What to Plant in October in Australia
Pick your region below to see exactly what to sow this month.
October across Australia
October is peak spring planting across most of Australia. Frost risk has passed in most regions (Canberra and Hobart may still get late frosts), soil is warm, and days are long. This is the month to get all your warm-season crops into the ground: tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, corn, and beans. In tropical regions, the wet season is approaching and heat is building.
Select your region above to see a personalised list, or jump to your regional October page below.
Select a region above to see your October planting list.
October Planting by Region
Jump straight to your regional October planting guide for full details, downloadable PDF calendars, and crop tables.
Subtropical. Mild winter, wide planting range.
Warm temperate. Frost-free coast, cooler inland.
Subtropical. Mild winter, long growing season.
Tropical. Dry season, great for warm-season crops.
Tropical. Build-up heat, planting options narrow.
Cool temperate. Frost likely, ideal for brassicas.
Mediterranean. Cool wet winters, reliable greens.
Mediterranean. Mild winter, broad planting window.
Cool temperate. Last frost risk, plant cautiously.
Cool continental. Heavy frost, short planting window.
October Gardening Tips
Plant tomato seedlings deep, burying the stem up to the first set of true leaves. Roots will form along the buried stem, creating a stronger plant. Stake or cage immediately after planting.
Sow pumpkin and watermelon seeds directly into warm soil. These crops need space: allow 2-3 metres between pumpkin hills and 1.5 metres between watermelon plants.
Set up drip irrigation or soaker hoses now before summer heat arrives. Consistent watering is critical for fruit set in tomatoes, capsicums, and cucumbers. Irregular watering causes blossom end rot and splitting.
Track Your October Plantings
Add your October crops to the Planting Season app for harvest reminders and spacing guides tailored to your region.
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