Planting guide

What to plant in Perth, Australia in September

Mediterranean · Swan Coastal Southern Hemisphere September

September is spring in Perth's Mediterranean climate. The soil is warming and the winter wet is ending, so it's the key window to plant summer vegetables early — establishing them now, before Perth's long hot, dry summer, gives roots time to develop while water is still plentiful.

Plant now

Tomatoes, capsicum, chilli, eggplant

Plant out now so they establish before the summer heat; Perth's sandy soils warm quickly.

Cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin, melons

Direct-sow into warming soil for a summer harvest.

Beans and sweetcorn

Direct-sow now; both thrive through the warm season.

Basil and heat-tolerant herbs

Sow now alongside the tomatoes.

Timing notes

  • Perth's sandy soils drain fast and hold little nutrient — dig in plenty of compost and consider a soil wetting agent so water actually reaches the roots.
  • Plant early in spring so crops are established before the peak summer heat and any water restrictions.
  • Mulch well to reduce evaporation from the free-draining soil.
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