Vegetables & Herbs you can grow in the Top End

Here’s a list of vegetables and herbs that thrive in the tropical climate of Darwin, NT:

Vegetables:

1. Asian Greens: Bok choy, pak choy, Chinese cabbage, kangkong (water spinach), and choy sum.
2. Leafy Greens: Spinach (tropical varieties like Malabar spinach), rocket, and amaranth.
3. Root Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, cassava, taro, and radishes.
4. Fruiting Vegetables: Tomatoes (cherry and Roma varieties), cucumbers, eggplants, capsicums, and chillies.
5. Beans: Snake beans, winged beans, and bush beans.
6. Pumpkins and Gourds: Butternut pumpkins, zucchini, luffa, and bitter melon.
7. Corn: Sweet corn does well, especially during the dry season.
8. Okra: Grows easily in Darwin's warm climate.
9. Melons: Rockmelon, watermelon, and honeydew.

Herbs:

1. Basil: Thai basil and sweet basil thrive year-round.
2. Mint: Best grown in pots to prevent spreading.
3. Lemongrass: Perfect for Darwin’s tropical conditions.
4. Coriander: Grows best during the cooler dry season.
5. Chives: Garlic chives and regular chives grow well.
6. Parsley: Both curly and flat-leaf varieties.
7. Turmeric and Ginger: Thrive in the wet season.
8. Oregano: Adaptable and hardy in Darwin’s climate.
9. Chillies: Great as both a herb and a fruiting vegetable.
10. Vietnamese Mint: Perfect for the humid conditions.

Best Planting Seasons:

• Wet Season (November to April): Focus on fast-growing crops like Asian greens, cucumbers, and snake beans.
• Dry Season (May to October): This cooler period is ideal for tomatoes, chillies, and leafy greens.

With the right planning, Darwin's tropical climate allows for year-round gardening success! 🌱