A Regional Planting Guide to Summer Veggies in Australia

Calling all veggie enthusiasts from the sun-drenched shores to the cool coastal bluffs! This summer, it’s all about firing up your veggie patch! Grab your gloves, because it’s time to transform your backyard into a sun-drenched oasis overflowing with juicy triumph. Knowing what vegetables to plant now in summer in your specific Aussie region is key. So, pack your sun hat and let’s navigate the diverse veggie landscape across this sunburnt land, from tropical tantrums to alpine adventures!

Tropical North (Darwin, Cairns) – Heat-Loving Heroes (Jan-Mar):

• Okra: Tall towers of juicy pods, needing regular watering and support.
• Eggplant: Glossy beauties in purple, white, or green, craving warmth and well-drained soil.
• Chillies: Fiery flavour in all shapes and sizes, enjoy regular feeding and sunshine.
• Sweet Potatoes: Burrowing tubers love loose, sandy soil and plenty of sunshine.
• Beans: Stringless wonders and bush varieties, needing support and regular watering.
• Corn: Sweet kernels packed in cob heaven, loves rich soil and regular water.
• Leafy Greens: Rosella, amaranth, and Malabar spinach thrive in humidity.
• Herbs: Basil, coriander, lemongrass, and turmeric adore the tropical sun.

Subtropical East (Sydney, Brisbane) – Warmth-Seeking Stars (Sep-Jan):

• Tomatoes: Juicy globes in endless varieties, needing staking and full sun.
• Capsicums: Bell peppers, chillies, and ornamental beauties thrive in well-drained soil.
• Zucchini: Prolific producers of courgettes, needing regular watering and fertile soil.
• Carrots: Sweet and crunchy taproots enjoy well-drained soil and cooler months.
• Beetroot: Vibrant globes love loose soil and cooler weather.
• Onions: Bulbous bounty in red, white, and brown, needing full sun and well-drained soil.
• Herbs: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, and mint thrive in sun-drenched soil.

Temperate South (Melbourne, Adelaide) – Leafy Legends (Sep-Mar):

• Spinach: Nutrient-packed leaves come in smooth and crinkle varieties.
• Kale: Superfood powerhouse with curly or red Russian options.
• Lettuces: Crisp batavias, buttery cos, and crunchy romaine for all seasons.
• Broad Beans: Fava beans for shelling or podded snap beans for fresh eating.
• Peas: Snap peas or shelling peas, needing support and cool weather.
• Broccoli: Florets of deliciousness prefer well-drained soil and cooler months.
• Kohlrabi: Turnip-broccoli hybrid enjoys full sun and cooler weather.
• Herbs: Parsley, dill, chives, and mint flourish in well-drained soil.

Arid West (Perth)– Drought-Defying Champs (Aug-Nov):

• Pumpkins: Jack-o’-lantern stars or delicious kabocha varieties thrive in well-drained soil.
• Melons: Watermelon, rockmelon, and honeydew enjoy full sun and warm soil.
• Sweet Potatoes: Drought-tolerant tubers love loose, sandy soil and hot sunshine.
• Bush Beans: Compact plants for quick harvests, needing regular watering.
• Tomatoes: Cherry and Roma varieties tolerate drier conditions.
• Radishes: Fast-growing roots in various colors, preferring cooler months.
• Turnips: Round or elongated bulbs enjoy well-drained soil and cooler weather.
• Herbs: Rosemary, oregano, sage, and thyme thrive in well-drained, sunny spots.

Alpine Regions (Tasmania, Snowy Mountains) – Cold-Hardy Heroes (Spring & Early Summer):

• Potatoes: Starchy goodness in endless varieties, needing well-drained soil and cool weather.
• Carrots: Sweet and crunchy taproots enjoy well-drained soil and cooler months.
• Beetroot: Vibrant globes love loose soil and cooler weather.
• Cabbage: Heads in red, green, or Savoy varieties prefer well-drained soil and cooler weather.
• Kale: Superfood powerhouse with curly or red Russian options for cooler seasons.
• Brussels Sprouts: Miniature cabbage-like delights for autumn harvest.
• Silverbeet: Leafy greens similar to chard, thriving in well-drained soil and cooler months.
• Rhubarb: Tart stalks for pies and jams, needing well-drained soil and full sun.

Bonus Tips:

• Compost is king! Give your soil a nutrient boost with homemade or store-bought compost.
• Companion planting works wonders! Interplant veggies to deter pests and attract beneficial insects.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try new varieties and discover your own veggie favorites.
• Shade is your friend! Protect your leafy greens and young plants from scorching midday sun.

Share your summer veggie-growing adventures and regional tips in the comments below. Together, we can create a thriving Aussie veggie community, overflowing with green thumbs and sun-kissed harvests!