---
title: On the menu this winter 2021!
description: Winter is a tasty time in the garden - get on board with our winter menu picks!
---

[Our Blog | Rocky Point](https://blog.rockypoint.com.au)

# [On the menu this winter 2021!](https://blog.rockypoint.com.au/on-the-menu-this-winter)

 Written by [Rocky Point](https://blog.rockypoint.com.au/author/rachelle) | Jul 27, 2021 8:00:00 PM

Winter is no time to settle down when it comes to growing produce.

Here are our top 3 picks for your winter garden menu!

### Asparagus (*Asparagus officinalis)*

Plant: Asparagus crowns autumn to winter or plant anytime.

Grow: All climate zones but not as productive in warmer climates. Asparagus is a long-lived perennial edible to 1m that will clump out over time. Sunny location.

Cultural tips: Soil must have good levels of organic matter and be free draining. Fertilise throughout the growing season.

Harvest: Avoid harvesting the spears for the first 2 years. This allows strong growth and a better, bigger harvest in future seasons. Note: you will need to allow some spears to grow and produce ferny growth to help feed the crown when the plant dies down in winter.

### Jerusalem Artichokes (*Helianthus tuberous)*

Plant: Tubers from autumn, winter and spring.

Grow: These herbaceous perennials will grow happily in all climates except the tropics. The plants are fast growing and will reach a height of 1.5m+ and produce yellow sunflower like flowers. If you want larger tubers you are best to cut these flowers off at the bud stage.

Cultural Tips: Full sun. They are very hardy and grow in most soil types except waterlogged. They will benefit from the addition of organic matter such as [Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver](https://rockypoint.com.au/products/activgrow/) at planting. They can also be grown in pots.

Harvest: Tubers will be ready to harvest 5 months after planting. They are approximately 5cm in width and 10cm in length. You need to cook them, either roasted, steamed or boiled.   
Eat as you would potatoes.

### Turnip (*Brassica rapa)*

Plant: Autumn and winter. Turnips are a root-crop and are best grown from directly sowing seed in the garden or pots.

Grow: Turnips are a biennial grown as an annual in all climates. They are grown for their edible white roots and are similar in size and shape to a beetroot.

Cultural Tips: Full sun in free draining soil with a pH of 6-7. Good levels of organic matter such as [ActivGrow Soil Improver](https://rockypoint.com.au/products/activgrow/)should be incorporated into the soil before planting. Avoid animal manures or heavy soils, as this will cause the turnip roots to fork.

Harvest: Salad turnip varieties can be optimally harvested in 4-6 weeks. Larger varieties such as, ‘Purple Top White Globe’ will take around 8-10 weeks. To prepare, peel the tubers and either steam, boil, roast or mash. You can also eat the young foliage.

*Looking for more great gardening info like this? Subscribe to the [Better Earth Program ](https://rockypoint.com.au/better-earth-program/)to receive Better Earth Secrets Magazine direct to your inbox each season.*

[View full post](https://blog.rockypoint.com.au/on-the-menu-this-winter)

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