Winter growing without limits

The winter issue of ABC Organic Gardener is all about growing more with less, from making the most of a glasshouse to plants for shady spots!

I’ve had a busy autumn in the garden – planting new additions, topping up beds with compost, and working through the usual cut-back-and-tidy-up tasks. Now winter is settling in, it feels like a natural pause, but also a time to reset and plan ahead for the seasons to come.

One of my favourite winter rituals is getting my small upcycled glasshouse ready for spring seedlings. It’s modest in size, but it’s a productive little space for sowing, potting on and propagating through the colder months. It’s a good reminder that you don’t need a lot of space to keep things growing – just a bit of creativity and intention.

That idea runs right through this winter issue: making the most of what you have, whether it’s extending harvests, protecting crops, tackling problem spots or experimenting with covered growing spaces like glasshouses and bush houses. There’s plenty here to keep you growing, planning and harvesting through winter.

Happy gardening! 🌱

Chloe

Dreaming of a glasshouse? Discover what’s possible in your garden with the article in our latest issue

Jennifer Stackhouse has tasty suggestions to spice up your harvest, from ginger to chillies

Learn all about a native plant that is tough, beautiful and edible – a good choice for a waterwise garden

Plus, ducks – the friendly foragers and egg layers that are a delightful addition to larger gardens

There’s heaps more ideas sprouting in this issue:

Even the shadiest patch can produce an abundant winter harvest with smart crop choices and a few simple tricks, writes Connie Cao.

Basics & beyond: Phil Dudman explains the basics of growing from seed, and how to deal with tricky seeds such as the ones with a hard coat.

The growing trio for this season from Connie Cao’s garden: coriander, calendula and jujube.

Once practical growing structures, bush houses have evolved into calm, leafy retreats that also protect plants. Arno King’s simple tips will get you started on building one in your backyard.

Steve Falcioni explains what to look for and how to stop fungal problems taking hold, as well as how to treat them the organic way.

Justin O’Brien built a glasshouse for his new garden – in this issue he shares with Chloe Thomson what worked, what didn’t and what he’d change.

Eco-friendly travel ideas for Darwin along with Kakadu and Litchfield national parks.

Plus our regular articles:

Harvest: Wintery comfort meets practical weeknight cooking with these recipes from Lucy Tweed’s latest book.
Wintery soup season: Nourishing recipes from Dan Pasquali’s kitchen.
Action: It may not be peak growing time in a winter garden but there’s still lots to do with soil health and winter pruning on the to-do list.
Matters: News and events
Book reviews: Chloe’s favourite new books.
The best of your ABC
Dig, Discover, Grow: Kids share what they love about gardening.
That’s a good idea: An inspiring idea to help reduce fast fashion waste.

Subscribe today!

It’s easy to get a copy of the Winter 2026 issue! You’ll find it in newsagents and selected supermarkets, or you can subscribe here to get an issue delivered to your door!