Your September, October & November Planting Guide
Spring is a season of growth and renewal in Melbourne and throughout regional Victoria, making it one of the most important times of the year for home gardeners. The months of September, October, and November bring gradually warming temperatures—starting cool in early spring and often reaching high 20s°C (mid-80s°F) by late November.
While sunshine becomes more regular, Melbourne’s spring is famously unpredictable. October is typically the wettest month, so proper drainage and plant protection are key to success, especially in regional areas like the Yarra Valley, Gippsland, Ballarat, and the Mornington Peninsula, where microclimates can vary.
Why Spring is Ideal for Planting in Victoria
- Increasing warmth encourages fast germination and vigorous growth.
- Plenty of moisture in the soil from spring rains.
- Longer daylight hours help plants develop quickly.
- Great time to sow seeds directly into the garden or raise seedlings for transplanting.
List of Vegetables to Plant in Spring (Melbourne & Regional Victoria
Below is a comprehensive spring planting guide tailored for the temperate climate of Melbourne and adaptable to most of regional Victoria.
Leafy Greens (Fast-Growing & Mild-Weather Lovers)
- Lettuce (cos, butterhead, and loose-leaf)
- Spinach
- Silverbeet (Swiss Chard)
- Rocket (Arugula)
- Kale
- Asian Greens (bok choy, tatsoi, mizuna)
- Mustard Greens
Brassicas (Best Planted in Early Spring)
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Kohlrabi
- Brussels Sprouts (start early or late in spring for autumn harvest)
Root Vegetables
- Carrots
- Beetroot
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Parsnips
Alliums
- Spring Onions
- Leeks (early spring)
- Onions (plant from seed or seedlings in early spring)
Herbs
- Basil (start indoors, plant out mid-late spring)
- Parsley
- Chives
- Dill
- Mint
- Coriander (better in early spring to avoid bolting)
- Thyme
- Oregano
Legumes (Warm-Season Growers)
- Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas (early spring)
- Green Beans (plant mid to late spring)
- Broad Beans (early spring)
- Climbing Beans and Bush Beans
Warm-Season Vegetables (Plant Mid to Late Spring)
These crops require warm soil (at least 15°C) and are better suited for late spring planting or protected planting in regional Victoria:
- Tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Cucumbers
- Capsicum (Bell Peppers)
- Eggplant
- Pumpkins
- Sweet Corn
- Chillies
- Melons (in northern or warmer parts of Victoria)
Tips for Spring Planting in Melbourne & Regional Victoria
- Start seeds indoors in September for summer crops like tomatoes and capsicum.
- Use frost protection (cloches or fleece) in regional areas like the Macedon Ranges and Central Highlands where late frosts can still hit.
- Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and suppress spring weeds.
- Be ready for heavy spring rains—raise garden beds if drainage is poor.
- Prepare your soil with compost and organic fertilisers to support rapid growth.
With spring in full swing, Melbourne and regional Victoria offer ideal conditions for establishing a productive vegetable garden. By planting the right vegetables at the right time, you’ll set your garden up for success throughout summer and beyond.