NZ Hydroponic Planting Guide
What can you grow in your tower this month? Quite a lot, actually!
From fresh lettuce for your lunch to herbs for tonight’s dinner, there’s something to enjoy growing in every season.
We’ve put together this simple NZ planting calendar to help you choose what to grow in your FlowGrow tower throughout the year. Find your month, pick a few favourites and get growing.
Where’s your tower growing?
Your growing spot makes a difference, especially as the seasons change.
Growing outdoors
Follow the seasons, give your tower a sunny, sheltered spot and keep an eye on frost and temperature changes.
Growing indoors
Keep growing year-round with plenty of natural light and comfortable temperatures. A grow light can help when sunshine is in short supply.
A little NZ tip: Spring in Auckland isn’t quite the same as spring in Invercargill. If you’re growing outdoors, let your local weather guide you.
Fresh favourites, whatever the season
Here’s something we love about indoor growing. Your herb garden doesn’t have to pack up for winter.
We’ve been growing parsley, oregano, thyme, chives, coriander and mint in our own indoor FlowGrow tower, and they grow well across the seasons with the right conditions.
Leafy lettuce varieties are another favourite. They’re great for regular picking and can keep producing through winter in a bright indoor spot.
Basil’s a little more particular. It prefers warmth and plenty of light, so spring and summer are when it really comes into its own.
Think of the monthly suggestions as inspiration, not strict planting rules. Indoor light, warmth and your local weather all make a difference.
Jump to a season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Spring | September to November
Longer days, fresh growth and plenty of reasons to get planting.
September
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, rocket, parsley, coriander, chives, mint, oregano and thyme.
Our tip: Still a little chilly outside? A sheltered spot or bright indoor position will help keep things growing.
October
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, rocket, basil, strawberries and compact tomatoes where it’s warm enough.
Our tip: Basil is back! Warmer days and more sunshine make this a lovely time to introduce it to your tower.
November
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, basil, strawberries, compact tomatoes and chillies.
Our tip: Keep picking those greens and herbs. Regular harvesting helps many varieties produce fresh growth.
Summer | December to February
Fresh salads, summer herbs and the occasional strawberry that doesn’t quite make it to the kitchen.
December
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, basil, strawberries, compact tomatoes, chillies and peppers.
Our tip: Keep an extra eye on your tower’s water level as the weather warms, especially outdoors.
January
Good choices: Heat-tolerant leafy lettuce, basil, mint, chives, strawberries, compact tomatoes and chillies.
Our tip: When the summer sun gets a bit enthusiastic, afternoon shade can help protect tender leaves and keep the reservoir cooler.
February
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, rocket, parsley, chives and basil. Coriander is a good option as the heat eases.
Our tip: Refresh tired summer plantings and make room for autumn greens.
Autumn | March to May
Cooler mornings, milder days and a fresh round of leafy favourites.
March
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, rocket, coriander, parsley, dill and chives.
Our tip: As temperatures settle, introduce fresh greens for the cooler months.
April
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, rocket, coriander, parsley, chives, oregano and thyme.
Our tip: Make the most of the milder weather and keep your tower somewhere bright.
May
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, parsley, coriander, chives, mint and thyme.
Our tip: If your outdoor tower is feeling the cold, it might be time to find it a sunny spot inside.
Winter | June to August
Yes, you can still grow fresh food in winter! A bright indoor spot makes all the difference.
June
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, parsley, coriander, chives, oregano and thyme.
Our tip: Find a bright indoor position if outdoor temperatures are too cold. Your tower doesn’t need to take winter off.
July
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, parsley, coriander, chives and mint.
Our tip: Winter growth may be slower. A suitable grow light can lend a hand when sunshine is limited.
August
Good choices: Leafy lettuce, rocket, parsley, coriander, chives, oregano and thyme.
Our tip: Spring is just around the corner. Enjoy those winter greens while planning what to grow next.
And yes, you can grow flowers too!
Who says your tower has to be all about salad?
Primroses, pansies and violas can bring a splash of colour in the cooler months. For warmer weather, consider nasturtiums, calendula and compact marigolds.
Some flowers are edible too, including suitable varieties of violas, pansies, nasturtiums and calendula. Only eat flowers you’ve positively identified as edible and grown without ornamental pesticides or treatments.
Fresh food and flowers in one little corner. What’s not to love?
A few favourites for your FlowGrow tower
Leafy lettuce: A great everyday choice, especially varieties you can pick a few leaves from at a time.
Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, mint, coriander, oregano and thyme are lovely choices for a bright indoor tower. Basil loves the warmer months.
Strawberries: Give them plenty of light and keep the crown above the growing medium.
Compact tomatoes, chillies and peppers: Choose compact varieties and allow enough light, room and support.
Helpful next steps
Keep the ideas growing with these practical guides for your tower.
What can you grow?
Discover more herbs, leafy greens and compact crops that suit a hydroponic tower.
Grow fresh herbs at home
Find simple ways to keep your favourite kitchen herbs growing close by.
Find the right spot
Choose a bright, practical position for your tower indoors or outdoors.
Ready to grow something of your own?
From fresh herbs to colourful flowers, there’s plenty you can grow in a little corner of your home. Find a FlowGrow tower that suits your space and start with what you love.
