Leslie Massey
Spring is an exciting time for gardeners in Australia. With warmer weather, spring is the perfect time to start planting flowers, fruit trees, vegetables, and herbs. However, what you can grow depends on the soil conditions and climate where you live. Before you start planting your batch of spring vegetables, choose a sunny, sheltered position in your garden, or use pots that can be moved around to chase or escape the sun. You can grow almost anything in spring, including herbs, beans, peas, root vegetables, greens, tomatoes, capsicum, and eggplants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vegetables | Beans, peas, root vegetables, greens, tomatoes, capsicum, eggplants, lettuce, pumpkin, zucchini, potatoes, carrots, cucumber, sweet corn, leek, radishes, beetroot |
| Fruits | Watermelon |
| Flowers | Oriental lily, dahlia, hippeastrum, calla lily, marigolds |
| Herbs | Coriander, mint, basil, chives, thyme, parsley, rosemary, oregano |
| Garden preparation | Remove weeds, rake up leaves, pull up spent plants, apply fertiliser, cover beds with mulch |
| Plant care | Regular watering, liquid feeding, staking, protection from frost, insecticides |
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What You'll Learn
- Vegetables: pumpkins, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, beans, peas, root vegetables, leafy greens, capsicum
- Herbs: coriander, mint, basil, chives, thyme, parsley, rosemary, oregano
- Flowers: marigolds, oriental lilies, dahlias, calla lilies
- Fruit trees: citrus, stone fruit
- Preparation: remove weeds, rake leaves, pull up dead plants, fertilise soil, provide trellis
Vegetables: pumpkins, potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, beans, peas, root vegetables, leafy greens, capsicum
Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a great choice for spring planting as they love the warmth and can be grown in all climates. Pumpkins need a lot of space, so make sure you give them at least 1m² per vine. They also love compost and moist, well-drained soil. Pumpkins are susceptible to powdery mildew, so keep an eye out for this fungal disease.
Potatoes
Potatoes are best planted in spring in Australia, as they are susceptible to frost damage and extreme heat. Prepare your garden bed by digging it to spade depth and adding mulch, blood and bone, then blending it into the soil. Make sure the soil is crumbly and not lumpy. Potatoes are grown from tubers, which can be purchased from nurseries at the end of winter through to early spring.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop and grow best in spring and summer. They need a sunny spot in your garden, preferably with around eight hours of sun per day. They also require staking and regular watering. Tomatoes are susceptible to late frosts in spring, so make sure to protect them.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a fast-growing vegetable with a high yield, making it a great choice for spring planting. Zucchini needs a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil and lots of space to spread out. Water your zucchini plants thoroughly but gently after planting, and then aim to water them deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells.
Eggplant
Eggplants are a versatile summer vegetable that can be grown in all climatic zones. They can be grown in containers or in the ground, but they need a bit of room to grow. Start seeds in punnets or small pots, and then transplant the seedlings when they are around 6-8 cm high. Feed weekly with liquid plant food.
Beans
Beans are a great choice for spring planting as they are easy to grow and produce an abundant crop. They are a climbing plant, so they need a trellis, teepee, or another support structure. Beans can be grown in the ground or in pots. Make sure to give them full sun, but provide temporary shade in super-hot, dry, or windy weather.
Peas
Peas are a cool-season crop that prefers temperatures between 15-20°C. They are easy to grow and have a delicious flavour. Pea seeds should be sown directly into the ground, as transplanted seedlings may suffer shock. Create a shallow trench and sow seeds, then lightly cover and water well. Peas will need a trellis or support structure, especially for climbing varieties.
Root vegetables
Root vegetables, such as carrots, are a satisfying crop to grow at home. They can be cheap to buy, but there's nothing like pulling up your own! Make sure to choose the right spot for your root vegetables, as they may need shelter from hot sunshine while they establish their root system.
Leafy greens
Leafy greens, such as lettuce, are a must-have for any vegetable garden. They take a while to grow, but the reward is worth it. Plant lettuce seeds or seedlings every few weeks so you always have some to harvest. Make sure to keep them well-watered, especially during the establishment phase.
Capsicum
Capsicums, also known as bell peppers, are easy to grow and perfect for spring planting. They can be started indoors in a punnet or tray filled with seed raising mix, then transplanted outdoors once the plants are 5-7 cm tall. Capsicums need full sun and regular watering. As they grow larger, you may need to stake them to support the branches.
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Herbs: coriander, mint, basil, chives, thyme, parsley, rosemary, oregano
Coriander
Sow coriander seeds directly into the veggie or herb garden where you want the plants to grow. Coriander prefers a cool position and light shade with well-drained soil. Sow seeds at monthly intervals from August to March for a continuous supply of leaves. You can also grow it in 15-30cm pots, sowing seeds every 6-8 weeks. Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater. Give the plants a light liquid feed of fertiliser every couple of weeks during late spring and summer. Start harvesting the leaves when they are bright green and the plants are 10-15cm tall.
Mint
Mint grows best in spring, especially with ample rainfall. It grows all year round, but the cold or frost in winter can cause it to be deciduous, although it is perennial and should regrow in spring. Mint is usually cultivated from cuttings, runners, or root division. It is often grown in pots due to its invasive nature, but even in pots, it can spread due to its tendency to send out runners from the base. Plant in a slightly shady position and ensure sufficient water.
Basil
Basil is easily grown from seed in spring and summer. It grows quickly and strongly, but watch out for snails and slugs. Grow basil in a clump as the plants tend to hold each other up. Basil enjoys heat and sun, but not excessive heat, as the plants wilt if not given enough water. Make a plant bushier by pinching out the top leaves on a stem, which will force the stem to divide and grow more leaves. Harvest every week or so once the plant reaches 10cm.
Chives
Chives are generally happy not to be fed at all and are drought-tolerant. They are ideal for pots and make attractive grass-like plants in herb beds. They can be grown indoors in a bright and sunny position with good-quality well-drained potting mix and good pot drainage. Chives thrive in a full sun to partially shaded position, provided they are protected from strong winds. When there is a dry period, water deeply to ensure the root system is well hydrated and mulch to retain moisture.
Thyme
Thyme is slow to grow from seed and is best propagated from root divisions or cuttings. Seeds need to be started in a warm frost-free place, kept under cover until about 10cm high, then hardened off by putting them outside during the day and inside at night for about a week. Transplant the young plants into their final positions in well-drained soil in full sunlight. Thyme dies down in the winter if it is frosty, but a good layer of mulch will protect the roots and provide enough food to keep it growing.
Parsley
Parsley loves very damp conditions and should be well watered. It prefers a sunny or partly shaded spot in the garden. Sow seeds directly or fill starter pots or trays with seed raising mix. Keep the soil moist throughout germination – this can take up to 3-4 weeks. Once seedlings have emerged, feed weekly with liquid plant food. Allow seedlings to grow to about 5-7cm before transplanting. Water regularly and mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture.
Rosemary
Rosemary grows easily from stem cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in mid-to-late spring or semi-hardwood cuttings in late autumn or early winter. Using sharp secateurs, cut lengths of stems 10-15cm long, ensuring you make the cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few leaves at the top of the cutting. Fill a small pot with potting mix, poke narrow 3cm deep holes in the mix, and dip the base of the cuttings into a rooting hormone gel. Gently firm the mix around the stems, so there's good contact between the cutting and the mix.
Oregano
Oregano is a hardy, aromatic ground cover and a fantastic living mulch. It grows well in cold temperate, warm temperate, and arid/semi-arid climates. It grows well in most well-drained soils or premium potting mixes. Regular applications of fertiliser are not required, and it only needs to be watered when the soil or potting mix has dried out. Oregano is most famous for its popularity on pizzas and as an ingredient in Italian and Greek cuisine.
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Flowers: marigolds, oriental lilies, dahlias, calla lilies
Marigolds are a popular choice for Australian gardens, offering vibrant colours and the ability to deter pests. They are tolerant of poor soils and dry conditions, making them ideal for Australia's tropical climates. You can grow marigolds from seeds or transplants. If you're starting with seeds, plant them indoors around 6-8 weeks before the final frost date. You can then transplant the seedlings into individual pots once they reach 5-10cm in height. If you're using transplants, you can plant them outdoors after the last frost date.
Dahlias thrive in moist, rich, and well-drained soil with full morning sun, afternoon shade, and protection from wind. They grow well in cool, warm, and temperate climates. If you're planting in spring, water the soil generously at first, then only lightly until the plant reaches around 15cm in height. You can grow dahlias from seeds or tubers. If you're using seeds, they can be started indoors or sown directly into the ground in spring. If you're using tubers, lay them horizontally around 15cm deep in the soil in late spring, ensuring the 'eyes'—the growing point—are facing up.
Calla lilies are winter hardy in zones 8-10, but in cooler climates (zones 3-7), the rhizomes are planted in spring. They grow well in full sun or partial shade, and they prefer moist, organically rich, and well-drained soil. To grow calla lilies from seeds, collect the seeds in autumn, sow them in spring, and keep them at 70°F (21°C). You won't see flowers until around 2-3 years later. Alternatively, you can grow them from rhizomes, which are planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed. Choose large, firm, and plump rhizomes for bigger plants and more spectacular flowers.
Oriental lilies are fragrant flowers that offer a diverse palette of colours. They thrive with 6-8 hours of sunlight but will also flourish in cooler, shaded spots. They should be planted in late autumn or early spring, in well-drained, rich, loamy soil. Position the bulb with the stem side up and the root disc facing downwards, around 8cm below the soil surface. Space each bulb around 30cm apart. Fertilise your Oriental lilies at the beginning of spring and again before they bloom to encourage vibrant flowers.
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Fruit trees: citrus, stone fruit
Fruit Trees: Citrus
Citrus trees are evergreen, meaning they can thrive in autumn and spring when the soil is warmer. In Australia, the climate is optimal for growing mandarins and similar fruits, as long as they receive sufficient sunlight and are planted in quick-draining soil. Citrus trees require at least five hours of sunshine per day to survive. They can be grown in pots or gardens, and in the case of the former, they can be brought inside during winter for protection.
Citrus trees are susceptible to pests such as the citrus leafminer, so it is important to be vigilant and address this issue with an oil spray. Pruning is also necessary to keep the trees compact and encourage fruit production. Feed your citrus trees with nitrogen-rich fertilisers from October to January.
Fruit Trees: Stone Fruit
Stone fruit includes cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, and apricots. They are spring-flowering trees that produce fruit in summer and autumn. Stone fruit trees should be planted in winter when they are dormant. They require full sun during the summer months and should be positioned away from strong winds. Pruning is important to maintain a good shape and encourage air circulation.
Stone fruit trees should be fed with a complete fertiliser during the growing season (spring, summer, and autumn). In winter, when the trees are dormant, apply a plant and soil booster around the canopy of the tree.
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Preparation: remove weeds, rake leaves, pull up dead plants, fertilise soil, provide trellis
Before you start planting your spring vegetables, it's important to prepare your garden bed. Start by removing weeds, raking up leaves, and pulling up any dead or spent plants from the previous season. This will give your new crops ample space to grow and ensure they don't have to compete for nutrients.
Once you've cleared the garden bed, it's time to fertilise the soil. Choose a slow-release fertiliser and gently incorporate it into the soil. This will provide your plants with a steady supply of nutrients throughout their growth. You can also add compost and manure to the soil to enhance its nutrient content and encourage healthy plant growth.
If you're growing vining plants, such as tomatoes, it's important to provide a trellis or stake for them to climb. This supports the plants as they grow and keeps the fruit off the ground. Install the trellis before planting your crops to avoid disturbing their roots later.
Additionally, consider the location of your garden bed. A sunny, sheltered spot is ideal for most vegetables, as they require ample sunlight. However, if you don't have a suitable area in your garden, you can use pots that can be moved around to chase or escape the sun, depending on the needs of your plants.
By following these preparation steps, you'll be well on your way to a successful spring garden, full of fresh produce to enjoy through the warmer months.
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Frequently asked questions
You can grow almost anything in spring in Australia, particularly herbs, beans, peas, root vegetables, greens, tomatoes, capsicum and eggplants. Pumpkins are also a good option, but they take many months to produce their crop.
Before planting, it's important to harvest any remaining winter produce and refresh the soil for a new crop. You should also choose the right spot for your plants—a sunny, sheltered position is best.
In October, you can plant seeds for beans, beetroot, carrots, eggplant, leek, lettuce, pumpkin, and radish. You can also grow capsicum, tomato, watermelon, zucchini, and sweetcorn.
You can purchase bulbs such as oriental lily bulbs, dahlia tubers, hippeastrum bulbs, and calla lily bulbs in early spring and plant them in time for a summertime display. You can also plant summer flowering bulbs in spring for flowers in summer and autumn.
In general, spring plants should be watered regularly, especially in very hot temperatures, where they may require daily watering.
