Carrots planted out now will be available for harvesting between April and May. Carrot seeds are best sown directly in rows at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. As carrot seeds are rather fine, mixing them with some fine sand will help to obtain a more even distribution of seeds in the soil. While they are a hardy vegetable, carrots grow better when the ground has not been over fertilised as this can cause the roots of the plants to split.

Cucumbers are best raised from seed that has been planted directly into the garden bed. Some varieties of cucumbers like to climb over a framework while other varieties grow as bushes. Growing plants over a trellis or framework will save space in the vegetable garden. Harvesting should be possible from April. Humid weather can lead to fungal diseases, particularly powdery mildew. This will become apparent as a fine white powdery covering on the leaves. Equal quantities of water and fat-free milk can be mixed together to form a spray, or commercially available products are also available.

Parsnips are more of an old-fashioned vegetable that is valuable for inclusion in winter stews, although they are also most suitable for roasting and including in a traditional roast dinner. Their seeds are similar to carrots and, as for carrots, mixing the seed with sand will help achieve an even distribution. Seeds should be sown direct into the garden bed. They will be available for harvesting in June.

Silver beet seeds should be sown directly into garden beds. The edible, dark-green, glossy leaves, with wide white or cream stalks are produced over a long period, starting in March. 

Silver beet is reasonably heat and frost tolerant and grows well in most soils. However, soil that has had compost or well-rotted manure added to it will result in plants with prolific growth. As with most vegetables, regular harvesting will prolong the productive life of the plants.

Dwarf (French) beans are easy to grow. The individual seeds, which are reasonably large, should be sown at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seeds. Bean seeds are traditionally sown in rows, although, if the garden area allows it, they can be broadcast (spread) over the garden bed. They can then be covered with soil, potting mix or compost. The soil should then be firmed down with the back of a spade. 

Once they emerge from the soil, the young plants should be kept watered. Young beans should be picked regularly in order to encourage new flowers and continuous cropping. Protect the very young beans from slugs and snails.

Summer time is a period in which to enjoy the fragrance of a variety of flowering plants and vines. Some of the more common varieties include gardenias and murrayas, but there are some lesser-known plants that also give pleasure from their flowers.

Heliotropium arborescens is commonly known as Cherry Pie. This small, evergreen shrub produces masses of deep purple flowers that have a strong, vanilla-like fragrance, which is most attractive. It often fills the surrounding area. Plants grow to about 1 metre in height. Heliotropium, placed in a position of full sun to semi-shade, can be grown as a hedge as well as a shrub. Heliotropium arborescens aurea is a variety with lime green / yellow leaves and paler flowers.

Summer jasmine, Jasminum azoricum, is one of the lesser known varieties of jasmine. Unlike the spring flowering jasmine, Jasminum polyanthum, which only flowers in spring, the summer jasmine has an extended period of flowering. It produces similar star-shaped flowers which are sweetly scented, although not as heavily-scented as the spring flowering jasmine. Also unlike the spring jasmine, which often becomes invasive with its long, twining tendrils, jasminum azoricum can be grown as a shrub or climber. It is suitable to grow in a variety of climatic conditions, including areas of heavy frost.

Rangoon creeper, quisqualis indica, requires a position that is generally frost-free, although it will tolerate periods of colder weather. Quisqualis requires some form of support for its extended tendrils, although these do not become constricting as is the case with some climbers. The drooping spikes of flowers can be displayed to the best advantage. Fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers emerge white and then gradually darken to pink and then red as they age. The leaves are mid to dark green and somewhat rough in texture. Plants can be pruned quite hard.

One of the newer vegetables that is available in different garden centres is climbing spinach. Climbing spinach is also known as Indian spinach or Ceylon spinach.

It is a perennial vine that is grown for its edible leaves and shoots, producing green stems and dark green leaves. A trellis or other form of support will be required.

Climbing spinach can be used raw, particularly in green salads, or served as a cooked vegetable.