If you live in Perth, Western Australia, then there’s a fair chance you have access to some garden space. Maybe you even have a back yard or patio area that you can call your own. If so, this article is for you!
With the right gardening know-how and the right conditions in early spring, it’s possible to grow delicious and nutritious crops indoors all year round. However, this means growing your produce during Perth’s hot and dry summer months. During this time of year (June through August), daytime temperatures are often as high as 40°C with humidity dropping rapidly at night. This can be challenging for any vegetable gardener but it is especially so for those who don’t have access to a backyard, roof or other green space outside of their home. Fortunately though, there are plenty of plants that thrive even in limited indoor conditions and here is what you should plant now if you live in Perth:
Cucumber
Cucumbers are a great option for those living in Perth because they can support some of your body’s nutrients that might otherwise be missing from your diet. Moreover, cucumbers are easy to grow and have a high water content. Have you ever been craving something crunchy and cool during the summer? Well, cucumbers are like the best option for satisfying this particular craving. With a little bit of care, you can grow large cucumbers in containers with the help of the right light and water conditions.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a great plant to grow indoors. It doesn’t like the heat but it needs light and moisture, making it perfect for window sills or other indoor spaces. You can grow lettuce from seed and will have fresh greens ready in as little as two weeks.
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb that thrives in the heat. It can be grown indoors during summer and it’s possible to keep some plants outside year round during spring and autumn. This plant has interesting culinary uses as well, so it’s not just good for your breath!
Summer Squash
Summer squash, such as patty pans, are a great option for a vegetable that can handle the heat. A cool-season crop, they grow best in cooler temperatures and with high humidity. They also require minimal attention, and don’t need to be watered as often as other vegetables. If you live in Perth during the summer months, it’s worth growing them indoors!
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the easiest plants to grow indoors during the summer. It does require a lot of light and needs to be watered regularly throughout the growing season. With precise, daily care, broccoli can thrive all year round.
Coleus and Geranium
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These two plants are great for people who want to grow a pot or plant in the window sill, which is all you need to do when growing indoors. Coleus is an annual plant that grows up to 1m tall and it has dark green foliage with dark purple flowers. It’s best used in shady spots and loves organic soil. Geraniums can also be grown as houseplants, but they have a long-lasting habit of producing many stems. They are hardy and easy-to-grow perennials, suitable for any indoor conditions.
Ginger
Ginger is the perfect plant to grow indoors during the hot Perth summer months. It will thrive in a pot and can be cut easily for cooking or healthy snacks, without having to worry about making more space for it. Ginger is quite low maintenance and requires little water, so it leaves you time to focus on other important things like planning your upcoming holiday!
Another reason ginger is a great option for this time of year is because it has some amazing health benefits. Ginger contains a compound called gingerol, which has been shown to stop muscle spasms, aid digestion, reduce pain and fight anxiety. Ginger also has antioxidant properties which means it will help protect you against damage caused by UV light, pollution and harmful free radicals that contribute to skin aging and other health problems.
Endive and Escarole
Endive and escarole are two vegetables that are commonly used in salads. They are grown from the end of summer through to early autumn. Typically, these varieties will grow up to 6-8 inches tall.
Fennel is another vegetable that gets its height from the cold winter months and is perfect for growing indoors. It’s an easy plant to grow as it can be grown in a pot, making it practical for indoor growers with limited space.
You can also try planting some spinach or mizuna which will grow well into the autumn months and can be harvested at different stages throughout the year.
