Planting guide

What to plant in Johannesburg, South Africa in October

Subtropical highland · Highveld Southern Hemisphere October

October is spring on the Johannesburg Highveld. The last frosts have passed and the summer rains are beginning, making it the main planting month for summer vegetables — warming soil plus returning rain gives crops the best possible start.

Plant now

Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant

Safe to plant out now that frost has passed; the Highveld's bright spring days suit them.

Maize / sweetcorn

A Highveld staple — direct-sow now to take advantage of the summer rains.

Beans, pumpkin, squash, cucumber

Warm-season crops to direct-sow as the soil warms and rain returns.

Lettuce, spinach, beetroot, carrots

Still productive in spring; give leafy crops some afternoon shade as it heats up.

Basil and summer herbs

Plant now alongside the summer vegetables.

Timing notes

  • Wait until frost has genuinely passed before planting tender crops — on the Highveld that's usually from October, and a late cold snap can still catch early plantings.
  • Time planting with the first spring rains so young plants get natural water, but be ready to irrigate during dry spells between storms.
  • The Highveld sun is intense at altitude — mulch to protect the soil and hold moisture in.
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