Melbourne’s famously unpredictable weather—where you can experience “four seasons in one day”—might seem like a challenge for home gardeners, but it’s actually one of our greatest advantages. This climatic diversity means we can grow an incredible variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits throughout the year, giving us fresh homegrown produce in every season.
The secret to a thriving vegetable garden in Victoria lies in understanding when to plant what. By working with Melbourne’s natural rhythms rather than against them, you’ll maximize your harvests, reduce plant stress, and save money on your grocery bills all year round.
This comprehensive seasonal planting guide for Melbourne will take you month by month through the gardening year, showing you exactly what to plant and when for the best results in your backyard or balcony garden.
Understanding Melbourne’s Climate Zones
Melbourne sits in a temperate oceanic climate zone, which means we enjoy mild temperatures and rainfall spread throughout the year. However, our city’s geography creates some important microclimates you need to consider.
Outer suburbs like the Dandenong Ranges, Yarra Valley, and Mornington Peninsula experience regular winter frosts, while inner Melbourne benefits from the urban heat island effect, staying several degrees warmer year-round. Coastal areas tend to be milder but windier, while inland areas can experience greater temperature extremes.
Understanding your specific location helps you fine-tune your planting times—those in frost-prone areas might need to wait an extra few weeks in spring or start earlier in autumn.
Spring Planting Guide (September – November)
Spring is planting season in Melbourne! As soil temperatures rise and daylight hours increase, it’s time to start your warm-season crops and make the most of this productive growing period. The key is timing—too early and late frosts can damage tender plants, too late and you’ll miss the optimal growing window.
What to Plant:
Potatoes – Plant seed potatoes in August-September for Christmas harvest; perfect in containers or garden beds
Bush Beans – Reliable crop that fixes nitrogen and produces tender pods throughout spring and summer
Beetroot – Both roots and leaves are edible; tolerates various soil conditions and cool spring weather
Silverbeet – Continue planting this versatile green for consistent harvests through spring and summer
Most Herbs (Parsley, Coriander, Chives) – Essential for cooking; many are perennial and will provide years of harvests
Rocket – Fast-growing, peppery green perfect for salads and sandwiches; ready to harvest in just weeks
Leeks – Long-season crop planted now for winter harvests; excellent for soups and stews
Spring Tips for Success:
Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before transplanting. Feed hungry plants with compost or organic fertilizer as rapid spring growth requires additional nutrients. Stay on top of weeds as they grow quickly in spring conditions and compete with your vegetables for nutrients and water.
Summer Planting Guide (December – February)
Summer in Melbourne means heat, some humidity, and intense UV—perfect conditions for warm-season crops that love the sun. While many gardeners think summer is just harvest time, it’s actually ideal for planting heat-loving vegetables that will reward you with abundant crops through the warmer months.
What to Plant:
Tomatoes – Plant cherry varieties for quicker results and better heat tolerance in small spaces
Zucchini – One plant produces prolifically; perfect for beginner gardeners wanting guaranteed success
Capsicum (Bell Peppers) – Love the heat and provide continuous harvests through to autumn
Basil – Essential summer herb that thrives in warmth and pairs perfectly with your tomato harvest
Corn (Sweet Corn) – Plant in blocks for better pollination; dwarf varieties work well in containers
Cucumber – Choose bush varieties for compact spaces; provide climbing support for vining types
Eggplant – Heat-loving crop that produces beautiful fruit through summer and into autumn
Summer Tips for Success:
Mulch heavily around all plants to retain soil moisture and keep roots cool during extreme heat days. Water consistently in the early morning to reduce evaporation and prevent heat stress. Provide afternoon shade for sensitive crops like lettuce using shade cloth or taller plants as natural screens.
Autumn Planting Guide (March – May)
Autumn is arguably the best season for Melbourne gardeners. The scorching heat has passed, but the soil retains its warmth, creating ideal conditions for germination. This is your chance to establish cool-season crops that will provide fresh greens throughout the cooler months.
What to Plant:
Spinach – Fast-growing leafy green that tolerates light frosts and provides continuous harvests
Lettuce – Plant succession crops every 2-3 weeks for a constant supply of fresh salad leaves
Broccoli – Plant seedlings now for winter harvests; choose varieties suited to Melbourne’s climate
Carrots – Perfect autumn crop as cooler weather encourages sweet, tender root development
Garlic – Plant cloves in April-May for harvesting next summer; essential timing for bulb development
Asian Greens (Bok Choy, Chinese Cabbage) – Quick-growing crops that thrive in Melbourne’s cool season
Radishes – Fast-maturing crop ready in just 4-6 weeks; perfect for succession planting
Autumn Tips for Success:
Enrich your soil with compost before planting as cooler weather slows nutrient breakdown. Watch for early frosts in outer suburbs and be ready to protect tender seedlings with frost cloth. Increase pest control efforts for slugs and snails as they become more active in the cooler, damper conditions.
Winter Planting Guide (June – August)
Winter gardening in Melbourne is absolutely achievable, though growth will be slower due to shorter days and cooler temperatures. Focus on frost-hardy vegetables and varieties specifically bred for cool-season growing.
What to Plant:
Broad Beans (Fava Beans) – Excellent winter crop that fixes nitrogen in the soil for future plants
Onions – Plant seedlings or sets for harvesting in spring and summer; store well for year-round use
Kale – Superfood green that actually sweetens after frost exposure; incredibly hardy and productive
English Spinach – More cold-tolerant than regular spinach; provides vitamin-rich leaves all winter
Radishes – Continue succession planting as they germinate well in cool weather
Snow Peas and Sugar Snap Peas – Climbing varieties maximize vertical space and provide sweet, crunchy pods
Silverbeet (Swiss Chard) – Cut-and-come-again crop that withstands frost and provides colorful stems
Winter Tips for Success:
Maximize sunlight exposure by positioning plants in the brightest spots and removing any shading obstacles. Improve drainage in pots and garden beds as winter rains can cause root rot in waterlogged conditions. Consider a small cold frame or cloche to extend your growing season and protect tender seedlings from harsh conditions.
Conclusion
Gardening year-round in Melbourne is not just possible—it’s incredibly rewarding. By following this seasonal planting guide for Melbourne, you’ll ensure a continuous supply of fresh, homegrown vegetables regardless of the weather outside.
The key is working with our unique climate rather than against it. Each season brings new opportunities and different crops, meaning your garden—and your dinner table—never gets boring.
What are you most excited to plant this season in your Melbourne garden? Share your plans in the comments below!