Spring is a time of new growth. It’s when nature comes alive — and so your garden should be no exception!
If you’re wondering which vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs to sow in spring, we’ve got you covered.
This planting guide lists everything you can plant in spring in Australia, so get ready to turn your gardener’s mode on.
When is Spring in Australia?
If you’re from overseas (or you’re just forgetful!), spring in Australia spans from September through November.
The days get longer, the temperatures warmer, and the soil more inviting – making it an ideal time for planting various vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers.
The Best Time to Plant in Spring
In general, it’s best to wait until after the last frost date to plant anything outside.
If you live in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, or Sydney, it rarely frosts and you are good to go as soon as temperatures start warming up.
If you live in Canberra, Hobart, or more regional cities such as Ballarat or Toowoomba, the last frost date is typically late September or early October. Start planting your seeds or seedlings indoors 6-8 weeks prior.
Here’s a brief overview of planting time by region:
- Northern Australia: In the tropical north, where spring arrives early, you can start planting as early as September since temperatures rise quickly, providing the warmth many plants need to thrive.
- Southern Australia: In the cooler southern regions, it’s best to wait until the danger of frost has passed, which is usually late September or early October.
- Central Australia: In arid inland areas, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, try to wait for consistent warmth and choose drought-resistant plant varieties.
Preparing Soil for Planting Spring Vegetables and Flowers
Start by giving your soil a good airing out.
Loosen the top few inches with a spade or fork, then use a rake to level things off. You want your garden beds to be nice and loose so that roots can easily penetrate the soil.
Once you’ve got your garden bed prepped, it’s time to add some organic matter, such as compost, manure, or peat moss.
Mix it in well with the existing soil, then you’re ready to start planting. Just remember to give your plants enough space to spread their roots.
What to Grow in Spring in Australia
Whether you have a small backyard plot or a larger garden space, you’ll have lots of planting options during spring ‘thyme’.
Here’s a detailed look at the best plants to grow in spring:
Fruits to grow in spring
Spring is the perfect time to plant many simple fruits, including avocados, bananas, blueberries, and melons.
Let’s peel back the details and take a closer look at the fruit you can plant during this season:
Avocados
The warm and humid conditions of spring in locations like Brisbane are perfect for planting avocado trees.
Whether you’re going for the creamy Hass variety or the large, buttery Reed avocados, spring is the time to get them planted in the ground or in large pots.
You’ll avo good chance of a great harvest!
Bananas
This fruit is known for its rich potassium and sweet taste, which can make you go bananas.
Bananas thrive in warm, humid climates, such as Tropical North Queensland and the Top End of the Northern Territory.
It’s important to note that they need a fair bit of space to grow in order to produce nice crops.
Berries
We all know how precious strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are, especially in the supermarket. Why not grow them on your own? Spring is just the right time to plant them.
Just make sure to provide them with well-drained soil (especially when grown in pots) and full sun to expect berry sweet fruits come summertime!
Citrus Trees
Citrus trees, including oranges, lemons, and limes, are a great option for people who like to make their own cocktails or mocktails.
Just plant them in well-draining soil and ensure they get plenty of sunlight to flourish.
Melons
Rockmelons, watermelons, and honeydews are some of the best fruits to sow in spring for a summer harvest.
Get ready for a juicy, sweet, refreshing treat when the weather starts to heat up!
Papayas
Papayas are another tropical fruit that does well in the warmer parts of Australia, such as Cairns.
Spring planting gives them a good start to develop and produce fruit by summer, giving you something to look forward to — a papaya paradise in your own backyard.
Passionfruit
Passionfruit gives you that juicy, sweet-tart flavour that gets you passionate to get everything done for the day. Plus, its vigorous vine adds a tropical twist to your garden bounty.
Plant your passionfruit in pots with a sturdy support structure or trellis to climb on. Use well-drained soil and place them in a sunny spot in your garden.
Vegetables to grow in spring
For those looking to boost their salad game, beans, capsicum, cucumber, tomatoes, and leafy greens are all great vegetables to sow in spring.
Carrots, eggplant, and sweet corn also thrive in the moderate temperatures that this season brings.
Beans
Whether you’re making a hearty minestrone, whipping up a classic green bean casserole, or adding some crunch to your next salad, beans are always the star of the show.
Spring is the perfect time to sow either bush or pole bean seeds or seedlings. They grow quickly, so your garden will be “full of beans” in no time!
Capsicum
Capsicums are one of the easy-to-grow vegetables that do well from September to November.
They come in a range of colours, including green, red, yellow and even purple, so they make a great addition to any garden.
Plus, capsicums are super versatile and can be used in all sorts of dishes, from salads to stir-fries.
Carrots
Carrots are crunch-tastic root vegetables that are not only tasty but also packed full of nutrients — perfect for health-conscious gardeners!
They are one of the few vegetables that can be sown any time of year in Australia — summer, autumn, and winter! — so you can enjoy fresh carrots from your garden all year round.
Cucumbers
There’s nothing quite like fresh cucumbers on a hot day. Cucumbers love the warmer weather and will be ready to harvest in no time at all.
The longer spring days also give them more time to absorb sunlight, which helps to produce better veggies.
Just make sure you give your cucumber plants plenty of water and some support to climb up (they can get pretty long!).
Eggplants
Eggplants are a bit more finicky than other vegetables, but they’re definitely worth the effort.
They love warm weather and plenty of sun, and they’re companion veggies with tomatoes.
If you live in a cooler climate like Melbourne or Tasmania, you might want to wait until late spring to plant eggplants.
But once they start fruiting, you’ll be able to enjoy eggplant parmigiana until summer.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and kale are perfect for adding a crisp, fresh bite to your salads, sandwiches, and soups.
Plus, they’re easy to grow and really shine in moderate temperatures, which makes them a great choice in your garden beds.
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a particular favourite among many home gardeners as it’s relatively easy to grow and provides a delicious addition to any meal.
Sow your sweet corn seeds around mid-spring so they have enough time to mature before the summer months arrive.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a classic backyard crop, and they’re easy to grow in Australia.
The warm days and cool nights provide ideal growing conditions for tomatoes, and their resulting harvest is juicy and flavourful.
Spring is also a good time to start tomatoes from seed, as they will have plenty of time to grow and produce a bountiful crop before the hot summer weather sets in.
Spring flowers to plant
Spring is a time of rebirth and regeneration, and what better way to celebrate the season than by planting flowers in your garden?
You have many spring flower options to sow, including:
Cosmos
Cosmos add a splash of colour to any garden, including pink, white, and orange.
They’re also easy to grow from seeds or seedlings, so they’re perfect for beginners.
Like other flowers, they attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Daffodils
Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring and make a welcome addition to any garden.
They have a long blooming season and come in various colours, including white, yellow, pink, and orange.
One thing to keep in mind with daffodils is that they can be toxic to pets if ingested, so if you have pets that like to nibble on plants, choose another flower instead.
Dahlias
Dahlias light up any garden with their vibrant blooms, ranging from delicate pastels to bold, brilliant tones.
Blooming from mid-summer through fall, they provide a long-lasting burst of beauty.
They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, making them ideal for places like Queensland.
Tulips
Tulips are another popular flower for springtime gardening.
Like daffodils, they come in a wide range of colours, and they also have a long blooming season.
It’s important to note that tulips require quite a bit of sunlight to thrive, so plan your garden plot well.
Marigolds
Marigolds are a staple of any spring garden. They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance. Plus, they add a beautiful pop of colour to any space.
This flower is also known for its ability to deter pests, so it’s perfect for keeping your garden healthy and beautiful all season long.
Peonies
Stunning peonies can be grown throughout the year, but they tend to bloom in late spring or early summer.
They require well-drained soil and at least six hours of sunlight each day. It’s also important to water them regularly during dry periods to survive.
Petunias
Petunias are a top-notch choice for a garden with vibrant colours and effortless charm.
They come in many colours, from fiery reds to cool blues, ensuring you’ll find the perfect shade to match your garden’s personality.
You can plant them in hanging baskets where their cascading blooms can shine. Just make sure they get enough sun exposure and soil moisture.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers need lots of sunlight to grow and are relatively drought-tolerant, so spring is the ideal time to plant them.
However, they still need well-drained soil and moderate humidity to thrive.
These cheerful flowers are also great at attracting bees and other pollinators, which can help increase the yield of fruits and veggies nearby.
Herbs to grow in spring
Basil, chives, and parsley are among the herbs that are easy to sow during spring.
There’s also dill, oregano, mint, sage, and thyme to make sure that you always have great flavouring for your home-grown meals.
Basil
A classic favourite, basil is a staple in many kitchens around the world.
This delicious herb can be used in different kinds of dishes, from pizza and pasta to salads and pesto.
Basil repels pests like flies and mosquitoes while attracting beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. It is an ideal herb for growing alongside tomatoes or even thyme.
Growing basil is easy, just sow the seeds in well-drained soil and place them in a sunny spot in your garden.
Chives
Chives are one of those delicious herbs that you can sprinkle over baked potatoes or add to your morning scrambled eggs.
As a plant, they love the sun but don’t mind a little shade. You can sow them directly in the ground or start them in a pot indoors before moving them outside.
Dill
Dill plays an important role in making soups, potato dishes, and dressings dill-icious.
It’s an annual herb that prefers warmer climates and temperate regions.
Dill makes a great companion plant for the cabbage family as it can deter pests.
It grows best in spots that receive six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Sow dill directly in the ground after the last frost has passed.
Mint
Mint is one of the many versatile herbs you can use in sweet or savoury dishes.
From mojitos and mint juleps to lamb and chicken dishes, this fragrant herb adds a refreshing touch to any drink or meal.
Mint is easy to grow, although it can be quite invasive, so make sure you plant it in a pot rather than in the ground.
Oregano
Oregano is known for its very strong aroma and reputed medicinal properties, such as being antibacterial.
It thrives in cold/warm temperate and arid/semi-arid climates like in Coastal New South Wales.
If you live in a tropical or subtropical zone, it’s better to grow oregano in a pot to protect it during the wet season.
Parsley
Parsley would have to be the ultimate cooking herb, garnishing all kinds of recipes fresh or dried.
If you also love garlic, chewing this herb can save you from the garlicky smell it leaves on your breath.
Sow your parsley seeds directly in soil from spring to early autumn and wait at least three to four weeks for them to germinate.
Sage
Sage is the herb that adds a little magic to your cooking! It’s great for flavouring roasted meats and veggies.
It’s best planted in pots and is low maintenance, making sage a great option for people who are just starting their planting journey.
Thyme
One of the classic cooking herbs, thyme can be used fresh or dried and goes well with just about anything!
It prefers full sun but will also tolerate partial shade, making it another good option for those who don’t have a lot of sun in their garden.
Trees to plant in spring
If you prefer to grow non-fruit trees, you’ve got the Bottle, Jacaranda, and Kurrajong to plant in spring.
Bottle Tree
The bottle tree gets its name from its distinctive shape — it really looks like a bottle-shaped tree!
It’s a native Australian tree that grows very slowly.
Once it reaches full size, it provides excellent shade and makes a beautiful feature in any garden.
Jacaranda Tree
The jacaranda tree is another stunning tree that’s perfect for adding more colour to your garden.
It’s also very tolerant of different soil types and doesn’t need much water once it’s established.
Just be aware that the jacaranda drops a lot of leaves, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance tree.
Kurrajong Tree
If you’re looking for a plant that will provide some shade as well as colour, the Kurrajong tree is a good option.
This Australian native tree has dark green leaves and an abundance of small cream-coloured flowers.
Kurrajongs are often used as street trees because they are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Spring Gardening Tips
Successful gardening involves more than just planting at the right time. We’ve compiled more advice to help your new plants thrive.
Choosing the right location
Ensure your plants are positioned in a spot that receives ample sunlight.
Most vegetables and fruits require at least six to eight hours of sunlight daily to thrive.
Companion Planting
Utilise companion planting techniques to improve plant health and yield.
For instance, planting parsley near tomatoes can help enhance the flavour of the tomatoes.
If you want to get rid of flies and mosquitoes roaming around your tomatoes, make basil their neighbour instead.
Mulching
Maintain a 5 cm layer of mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Organic mulches break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil.
Reapply mulch as needed to maintain a consistent layer.
Watering
Provide regular, deep watering after planting to establish strong root systems.
Lessen your watering once your plants become more established.
If you live in hot climates, water your plants daily early in the morning.
Fertilising
Feed plants with a balanced fertiliser when they start to grow and bloom.
Use organic options like compost tea or fish emulsion for a more sustainable approach.
Staking
Support tall or climbing plants with stakes or trellises to prevent them from falling over.
Pruning
Regularly prune trees by removing dead or diseased growth to improve air circulation, and promote healthy harvest.
If you ever need assistance in keeping your garden in place, seek help from professional gardeners.
What Plant Diseases and Pests Affect Spring Plants?
We all love spring; and when we say all, that includes pests and diseases.
It’s better to know your garden nemeses so you can find ways to fight them.
Here are some of the main challenges you may encounter in spring gardening:
Aphids
During spring, aphids emerge from overwintering sites and feed on new growth.
You can often find them on the undersides of leaves sucking sap from plants and spreading disease.
This can cause distortion of leaves, stunted growth, and even death of your plant in severe cases.
To control aphid population, you can use insecticidal soap or introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Early blight
Early blight is caused by a fungus that infects tomatoes and potatoes, resulting in dark spots on the leaves and fruit.
It’s possible to control early blight with fungicides, but they can be toxic to humans and animals.
The best way to control the disease is to practise preventive measures like properly spacing plants to promote good air circulation.
It’s also important to water plants at the base rather than from above, as this will help keep the leaves dry.
Grey mould
Grey mould is a fungus that typically appears as a grey or white fuzzy growth on plant leaves and stems.
This mould thrives in damp, humid conditions, so your plants may be at risk if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall.
One way to prevent grey mould is to make sure your plants have adequate drainage. Another is to avoid overwatering them.
If you notice grey mould on your plants, the best course of action is to remove any affected leaves or stems and dispose of them properly.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots to form on the leaves.
The spots may be small at first, but they can eventually grow larger and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
It’s best to remove affected leaves immediately and apply appropriate fungicides or bactericides afterwards.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or greyish-white powder on leaves and stems.
It reduces the overall vigour of the affected plants and causes leaves to turn yellow and deform. In severe cases, powdery mildew can kill plants.
To prevent this disease from taking hold, gardeners should avoid overwatering their plants, as damp leaves are more susceptible to powdery mildew.
Remove any affected leaves as well as any debris from around the base of the plant. Use a fungicidal spray if necessary.
Snails and slugs
These slimy creatures love to munch on young leaves and tender shoots.
Besides eating your plants, snails and slugs can also introduce deadly diseases to your garden.
Snail bait or slug pellets are an effective way to kill these pests, but they can also be dangerous for pets and children.
Another option is to create a barrier around your plants using sharp objects like eggshells. You can also use coffee grounds as caffeine is toxic to these critters.
