Australian Planting Calendar: When & What to Grow Throughout the Year

 

Australia’s diverse climate means that different regions experience vastly different growing seasons. Knowing the best time to plant your vegetables is key to a thriving home garden. This Australian Planting Calendar helps you determine when to sow, transplant, and harvest different crops throughout the year, along with tips on companion planting to maximise growth.

Understanding the Planting Calendar

• When to sow seeds: Whether in trays or directly in soil.
• When to transplant seedlings
• Best harvesting times
• Good & bad companion plants

By following these guidelines, you can improve your crop yield, reduce pest problems, and ensure a healthy, vibrant garden.

 

Seasonal Planting Guide for Key Vegetables

 

Spring & Summer Crops

As the weather warms up, it's time to plant fast-growing vegetables that thrive in longer daylight hours.

Vegetable	Best Sowing Time	Harvest Period	Good Companions	Bad Companions
French Beans (Climbing)	Sep – Jan	Jan – Apr	Radishes, Celery, Strawberries	Fennel, Soybeans
Zucchini & Squash	Aug – Jan	Nov – May	Nasturtiums	Corn, Aster flowers
Tomatoes	Aug – Dec	Nov – May	Basil, Carrots, Capsicum	Beetroots, Rosemary
Cucumber	Sep – Jan	Dec – May	Beans, Peas	Potatoes, Herbs
Sweetcorn	Sep – Dec	Jan – May	Squash, Pumpkin, Climbing Beans	Tomatoes, Celery

 

 

Autumn & Winter Crops

Cooler months are perfect for leafy greens, root vegetables, and cruciferous plants.

Vegetable	Best Sowing Time	Harvest Period	Good Companions	Bad Companions
Beetroot	Mar – Sep	Jun – Dec	Onions, Garlic	Climbing Beans, Pole Beans
Carrots	Mar – Aug	Jun – Dec	Leeks, Onions, Tomatoes	Parsnip, Radish
Broccoli	Feb – Jul	May – Dec	Beetroot, Celery, Potatoes	Tomatoes, Capsicum, Beans
Cabbage	Jan – Jun	May – Dec	Beans, Celery	Grapes
Spinach	Mar – Aug	May – Oct	Cauliflower, Kale	Leeks, Strawberries

 

 

Companion Planting Tips

Companion planting helps protect plants from pests, improves soil quality, and encourages stronger growth.

Best Combinations

• Carrots + Onions – Onions repel carrot flies, making them an ideal pair.
• Tomatoes + Basil – Basil enhances tomato flavour and repels insects.
• Broccoli + Beetroot – Helps deter common pests.

Bad Combinations

• Beans + Onions/Garlic – These hinder each other’s growth.
• Tomatoes + Potatoes – They attract similar pests, increasing the risk of disease.
• Radish + Carrots – Can stunt each other’s growth.

Final Gardening Tips for Success

• Know Your Region: Australia has multiple climate zones—tropical, subtropical, temperate, and arid—so adjust planting times accordingly.
• Monitor the Weather: Seasonal variations may shift optimal planting times slightly.
• Improve Soil Health: Use compost, mulch, and organic fertilisers for better yields.
• Encourage Pollinators: Bees and beneficial insects help improve crop productivity.

With this Australian Planting Calendar, you can plan your garden year-round for a continuous harvest. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, using the right planting strategies will help you enjoy fresh, homegrown produce every season!