Woolworths supermarket Discovery Garden: The big planting mistake you need to avoid

Woolworths Discovery Garden series is in full swing, with thousands of people, big and small, collecting free plants when they go shopping.

However, one green-thumbed fan has made a discovery - that may be obvious for some and news for others.

The advice was shared by a Facebook community group, Plastic-free Brisbane.

The huge Woolworths Discovery Garden planting mistake you could be making

"Some words of advice on the seeds from Woolworths Discovery Garden. DON’T do what we did - which is get a mad rush of blood to the head and start planting every single seed as soon as you get them!" read the post.

It went on to explain that all seeds have different growing seasons, so little (and big) growers will have to exercise some patience when collecting.

They, too, had made the mistake, confessing: "The kale seeds we planted last week, for example, are meant to be sown late summer to early winter."

Many were shocked at the advice, conceding they had rushed to plant their seedlings as soon as they'd returned home from the supermarket.

"Oh crap I just did all mine without even thinking," said one local.

"Oops been doing them as I get them," and another.

One man did admit the growing season is a crucial element of the series, which teaches people "that food is not there all year round".

Growing seasons

Basil: Spring to summer, sunny spot, 8 weeks to harvest
Beetroot: Late winter to autumn, sunny spot, 10 weeks to harvest
Bok Choy: Spring to autumn, warm, sunny spot, 8-10 weeks to harvest
Cabbage: Summer to autumn, sunny spot, 10-12 weeks to harvest
Carrot: All year round, open and airy spot, 12-14 weeks to harvest
Chamomile: Spring to early summer, part shade part sun, 4-5 weeks to harvest
Chives: Spring to autumn, sunny spot and moist, rich soil, 12 weeks to harvest
Coriander: Spring to summer, part shake with 3-4 hours of sunlight daily, 8 weeks to harvest
Cress: Any season, full sun to part shade, 2-3 weeks to harvest
Dianthus: Spring to autumn, sunny spot, 20 weeks to harvest
Dill: Spring to autumn, sunny spot sheltered from wind, 10 weeks to harvest
Kale: Late summer to winter, sunny spot and soil with organic content, 8-10 weeks to harvest
Lettuce: Late winter to autumn, rich soil and part shade, 8-12 weeks harvest
Onion: Autumn to winter, open and sunny position, 24-30 weeks to harvest
Oregano: Spring to autumn, part shade particularly in the afternoon, 8 weeks to harvest
Pansy: Mid summer to autumn, part to full sun, 16 weeks to harvest
Parsley: Spring to autumn, sunny spot, 12 weeks to harvest
Radish: Any reason, part to full sunlight, 12-14 weeks to harvest
Rocket: Any season, likes part to full sun, 14-16 weeks to harvest
Snapdragon: Spring to autumn, sunny spot, 16 weeks to harvest
Spinach: Late summer to winter, full sun to light shade, 8-10 weeks to harvest
Thyme: Autumn and early spring, plenty of sun, 12 weeks to harvest
Tomato: Early spring to summer, sheltered with lots of sun, 16-18 weeks
Viola: Mid summer to autumn, part to full sun, 14 weeks to harvest

A full planting guide is available on the Woolworths website.

This story was first published on 7News.

Amy Sinclair

Amy Sinclair is the editor of New Idea Food. She is a former weekly magazine editor who loves all things food, cooking and eating - especially the eating! When she's not looking after her three children, you'll find her in the kitchen or busily hiding online shopping purchases from her husband.