There is a big range of interesting and delicious drought tolerant plants that we can grow in Sydney. We have been growing drought tolerant crops all over the world for a long time, and you are probably already growing some, like common Mediterranean herbs and most varieties of tomatoes, especially cherry tomatoes.
There are also a variety of plants you might consider weeds that are food crops in many other countries, like dandelion, purslane and burdock. Many decorative sedum succulents are also edible (possums and rabbits agree!)
Most of these plants will need regular watering when young, but once established will survive long periods with little or no water. You do still need to boost their chances of survival by ensuring good soil, well mulched, and perhaps shade cloth on those especially hot and windy days. Check out our blog on drought-proofing gardens on our website. Here’s just a few ideas for drought-resistant crops:
Fruits
- Pomegranates
- Grapes
- Eggplant
- Okra
- Tomatoes
- Prickly pear – the fruit and the pads are edible if you can deal with prickles!
Leaves and stems
- Asparagus
- Artichoke
- Swizz chard
- Mustard greens
- Chicory
Roots
- Jerusalem artichoke
- Sweet potato
- Burdock
Legumes
- Chick pea
- Black-eyed beans or cowpea
- Broad beans
Herbs
- Classic Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano and thyme
- Amaranth
- Garlic chives
