Spring Planting Guide: What to Grow Across Australia's Diverse Climates

What to Plant in Spring in Australia: A Seasonal Planting Guide

As winter fades and the soil begins to warm, spring arrives with a flourish of sunshine, colour, and new gardening possibilities. Whether you’re a first-time gardener or a seasoned green thumb, spring in Australia is the ideal time to get your hands dirty and start planting.

From vegetables to vibrant flowers and fruits, here's a guide to what to plant this spring – tailored for different Australian climates.

🌿 Why Spring is Ideal for Planting

Spring offers:

• Longer daylight hours ☀️

• Warmer soil for seed germination 🌱

• Increased rainfall (in many regions) 💧

• Perfect conditions for rapid plant growth

This season sets the stage for strong, healthy plants that will reward you through summer and beyond.

🗺️ Australia's Climate Zones & Planting Tips

Australia’s diverse climates mean timing and crop selection can vary. Here’s a quick regional breakdown:

🌡️ Temperate Zones

Includes: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra

• Plant Now: Tomatoes, capsicum, eggplant, zucchini, basil, silverbeet, lettuce

• Flowers to Try: Marigolds, sunflowers, cosmos, petunias

🌧️ Subtropical Zones

Includes: Brisbane, Northern NSW, parts of QLD

• Plant Now: Beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, pumpkin, rosella

• Flowers to Try: Zinnias, impatiens, salvia

🌴 Tropical Zones

Includes: Darwin, Northern QLD, Far North WA

• Plant Now: Snake beans, okra, taro, chillies, eggplant

• Flowers to Try: Frangipani, hibiscus, vinca

🌾 Arid & Semi-Arid Zones

Includes: Central Australia, inland WA/NSW/SA

• Plant Now (with water management): Melons, pumpkins, tomatoes, onions

• Flowers to Try: Native wildflowers, hardy succulents

❄️ Cool & Alpine Zones

Includes: Tasmania, High Country VIC/NSW

• Plant Now: Peas, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, strawberries

• Flowers to Try: Pansies, snapdragons, lobelia

🍅 Top Vegetables to Plant in Spring

• Tomatoes – A classic. Choose cherry, roma, or heirloom varieties.

• Zucchini & Squash – Fast-growing and prolific.

• Cucumbers – Train them up a trellis to save space.

• Capsicum & Chilli – Enjoy a colourful harvest.

• Lettuce & Greens – Mix quick-leaf types for continuous picking.

🍓 Best Fruits to Plant in Spring

• Strawberries – Plant runners in full sun.

• Passionfruit – Needs a warm wall or trellis.

• Melons (rockmelon, watermelon) – Thrives in warm soil and full sun.

• Blueberries – Best suited for acidic soil and cool climates.

🌸 Flowers to Brighten Your Garden

Spring is a season of bloom! Plant:

• Sunflowers – Bold and bee-friendly

• Petunias – Hardy and vibrant

• Zinnias – Long-flowering and colourful

• Marigolds – Pest-deterrent and cheerful

• Lavender – Fragrant and pollinator-friendly

🌱 FAQs: Spring Planting in Australia

Q: Can I plant seeds directly into the garden in spring?

A: Yes, many warm-season crops like beans, corn, and pumpkins can be sown directly. However, some plants (like tomatoes) do better when started as seedlings.

Q: What should I avoid planting in spring?

A: Avoid cold-loving crops like spinach or Brussels sprouts in warmer zones, as they may bolt early. Also, avoid planting too early in frost-prone areas.

Q: How do I protect young spring plants from pests?

A: Use natural pest deterrents like neem oil, companion planting (e.g., marigolds), or row covers. Check your garden regularly for early signs of infestation.

Q: How often should I fertilise spring crops?

A: Use a balanced organic fertiliser at planting. Follow up every 4–6 weeks with liquid seaweed or compost tea for ongoing nutrition.

Q: Should I grow from seed or buy seedlings?

A: Seedlings save time and are great for beginners. Seeds are more economical and offer a wider range of plant varieties.

Q: What’s a good layout for a spring vegetable garden?

A: Group plants with similar water and sun needs. Use vertical space for climbing crops and plant quick growers like lettuce between slow crops like tomatoes.

Q: Can I grow a spring garden in pots or small spaces?

A: Absolutely! Use containers for herbs, tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries, and dwarf varieties of cucumbers or beans. Ensure good drainage and sun exposure.

🌼 Final Tips for Spring Gardening

• Mulch well to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Watch for pests as temperatures rise. Spring is prime time for aphids and snails.

• Use companion planting (e.g., basil near tomatoes) to naturally deter pests.

• Start a gardening journal to track what works best in your climate.

🌏 Grow With the Seasons

Spring is more than a season – it’s a time of new beginnings and green dreams. Whether you’re growing food for your family, flowers for the bees, or simply adding colour to your backyard, there’s something deeply satisfying about planting in spring.

Let the sun warm your soil, and let your garden grow 🌱.