Planting guide

What to plant in Melbourne, Australia in September

Cool temperate Southern Hemisphere September

September is early spring in Melbourne's cool temperate climate. Days are lengthening and the soil is warming, but frost risk lingers into October — so this is the month for hardy direct-sown crops, while heat-lovers like tomatoes are best started under cover until early November.

Plant now

Peas, lettuce, spinach, silverbeet

Cool-season crops that relish the mild spring; direct-sow now for a steady harvest.

Carrot, beetroot, radish, spring onion

Root crops suited to the warming soil; sow successively for a continuous supply.

Potatoes (early)

Plant seed potatoes now, once the soil is workable, for a summer harvest.

Brassicas (broccoli, cabbage)

Can still go in during early spring for a crop before the summer heat.

Tomato, capsicum, chilli (seed, indoors)

Start under cover now — Melbourne's traditional rule is not to plant tomatoes out until after the Melbourne Cup (early November), once frost risk has truly passed.

Timing notes

  • Hold tender summer seedlings until frost risk clears — locally that's Melbourne Cup weekend in early November. Planting out too early is the classic Melbourne mistake.
  • Early-spring soil is still cool, so germination is slower than it will be in October — be patient with direct sowings.
  • Dig in compost now so beds are ready for the summer crops that follow.
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