Damon Mcknight
August in Australia is the perfect time to start planting and preparing your garden for spring. While the temperatures may still be chilly, there are plenty of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers that can be planted and maintained during this month. This guide will provide an overview of the best practices for gardening in Australia during August, including information on climate zones and specific plant recommendations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Rocket, silver beet, spring onions, lettuce, parsley, zucchini, pumpkins, leeks, beetroot, parsnip, peas, radish, celery, onions, mizuna, mitsuba, seed potatoes, Chinese cabbage |
| Fruits | Apples, plums, nectarines, peaches, dragon fruit, grapes, figs, mangoes, passionfruit, persimmons, pineapples, rockmelons, lychees, paw paw, mulberries, watermelons, pears, pomegranates, kiwifruit, gooseberries, plum, oranges |
| Flowers | Petunias, marigolds, celosia, nasturtium, roses, sweet pea, lavender, dahlias, azaleas, gerberas, jasmine, lilies, gardenias, sunflowers, alliums, orchids, snapdragons, hydrangeas, geraniums, carnations, poinsettia, begonias |
| Gardening Tips | Prune and weed, prepare beds for tomatoes, add mulch, compost, or manure, fertilise, re-pot container plants, divide Elkhorns and split Bromeliads, remove rotting or damaged fruit, spray for pests |
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What You'll Learn
Vegetables: rocket, silver beet, spring onions, lettuce, zucchini, pumpkins
Rocket
Rocket, or arugula/rucola, is easy to grow in Australia. It is best planted when the soil temperature is between 50°F and 77°F. Sow seeds at a depth of approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Water your rocket plants well, especially in hot and dry weather, as they will go to flower rapidly. Harvest in 21-35 days, and plant every 2 to 3 weeks for a continuous supply.
Silver Beet
Silver beet, or Swiss chard, is a cool-climate plant that grows well in warmer climatic zones, too. It can be sown almost all year in warm northern areas of Australia, and from early spring to early autumn in colder districts. Silver beet seeds should be sown directly where they are to grow, with rows about 500mm apart. Plants should be thinned to about 250mm between plants to allow for mature growth.
Spring Onions
Spring onions are easy to grow from seed or with seedlings. They grow well in full sun with moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil (pH 5-6). They can be grown all year round in tropical and subtropical climates, but in warm and cool temperate zones, they are better suited to spring and autumn. The whole plant can be harvested after eight weeks, or the leaves can be cut earlier for use.
Lettuce
Lettuce is a cool-season plant, so it is best planted in partially shaded spots, especially in areas with hot summers. It needs well-drained soil with organic matter, such as compost, and a seaweed feed. Lettuce has shallow roots, so it needs to be watered frequently, especially in hot and/or windy weather. Lettuce is quick-growing and will be ready to harvest in a few weeks.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a popular and versatile summer squash that is easy to grow in Australia. It thrives in the sun and warm weather, and is perfect for beginner gardeners as it requires minimal maintenance and can produce a large yield. Zucchini needs well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and lots of space to spread out. The ideal time to plant zucchini in Australia is spring or early summer, typically between September and December, but this can vary depending on your location and local climate.
Pumpkins
Pumpkins have a deep root system and need large amounts of water when they are growing vigorously. They do not require much fertiliser as their roots are efficient in absorbing available soil nutrients. The best time to plant pumpkins in Western Australia is from late August to early January.
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Flowers: petunias, marigolds, sunflowers, roses, orchids
Petunias
Petunias are a popular annual flower that is easy to grow and blooms prolifically. They are inexpensive and can add colour to pots, hanging baskets, and garden beds. They are grown during the warmer months in cool climates and year-round in warm areas of Australia. They are tolerant of heat and humidity, but are not frost tolerant, so wait until all threats of frost have passed before planting. They need at least six hours of full sun each day, but in the heat of midsummer, it is best to move pots into partial shade. Petunias need daily watering in pots and while establishing. When planting, pinch the seedling back to encourage more branching and a fuller plant.
Marigolds
Marigolds are not native to Australia but have become a popular addition to many gardens. These vibrant flowers are known for their ability to deter pests, making them a popular choice for organic gardeners. They are tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions, making them ideal for tropical climates. The best time to plant marigolds in Australia is in spring or early summer. Marigolds are not frost tolerant, so it is important to wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting them outdoors. They prefer well-drained soil that is high in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are a great addition to any garden, coming in a whole range of sizes from dwarf to giant. They need full sun and grow best in fertile, well-drained, moist soil with plenty of mulch. The best time to plant sunflowers is after the wet season. They do not like to be transplanted, so it is best to grow them directly from seed.
Roses
Roses are versatile and produce vibrant colours. They can be successfully grown in every Australian state and territory as long as they have protection from the wind, at least four hours of sun per day, and moist soil that is rich in organic matter. They are tough, but they do need sunshine, and the more the better. In open, sunny gardens, roses will grow happy, healthy, and relatively disease-free.
Orchids
Orchids are a diverse family of flowering plants known for their unique, vibrant flowers. The easiest to grow in Australia are Cymbidiums and Dendrobiums as they will thrive outdoors in most parts of Australia except for very cold climates. The best time to establish orchids is spring to early summer (September-December) when temperatures are warm (20-30°C). Orchids growing indoors need bright indirect light to thrive. Never place them on tables or windowsills where they will receive direct sunlight as this may burn them. Watering orchids can take some trial and error, so it is important to avoid overwatering and to let their roots dry out in between waterings.
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Fruits: passionfruit, pineapples, mangoes, grapes, pomegranates
Fruits to grow in August in Australia
Passionfruit
Passionfruit vines are easy to grow and fruit in their second year. They require a frost-free spot with well-draining soil, at least five hours of direct sun, and protection from strong winds. They also need plenty of room to climb and spread – at least 2 x 2 metres. They are great for growing along fences, up trellises, or over a pergola.
Pineapples
Pineapples are easy-care tropical fruits that will grow in frost-free climates. To grow a pineapple from a store-bought fruit, gently tear off the leaves sideways to expose the stem, then place the stem in a jar of water. Once roots develop, pot the plant. It will take 24 months or more to develop a new fruit.
Mangoes
Mango trees grow best in frost-free temperate, tropical, and subtropical climates. The best time to plant a mango tree is during spring and early autumn. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight and well-drained moist soil. Water the new tree regularly until it is established, then reduce watering to once or twice a week. Feed the tree every 8 weeks from spring to autumn with a specialised fruit fertiliser. Harvest the mangoes when they are slightly soft when squeezed.
Grapes
Grapes are easy to grow, but they require a lot of space. They grow on long-lived vines that can grow up to 4 metres tall and wide, so they need strong support, such as a trellis or pergola. Grapes will grow in most climates, but they require a sunny spot with well-drained soil. They take about 3 years to fruit.
Pomegranates
Pomegranates are heat-loving trees, native to the Middle East, that grow well in Australia. They thrive in temperate climates but can also be grown in subtropical and tropical zones. They grow best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types. Pomegranates are drought-tolerant once established but benefit from regular watering during flowering and fruiting. Fruiting normally occurs 3–5 years after planting, with fruit developing in late summer.
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Herbs: basil, chives, coriander, parsley, mint
Basil is a fragrant herb that grows well in sunny spots or partial shade. It is best grown in the warmer months, as it will die off in winter. Choose well-drained soil, enriched with fertilisers, and keep it moist. Feed the plant weekly with liquid plant food to promote healthy leaves. Water the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases.
Chives are perennial herbs that are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They thrive in full sun or partial shade, and they are ideal for pots. Chives can be grown indoors or outdoors and are a great pest repellent. They grow well in any type of soil, but a little compost can be beneficial. During dry periods, water deeply and mulch well.
Coriander, also known as cilantro, is a herb grown for its leaves and seeds. It requires cool positions and light shade with well-drained soil. Coriander can be grown from seed, sown directly into the garden or in pots. Sow seeds at monthly intervals from August to March for a continuous supply of leaves. Coriander is susceptible to pests like slugs, snails, and aphids.
Parsley is a herb that thrives in sunny or partially shaded spots. It prefers well-prepared, moist soil and regular watering. Feed the plant weekly with liquid plant food and mulch around the base to retain moisture. Harvest when the leaves are dark green, and remove flowering stems to extend the harvest window.
Mint is an aromatic herb that grows well in slightly shady positions, though some varieties can be grown in the sun. It is invasive, so it is often grown in pots or containers. Mint can be cultivated from cuttings, runners, or root division. It grows best in spring, with ample rainfall, and can be grown all year round.
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Garden care: pruning, weeding, fertilising, mulching
Garden Care: Pruning, Weeding, Fertilising, and Mulching
Pruning and weeding are top jobs to do in the Australian garden during August. Lightly prune camellias after they have finished flowering. Finish pruning your roses by mid-August and spray for black spots if it has been a problem in the past. Cut back passion fruit vines by a third to encourage spring growth and plentiful fruit.
If you are planning to plant tomatoes in September, prepare the bed in August by adding organic compost, pelletised chook poo, a bit of water, and applying a straw mulch. Top up mulch on your veggie patches, herb gardens, and ornamental beds. Choose a sustainable, low-environmental-impact mulch that will enrich your soil as it breaks down.
Fertilise lawns towards the end of August as part of their winter recovery. You can also wake up plants from their winter slumber with a pre-spring fertilising campaign with slow-release fertiliser or pelletised manure.
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Frequently asked questions
Vegetables that can be planted in August include beetroot, lettuce, parsnip, peas, radish, celery, onions, rocket, silverbeet, spring onions, Chinese cabbage, mizuna, zucchini, pumpkin, and leeks.
Yes, you can grow flowering plants such as nasturtiums, petunias, marigolds (French), celosia, snapdragons, and carnations. These plants will add colour and fragrance to your garden.
Fruits that can be grown in August include passionfruit, pineapples, rockmelons, lychees, and pawpaw or papaya. Additionally, if you live in an area with low temperatures, you can plant fruit trees such as apples, plums, nectarines, and peaches.
