What to Plant in September in Australia: Veggies, Herbs & Flowers to Start Now 🌱

“A little planting now can bring months of growth, colour and fresh harvests.”

September is when Australian gardens really start waking up. The days are getting longer, the soil is beginning to warm and there are plenty of vegetables, herbs and flowers ready to grow.

Spring arrives differently around the country, though. Gardeners in warmer areas may already be planting summer crops outside, while cooler regions can still experience cold nights and late frosts.

Here’s what you can start now and how to give it the best chance.

Prepare Before You Plant

Before filling every available space, spend a little time preparing your garden.

• Remove weeds before they compete with new plants.
• Loosen compacted soil and add compost or well-rotted organic matter.
• Check that garden beds and pots drain properly.
• Look at overnight temperatures and your local frost risk.

Seeds and seedlings need moisture, warmth and good drainage. Getting these basics right will prevent many common spring problems.

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Vegetables to Plant in September 🥕

Tomatoes

September is a great time to start tomatoes, but it may still be too early to plant them outside in colder areas.

Gardeners in warm and subtropical regions may be ready to plant outdoors. In temperate and cool climates, start seeds somewhere warm and protected until the nights become milder and the frost risk has passed.

Tomatoes are easier to train when their support is installed early. Position an Adjustable Tomato Cage Support System – Heavy-Duty Plant Tower while the plant is small so new growth can be guided as it develops.

Leave enough room between plants for airflow and gradually introduce protected seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them out.

Leafy Greens

Lettuce, rocket, silverbeet, spinach and Asian greens are useful September crops. They grow quickly and can fill gaps while slower summer vegetables become established.

Give leafy greens afternoon shade in warmer areas. Sow a small batch every two or three weeks for a steady harvest instead of having everything ready at once.

Carrots, Beetroot and Radishes

Sow root vegetables directly into loose, well-prepared soil. Break up clumps and remove rocks that could cause crooked roots.

Keep the surface moist while fine carrot seed germinates. Quick-growing radishes can be planted between slower crops, and young beetroot leaves can also be picked for salads.

Beans, Zucchini and Cucumbers

These warm-season vegetables can be sown outside once the soil has warmed and frost danger has passed. In colder districts, start zucchini and cucumbers under cover or wait a little longer.

Cold, wet soil can cause seeds to rot, so planting slightly later may produce stronger results than rushing them into unsuitable conditions.

Capsicum and Eggplant

Capsicum and eggplant need a long, warm growing season. Start seeds somewhere warm and protected during September, particularly in temperate and cooler parts of Australia.

Be patient—they usually take longer to germinate than lettuce or radish.

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Give Seedlings a Better Start 🌱

Individual pots make it easier to protect seedlings from cold weather, heavy rain and pests.

The 6.5cm Biodegradable Coir Seedling Pots – 8 Pack are handy for raising individual plants before they move into the garden. The whole pot can be planted, helping reduce root disturbance during transplanting.

Moisten the pot thoroughly and bury it completely when planting. An exposed rim can dry out and draw moisture away from the roots.

Herbs to Plant in September 🌿

Depending on your climate, September is a good time to sow or plant:

• Basil
• Parsley
• Coriander
• Chives
• Dill
• Mint
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Sage

Basil loves warmth, so protect it from cold nights. Coriander prefers milder spring weather and may bolt once temperatures rise, making small repeat sowings worthwhile.

Mint is usually easier to control in a pot, while rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano need good drainage.

Use Bamboo Plant Markers 10 + Bonus Marker Pen to record each variety and sowing date. Young seedlings can look very similar, and labels make it easier to track what has germinated.

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Flowers to Plant in September 🌸

Flowers add colour while providing food and habitat for bees and other beneficial insects. Depending on your local conditions, consider planting:

• Marigolds
• Nasturtiums
• Sunflowers
• Cosmos
• Zinnias
• Alyssum
• Petunias
• Snapdragons

Marigolds and alyssum fit nicely around veggie beds, while nasturtiums can trail over garden edges. Sunflowers need plenty of sun and may require support.

Wait until frost danger has passed before sowing warmth-loving flowers such as zinnias and cosmos in cooler areas.

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Plant for Your Australian Climate

Tropical and subtropical areas: Choose heat-tolerant crops, water consistently and provide afternoon protection where needed.

Warm and temperate areas: Begin warm-season planting but keep watching for cold nights and sudden weather changes.

Cool and frost-prone areas: Start tender summer crops somewhere protected and wait before planting them outside.

Arid and dry regions: Add organic matter, water deeply and protect new seedlings from drying winds and intense heat.

Common September Mistakes

• Planting according to the calendar instead of local conditions
• Burying small seeds too deeply
• Keeping seedlings constantly wet
• Forgetting to label different varieties
• Moving protected seedlings outside too quickly
• Waiting until tomato plants are large before adding supports

🌿 Simple September Garden Checklist

• Check your local frost risk
• Remove weeds and add compost
• Start tomatoes in a warm position
• Sow leafy greens and root vegetables
• Plant suitable herbs and flowers
• Label seeds and record sowing dates
• Install tomato and climbing supports early
• Harden off seedlings before transplanting
• Watch for snails and slugs

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Make the Most of September

September offers plenty of planting opportunities, but there is no need to rush every summer crop into the ground.

Choose plants suited to your local conditions, protect tender seedlings and prepare supports before spring growth takes off.

Explore the Adjustable Tomato Cage Support System, 6.5cm Biodegradable Coir Seedling Pots and Bamboo Plant Markers with Bonus Marker Pen to make spring planting easier.

You can also Bundle & Save on selected products, with free standard delivery on orders over $99 across Australia.