Australia’s diverse climates—from tropical north to temperate south—make gardening a year-round adventure. Whether you’re in a lush coastal region, the arid interior, or the cooler southern states, knowing what to plant and maintain each month can help you achieve a thriving, productive garden. This month-by-month Australian gardening calendar offers seasonal tips for veggies, flowers, lawns, and general care—perfect for backyard enthusiasts, balcony growers, and green thumbs of every level.
Let’s explore what to do in your garden, month by month, to keep your outdoor space healthy and vibrant all year round.
January – Keep it Cool and Hydrated
January is one of the hottest months in Australia, especially in the southern states. Focus on hydration and shade.
- Water early in the morning or late afternoon to reduce evaporation.
- Mulch garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Deadhead flowering plants to encourage new blooms.
- Harvest tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumbers, and beans.
- In tropical areas, you can start planting winter vegetables like broccoli and cabbage.
February – Harvest and Prepare
As summer begins to ease, now’s the time to harvest warm-weather crops and start planning for the cooler months ahead.
- Continue watering deeply and mulching.
- Sow beetroot, carrots, radishes, and silverbeet in cooler climates.
- Trim hedges and prune summer-flowering shrubs.
- Collect seeds from flowers and veggies for replanting.
- Watch for pests like whitefly and aphids—control with natural sprays or introduce beneficial insects.
March – Transition Time
Autumn officially begins. This is one of the best months for planting in most parts of Australia.
- Plant leafy greens, brassicas, and root vegetables.
- In warm zones, sow beans and zucchini for late harvests.
- Fertilise lawns and gardens to replenish summer-depleted nutrients.
- Begin pruning back perennials and tidying up summer beds.
- Add compost to veggie patches to prepare for winter crops.
April – Autumn Abundance
With cooler nights and more rainfall, April is ideal for establishing plants.
- Sow spinach, onions, garlic, lettuce, and leeks.
- Plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths in cooler areas.
- Feed citrus trees and mulch around the base.
- Rake fallen leaves into compost or use as mulch.
- Divide clumping plants like agapanthus, iris, and daylilies.
May – Prep and Plant
The days grow shorter and cooler, but May is a busy month for cool-season planting.
- Plant broad beans, peas, and brassicas in most zones.
- Protect seedlings from snails and slugs with organic pellets or beer traps.
- Lift and store tender bulbs like dahlias if frost threatens.
- In tropical areas, it’s time to start planting tomatoes and capsicums.
- Prune deciduous trees and shrubs now that they’re going dormant.
June – Winter Work Begins
June is quieter in the garden, but it’s a great time to focus on maintenance and soil health.
- Continue planting garlic, onions, and leafy greens in milder regions.
- Sharpen tools, clean pots, and prepare garden beds for spring.
- Prune deciduous fruit trees like apples and pears.
- Add manure or organic matter to improve soil structure.
- Check indoor plants for light and moisture needs—move closer to windows if needed.
July – Prune and Plan
Mid-winter is prime time for pruning, planning, and preparing.
- Hard prune roses and deciduous shrubs to shape and invigorate.
- Plant bare-rooted fruit trees, roses, and vines.
- Sow winter crops like kale and turnips in warm zones.
- Clean out garden beds, greenhouses, and potting sheds.
- Order or purchase seeds for spring planting.
August – Early Signs of Spring
As winter wanes, signs of new growth begin to appear. Time to get ready for the busy spring season.
- Start sowing seeds indoors: tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums, and herbs.
- Fertilise citrus and flowering trees before the new growing season.
- Mulch and weed flower and veggie beds before planting resumes.
- Repot container plants showing signs of root-bound growth.
- Watch for early blossom pests—apply organic pest control as needed.
September – Spring is Here!
Spring kicks off in full bloom across most of Australia—this is your peak planting time.
- Plant tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, and herbs.
- Sow flower seeds like sunflowers, cosmos, and nasturtiums.
- Feed everything: lawns, trees, veggies, and flowers.
- Aerate and reseed lawns that suffered over winter.
- Install supports and trellises for climbing veggies before they grow tall.
October – Rapid Growth and Color
Everything is growing fast, so October is all about maintenance and training.
- Stake tall plants, trim back spring-flowering bulbs once foliage dies off.
- Deadhead flowers to promote continuous blooming.
- Harvest early veggies and plant successive crops.
- Keep up with watering, especially as temperatures rise.
- Begin pest monitoring for aphids, caterpillars, and mildew.
November – Pre-Summer Prep
As temperatures climb, your garden will need more attention and hydration.
- Continue planting late spring vegetables: pumpkins, melons, and sweet corn.
- Mulch generously to conserve moisture and cool soil.
- Prune hedges and trim shrubs to shape.
- Protect young plants from intense sun using shade cloth if needed.
- Check watering systems or install drip irrigation ahead of summer.
December – Celebrate and Maintain
Summer is here, and your garden is likely in full bloom and production.
- Harvest regularly: tomatoes, herbs, cucumbers, berries, and more.
- Water deeply and early in the day.
- Top up mulch to protect soil from intense heat.
- Pest patrol: watch for grasshoppers, fruit fly, and mites.
- Enjoy your garden during the holidays—add festive plants like poinsettia or kangaroo paw to brighten spaces.
Final Thoughts: Gardening All Year Round in Australia
A thriving garden is all about timing, care, and consistency. By aligning your gardening tasks with the seasons, you’ll enjoy better harvests, longer blooms, and a deeper connection to the natural rhythm of your local environment.
Whether you’re tending a balcony garden in Brisbane, a veggie patch in Melbourne, or a flower bed in Perth, this Australian gardening calendar helps you stay on track every month of the year. Happy planting!
Alternatively, check out the book titled Australian Gardening Calendar: What to Do in Your Garden Each Month available on Amazon. This comprehensive guide offers month-by-month advice tailored to Australia’s unique climate zones, helping gardeners of all skill levels plan, plant, and maintain their gardens year-round. Perfect for beginners and seasoned green thumbs alike, it’s a must-have resource for maximizing seasonal success in any Australian garden.
