As summer winds down and the days grow shorter, Australian gardens enter a time of transition. Autumn, spanning March to May, is one of the most productive and rewarding seasons for gardeners across the country. It’s a time to harvest, tidy up, and most importantly—plant!

But with a country as vast and diverse as Australia, autumn weather varies significantly from state to state. Whether you’re sowing herbs on a sunny windowsill or planting rows of vegetables outdoors, understanding your local climate is key.

🍂 Autumn Weather by State

🌞 New South Wales (NSW)

Expect warm days and cool nights. Coastal areas stay mild, while inland regions can see chilly mornings by May. Autumn rains help soften the soil—perfect for planting.

🔥 Queensland (QLD)

Northern QLD remains warm and humid, while the south cools down nicely. Autumn is the best time to plant before winter dryness and lower temps set in.

❄️ Victoria (VIC)

Mild early autumn weather gradually turns cold, especially in southern regions. Frosts can arrive by late May, so timing is important.

🌦️ South Australia (SA)

Dry and warm through early March, with cooler, wetter weather moving in mid-season. Like VIC, frosts can sneak up near the end of autumn.

🌤️ Western Australia (WA)

The south-western corner (Perth and surrounds) experiences ideal gardening weather—mild days, cooler nights, and regular rainfall. Northern WA stays tropical and hot.

🌬️ Tasmania (TAS)

Cool and crisp with a high chance of early frosts, especially inland. Autumn is short but productive—early planting is a must!

☀️ Northern Territory (NT)

Still hot and humid early in the season, transitioning into the dry season by late autumn. Best time for planting cool-season crops as the weather stabilizes.

🌱 What to Plant in Autumn

With milder temps and more dependable rainfall, autumn is perfect for establishing strong roots before winter.

🥕 Vegetables

These cool-season veggies thrive when planted in autumn:

• Leafy Greens: Lettuce, spinach, silverbeet, and kale love the cooler weather and germinate easily now.

• Root Crops: Carrots, beetroot, turnips, radishes, and parsnips all do well when sown now for winter harvests.

• Brassicas: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts can be planted now to mature in winter.

• Alliums: Onions, garlic, spring onions, and leeks are best planted in late autumn for long, slow growth.

🌿 Herbs

Many herbs prefer the cooler weather and will reward you with fresh flavour through winter:

• Parsley – Hardy and slow to bolt in autumn.

• Coriander – Finally grows without bolting!

• Chives – Perennial and cold-tolerant.

• Thyme & Oregano – Mediterranean herbs that thrive in mild autumn sun.

🌸 Flowers

Want to keep colour in your garden through the cooler months? Try these:

• Pansies & Violas – Hardy and vibrant through winter.

• Calendula – A cheerful edible flower.

• Snapdragons – Strong performers in cooler climates.

• Statice & Everlastings – Ideal for dried flower arrangements later on.

🔄 Preparing for Winter

What you plant now sets the tone for your winter garden. Here are a few tips to make the most of autumn:

• Mulch Heavily: Retains moisture and regulates soil temperature.

• Feed Your Soil: Add compost or aged manure before sowing.

• Start Indoors: In cooler areas, start seeds in trays with warmth and transplant later.

• Watch for Frosts: Use row covers or cloches if you’re in a frost-prone zone.

🌿 Wrap-Up: Autumn is the Gardener’s Secret Weapon

Autumn is more than just a season of slowing down—it’s the ideal time to get ahead. With the soil still warm, rain more regular, and fewer pests to worry about, plants can establish strong roots and thrive through winter.

Whether you're sowing leafy greens, preparing a burst of winter colour, or finally growing your own garlic, there’s no better time to plant than right now.

Happy growing!

- The Seed Vault