Australian Growing Guide
Australian growing inverts Northern Hemisphere seasons. Summer is December–February. Match crops to your zone — tropical north to temperate south.
The Zones
| Region | Climate | Best Crops |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical (QLD, NT) | Hot, wet/dry | Tropical fruits, winter veg |
| Subtropical (NSW, QLD) | Warm | Most vegetables |
| Temperate (VIC, TAS, SA) | Cool | Cool-season crops |
| Arid (SA, WA) | Hot, dry | Heat-tolerant crops |
| Mediterranean (WA, SA) | Hot, dry summers | Mediterranean herbs |
The Season
| Factor | Value |
|---|---|
| Spring | September-November |
| Summer | December-February |
| Autumn | March-May |
| Winter | June-August |
Planting Calendar (Temperate)
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| Sep-Nov | Plant warm-season crops |
| Dec-Feb | Harvest, water |
| Mar-May | Plant cool-season crops |
| Jun-Aug | Cool-season harvest |
What Grows Well
Cool season:
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peas
Warm season:
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Zucchini
- Beans
- Cucumbers
Common Questions
When is summer? December-February.
Can I grow year-round? Depends on region.
What about tropical north? Wet season (Nov-Apr) is challenging.
What about water restrictions? Common. Use mulch, drip irrigation.
Can I grow tomatoes in summer? Yes, but they need water.
What about frost? Temperate regions get light frost.