What should I plant in Autumn?

Autumn is a beautiful time of year here in Australia. Spanning the months of March through to May, it is a great time to plant many different types of vegetables and herbs, depending on your local climate.

Australia is a big country with varied landscapes and climates and is divided into roughly 6 climate zones:

1. Sub-tropical (includes South east QLD and Northern NSW)
2. Wet and Dry Tropics (includes North QLD, NT and WA)
3. Dry Inland (includes Arid and Outback areas)
4. Temperate (including Sydney, Coastal NSW and Victoria)
5. Cool and Southern Tablelands (including Melbourne, Tasmania and cool Highlands)
6. Mediterranean (Adelaide and Perth).

What grows well in one area may not reach its full potential in another area and vice versa. Doing a bit of research to find out what grows well in your area certainly pays off in the long run so I have included a general guide below as to what you should plant in your zone for Autumn.

Local Knowledge is also an important source of reference, so look around and ask other urban farmers you know what they recommend planting. Over time, locals will have tried planting all sorts of different things and will know what has worked in the past and what wasn't so successful.

Sub-tropical (South East QLD and Northern NSW)

Herbs: Plantings may include Basil, Chervil, Chicory, Coriander, Fennel, Lavender, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Rocket, Sage, Sorrel, Thyme and Winter Tarragon.

Vegetables: Plantings may include Broad Beans, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Lettuce, Onions, Peas, Spring Onions, Spinach (Chard) and Tomatoes in frost free areas.

Wet and Dry Tropical (includes North QLD, NT and WA).

Herbs: Plantings may include Basil, Coriander, Chives, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme and Winter Tarragon

Vegetables: Plantings may include Beans Beetroot, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chinese Cabbages, Egg plants, lettuce, Mustards, Onions, Pumpkins, Silver-beet, Squash, Sweet Corn and Tomatoes.

Dry Inland (includes Arid and Outback Areas)

Herbs: Plantings may include Basil, Chervil, Chives, Chicory, Coriander, Dill, Fennel, Marjoram, Mustards, Oregano, Parsley, Sage, Sorrel, Thyme and Winter Tarragon.

Vegetables: plantings may include Broad Beans, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Carrots, Celery, Kale, Lettuce, Mustards, Onions, Pak Choi, Peas, Spring Onions and Tomatoes.

Temperate, (includes Sydney, Coastal NSW, and Victoria)

Herbs: plantings May include Basil, Coriander, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Thyme and Winter Tarragon.

Vegetables: plantings may include Broad beans, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cabbage,  Kale, Mustards, Peas.

Cool and Southern Highlands (Includes Melbourne, Tasmania and Cool Highlands)

Herbs: Plantings may include Chives, Coriander, Marjoram, Oregano, Parsley, Spring Onions, Tarragon and Thyme.

Vegetables: may include Broad beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Broccoli, Chinese Cabbage, Lettuce, Mustards, Onions and Silver-beets.

Mediterranean (includes Adelaide and Perth)

Herbs: Plantings may include Basil, Chives, Coriander, Marjoram, Oregano and Parsley.

Vegetables may include Broccoli, Cabbage, broad Beans, Cauliflower, Celery, Silver-beet, Lettuce and Peas.

Finally…

The above information is provided as a general guide only so be sure to research your local conditions for the best results in your area. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or for general advice. And don't forget to sign up to our newsletter for more urban farming tips.

Happy farming!