The Urban Patch

December in Melbourne means weather whiplash: we’ve just had a couple of mid-to-high 30 degree scorchers – only for the city to drop back to high teens by the weekend. Your veggie patch might be feeling the shock, but don’t worry. With a little TLC, you can transition smoothly from spring growth into a thriving summer garden.

🌿 Spring → Summer Tasks

• Clear Out Spring Crops – Harvest the last of your lettuce, peas, spinach, and any bolting greens. Old leaves can host pests and diseases, so clean-up now saves headaches later.
• Soil Boost – Add compost, aged manure, or organic fertiliser. Summer crops are hungry after Melbourne’s heat spikes, and a rich soil will keep them productive.
• Mulching – Apply straw, pea straw, or sugarcane mulch to lock in moisture and keep weeds down. Bonus: it helps your soil survive sudden heat waves without losing its cool.

🌱 What to Plant

Summer loves warmth, so now’s the peak time for:

• Tomatoes – Cherry, roma, or heirloom varieties.
• Zucchinis & Cucumbers – Fast-growing and rewarding.
• Capsicum & Eggplant – Thrive in sunny spots.
• Basil, Coriander & Other Herbs – Perfect for fresh summer salads.

Pro tip: stagger planting dates to ensure continuous harvests and avoid the “all at once” panic when everything suddenly fruits at the same time.

📍 Where to Plant

• Sun Exposure – Most summer crops need 6+ hours of sun daily. After recent heatwaves, consider partial shade in the harsh afternoon for tender crops.
• Space – Give sprawling plants like zucchinis and cucumbers enough room to spread. Crowding leads to disease and grumpy vegetables.
• Soil – Warm, well-draining soil is key. Raised beds or mounded rows can help crops like tomatoes and eggplants thrive. Large pots will do the trick just as well!

💧 Summer Transition Care

• Watering – Deep, early-morning watering keeps roots hydrated and reduces stress during heat spikes.
• Feeding – Use liquid fertiliser every 2–3 weeks or top-dress with compost to keep hungry summer crops happy.
• Harvesting – Regular picking encourages more fruiting. Don’t let zucchinis or cukes get “giant” overnight – they can also get bitter if they grow too large!

😱 Summer Pests & Problems (and How to Fix Them)

• Aphids & Whiteflies – Blast with soapy water, hand-pick, or invite ladybirds over for dinner.
• Snails & Slugs – Beer traps, crushed eggshells, or hand collection.
• Heat Stress – Wilting or sunburnt leaves? Temporary shade cloth or light watering on leaves can help.
• Nutrient Deficiency – Yellowing leaves after a heat spike? Top up with compost or liquid feed.

💡 My Urban Patch Take

An Australian summer is a rollercoaster, but your patch doesn’t have to ride alone. With spring crops cleared, soil enriched, new summer plants in place, and a bit of flexible care for watering and feeding, your garden can thrive no matter what the weather does.

Expect juicy tomatoes, cukes galore, and herbs that survive the heatwave-cooldown shuffle. Gardening isn’t about perfection – it’s about observation, resilience, and laughing at the occasional “oops, everything bolted at once” moment.

So grab your hat, fire up the garden hose, and enjoy the unpredictably fabulous summer that is Melbourne. 🌞