If you are wondering what Vegetables to Grow in Autumn in Melbourne , this is a fantastic time for gardening in Melbourne and across regional Victoria.
Spanning the months of March, April, and May, autumn in this region brings cooler temperatures and more stable weather conditions—ideal for growing a wide variety of vegetables.
Average temperatures typically range between 10°C and 25°C, and the lower humidity means reduced risk of pests and diseases.
Whether you’re gardening in inner-city Melbourne or out in regional towns like Ballarat, Geelong, or Bendigo, autumn offers the perfect conditions to plant a productive and diverse vegetable garden.
Why Autumn is a Great Time to Plant in Melbourne and Regional Victoria
- Milder temperatures help seedlings establish without the stress of summer heat.
- Soil retains warmth from summer, helping seeds germinate faster.
- Lower rainfall than winter reduces the risk of fungal issues.
- Perfect time to grow leafy greens and root vegetables.
Best Vegetables to Grow in March, April, and May
Complete List of Vegetables to Plant in Autumn (Melbourne & Regional Victoria)
Here is a comprehensive list of vegetables that thrive when planted during the autumn months:
Leafy Greens
- Spinach
- Silverbeet/Swiss Chard
- Lettuce (varieties like cos, butterhead, and loose-leaf)
- Corn Salad (Lambs Lettuce)
- Kale
- Rocket (Arugula)
- Mizuna
- Mustard Greens
- Endive
- Pak Choy
Brassicas (Cold-Resistant Vegetables)
- Broccoli – Includes Broccolini
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Kohlrabi
Root Vegetables
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Turnips
- Radishes includes: Daikon Radish
- Parsnips
Alliums
- Garlic (plant in late autumn)
- Onions
- Spring Onions (Shallots)
- Leeks
Legumes
- Peas (sugar snap, snow peas, and shelling peas)
- Broad Beans
Herbs
- Coriander (loves the cooler weather)
- Parsley
- Chives
- Thyme
Gardening Tips for Autumn in Melbourne and Regional Victoria
- Prepare your soil by adding compost or aged manure to enrich it before planting.
- Mulch your beds to retain warmth and moisture as the nights get cooler.
- Keep seedlings protected from sudden temperature drops with row covers or mini greenhouses, especially in regional areas with frost risk.
- Autumn is also a good time to sow green manure crops if you’re planning ahead for spring planting.
By planting the right vegetables during autumn, gardeners in Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria can enjoy fresh, homegrown produce well into winter. Take advantage of this mild season to get your garden thriving!
Top Tips
- You can grow many of these from seed sown direct into the ground or started of in punnets.
- All of the root crops are best sown directly into the ground and this includes garlic.