At the moment it might feel like crazy talk to be thinking of spring. But before we know it, the chill of winter will lift.

If you’re keen on growing your own tucker, you’re in luck. There’s a whole heap of vegetables ready to go in the ground.

For those lovely leafy greens, think lettuce, tatsoi, rocket, spinach, and other Asian greens like bok choy. Perfect for fresh salads as the weather warms! You can also get stuck into cabbage and kale from the brassica family, along with radishes and carrots if root veggies are your thing.

And the list just keeps going for our warmer Riverina climate!

The sources mention peas, beans, beetroot, broccoli, capsicum, cucumber, eggplant, endive, leeks, onions, parsnip, potato, pumpkin, silverbeet, spring onions, squash, sweet corn, sweet potato, zucchini, and rhubarb are all on the cards.

Now, everyone loves a good homegrown tomato, don't they?

The sources advise you can pop your tomato seedlings in after the last frost has well and truly passed, as they’re a bit sensitive to the cold snaps.

But it’s not all about the veggies. If you fancy a bit of colour and cheer in your garden, spring in the Riverina offers some wonderful flower choices too.

Sunflowers always bring a smile, don't they? And Cosmos, Zinnias, Dahlias, and Echinacea are all great picks for lovely spring and summer blooms. Imagine the joy of those bright petals in your yard!

Alright, so you’ve got your list. But what about the nitty-gritty of getting them to thrive in our unique Riverina conditions? The sources highlight that timing is absolutely key.

It's worth paying close attention to that last frost date for your specific area within the Riverina.

You don’t want to be caught out planting those frost-sensitive little ones too early.

Given our Riverina sunshine, it makes good sense to opt for vegetable varieties that are known to handle warmer temperatures.

Especially as our spring tends to roll pretty quickly into proper summer. For folks who love a steady supply of greens, the idea of succession planting is a beauty.

This means planting some vegetables like lettuce in intervals, so you've always got something fresh to pick.

As we move into late spring and early summer, be mindful of the increasing heat. You'll need to adjust your planting and watering accordingly.

For those precious tomatoes, for instance, ucanr.edu suggests that shade cloth can be a real lifesaver when the mercury climbs.

There you have it – plenty to get excited about for your Riverina garden this spring. It's all about enjoying the process and celebrating the bounty that comes from our own patch of dirt. Happy planting!