We’re in the heart of winter and, even though we like to think the Vegepods can withstand anything the seasons throw at it, we know it's on everyone’s minds, ‘how can I keep my plants alive and healthy when it’s freezing outside?!’

If you’re concerned about your plants or just want a tips on how to manage them better this winter, keep reading! We have some pointers, as well as insider knowledge from the ever-amazing Angus Stewart of gardeningwithangus.com.au.

Consider the Vegepod’s Position

Reposting: Hannah Ford

The sun changes as the seasons do, so re-evaluate where you’ve placed your Vegepod. Is it north facing? Does it now sit in shadows for longer periods? If yes, you'll want to wiggle and shimmy your small and medium Vegepods over to a new area with maximum sun exposure, or simply wheel them into place if you have one of our trolleys.

Alternatively, if you have a large Vegepod, you may need to remove some of the soil from it first to get it easily relocated.

Change Your Watering Habits

Reposting: @farmtoyouma

If you are growing winter plants they'll need a lot of water despite the weather. Why? Because rapidly growing plants need lots of water - no matter what the season. But, if you are just trying to maintain year-round plants during winter (e.g., long-term plants such as mint, thyme, and oregano) try reducing the amount of water they get. The sun is out less and its likely raining more frequently, meaning the soil will stay wetter for longer. You don’t want your plant roots rotting because of bogged-down topsoil.

In fact, if you are just trying to maintain your spring/summer plants, and it's raining all winter, we recommend not watering them at all! Unless they are wilting, leave them be.  

Aerate Your Soil

We’ve written a blog ‘How to Rejuvenate Your Vegepod's Soil’ for when your soil is looking old and stale, however, in winter time, if it’s raining, it’s more than likely that your soil is getting compacted. If this is the case, you may want to poke some holes in your soil or turn it over at intervals, to let oxygen and good bugs crawl in. Worms are good at doing this naturally, so add some in any time! The blog ‘International Compost Awareness Week: 3 Ways to Compost With Angus Stewart’ show's you how to add worms to your raised garden bed.

Angus's Tips

Foliar Feed Your Plants

"Once a week use a watering can of dilute worm juice or an organic liquid fertiliser, such as Gogo Juice (Neutrog) or Powerfeed (Seasol)."

Heat Retention

"Make sure the cover is on at all times to maximise the retention of heat under the cover. Alternatively, use plastic or the winter propagation cover to create a hothouse effect.”

Choose Winter Plants

"For winter, try to choose plants specialised for winter growth such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and peas."

See our blog 'Winter Growth Tips' and 'How To Grow Autumn/Winter Veggies in A Raised Garden Bed' for how to grow winter plants.  

We hope this helps anyone worrying about their plants during the winter season. Good luck, as always, and happy planting! If you love Angus's gardening tips, you can find more of his words of wisdom in blogs such as, 'What Growing Mix Should I Use For My Raised Garden Bed' and 'The Many Uses of Vegepod's Winter Propagation Cover'.