growth period.
Winter recipe idea: Garlic and onion soup with shredded cabbage. Saute onions and garlic in butter, add vegetable stock and shredded cabbage. Simmer until soft and season well - perfect with crusty bread on a cold night.
Tips for maximising winter growth in your Vegepod
Even in winter, your Vegepod can be a powerhouse of production if you set it up for seasonal success. Here’s how:
● Use the Hothouse Cover: This PVC winter cover traps warmth and humidity, protecting your crops from frost and cold winds. Perfect for southern zones or inland chill.
● Adjust watering: Your self-watering Vegepod doesn’t need frequent top-ups in winter. Check the reservoir weekly, but avoid overwatering.
● Sunlight matters: Place your Vegepod in a sunny, north-facing spot where it can soak up the limited winter light – ideally 4–6 hours per day.
● Fertilise sparingly: Winter growth is slower, so use a low-nitrogen fertiliser once a month to keep plants nourished without overloading them.
● Mulch: Add a layer of sugarcane or pea straw to help regulate temperature and retain soil moisture.
Why Vegepod makes winter gardening easy
Traditional gardens can be tricky in winter. Cold soil, frost, pests, and poor drainage often lead to stunted growth. Vegepod solves these problems with:
● Self-watering wicking reservoirs, keeping your plants hydrated without waterlogging.
● Protective canopies that shield crops from wind, rain, and pests.
● Raised beds that stay warmer and make harvesting and maintenance easier on your back.
Whether you're a new gardener or a seasoned grow-your-own enthusiast, Vegepod takes the guesswork out of winter gardening.
Want to get growing? Explore Vegepod’s full range of raised garden beds and accessories to start growing your winter crops the easy, sustainable way.