Our Top Picks For Planting Autumn Vegetables

With the days getting cooler, you might be wondering what to plant next. Whether you’re a beginner or a green thumb, we’ve rounded up our top picks of Autumn vegetables. So you can get out into the garden to grow ‘em, pick ‘em and eat ‘em!

What are the best vegetables to plant in Autumn?

Summer was all about juicy fruits and veggies: tomatoes, sweetcorn, celery and asparagus. In autumn, the menu looks a little different.

Now’s a great time to grow all kinds of vegetables, since the soil’s still warm and rain is on the way to moisten it. You’ll want to plant brassicas (like Asian greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale) at the start of the season, ready for winter. Perhaps choose your favourites and start with them and review your success at harvest time.

Keep in mind, though, that what you grow does depend on where you live – and the climate in your neck of the woods. So let’s take a look at your options:

Cool zones: Tasmania, Canberra and the cool highlands

As well as brassicas, you’ll find beetroots, carrots, leeks and lettuce good to grow now. Onions, parsnips, potatoes, spinach, swede, turnips and brussel sprouts are likely to thrive, too. Plants can get well established by planting now while the soil is warm and continue to thrive through the coolest weather.

Mediterranean zones: Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide

In these areas, baby spinach, sugar snap and snow peas. Try climbing beans on a trellis/mesh frame against a north-facing wall for extra protection against col and frost. Cauliflower, cabbage and spinach if in full sun.

Warm zones: coastal New South Wales and Victoria

Consider planting pak choy and parsnips, radishes, kale and kohlrabi. Try beans and brussel sprouts for quick harvesting.

Desert and grassland zones: outback and central Australia

In hotter spots, artichoke, spring onions, turnips, peas and squash do well when planted in Autumn.

Subtropical zones: South-East Queensland and Northern New South Wales

Have a go planting delicious fruits and vegetables in autumn: from eggplants and tomatoes to chillies, lychees, broad beans, carrots, broccoli, rocket, rockmelon and zucchinis. Spring onions have a long growing season so are worth planting.

Tropical zones: North Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia 

In this climate, your best choice in Autumn are vegetables like asparagus, cucumbers, capsicums, potatoes, pumpkins, okra, sow and winged beans, beetroot, cabbage and sweetcorn. For fruits, watermelons, mangoes, melons and pawpaws are top picks.

Wherever you live, be sure to check local guides for the best vegetables to plant in Autumn – especially as there’s a lot of crossover between climates.

And remember, too, that there are loads of leafy greens, herbs and veggies you can grow all year round. See the Pope Vegetable Planting Guide for handy hints.

When should I plant Autumn vegetables? 

Since the hot season is coming to an end, it’s a good time to remove any summer vegetables now and prepare the garden for your flowering winter ones. That way, you’ll have fresh produce ready to whip up warming meals on those cold winter days. 

Whatever you decide to plant, remember to water it well. Even a day or two of rain might not be enough for your Autumn vegetables to flourish.

How should I care for my Autumn vegetables? 

It’s easy to get growing. Simply pop some raised vegetable beds in a sunny spot and place your watering system on a timer. To set up an irrigation system, check out Gardening with Pope for all the essentials to keep your Autumn vegetables growing well and ready to harvest in no time!