Autumn might feel like the garden is winding down—but in reality, it's just shifting gears. April and May are perfect months to get seeds in the soil for a fresh flush of winter veggies. While the days are cooling, there's still plenty of warmth in the soil to kickstart new growth, especially for leafy greens, brassicas, and root veg that thrive through the chillier months.
Growing your own food—whether in a backyard veggie patch, a few pots on the patio, or a local community garden—is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s good for your health, it reduces your environmental footprint, and it saves money. Plus, winter soups, stir-fries and roasts taste even better when they’re made with your own homegrown produce!
So, what should you plant now for autumn and winter harvests? Below we cover the best choices for the diverse climate zones in Australia, but first:
Should I plant seeds or seedlings in autumn?
It all depends on the plant and how much time you have.
- Seeds are ideal if you’re not in a rush and want to save money. Many cool-season crops like carrots, beetroot, spinach and peas grow beautifully from seed direct in the soil.
- Seedlings (young starter plants) are a good option if your area is already getting chilly, or if you want to speed things up. They give you a head start, especially for slower growers like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
If you’re new to gardening or short on time, consider a mix of both—plant seeds for fast-growing crops and buy seedlings for those that need a bit more time to mature before the coldest months set in.
Of course, starting from seed is a great way to avoid the plastic waste of seedling pots too.
When planting seeds, is it best to plant straight in the soil or start in little pots?
When to Plant Seeds Directly in the Soil
Best for:
- Root vegetables like carrots, radish, parsnip, and beetroot
- Fast growers like peas and beans
- Hardy greens like spinach and silverbeet
Why: These plants don’t like their roots disturbed, so they do best when sown directly where they’ll grow.
When to Start Seeds in Small Pots or Trays
Best for:
- Slower-growing or delicate plants like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and tomatoes
- Areas with cold or unpredictable weather (pots can be kept warm indoors)
- Gardeners who want to get a head start on the season or grow in small spaces
Why: Starting in pots gives you more control over temperature, watering, and protection from pests—plus you can move them around to chase the sun. Make your own plastic free paper pots with this nifty tool.
What Edible Plants to Plant in Autumn
Cool Climate (Zone 1) – e.g. Canberra, Ballarat, Tasmania, Blue Mountains
Once the danger of early frosts has passed, these plants are perfect to sow now:
Broad beans
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Garlic (plant cloves)
Kale
Leek
Lettuce
Onions
Parsnip
Peas
Radish
Shallots
Silverbeet
Spinach
Turnip
Tip: Garlic is best planted now in cool climates—choose organic Australian garlic for best results.
Temperate Climate (Zone 2) – e.g. Sydney, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth
Autumn is a productive time for many cool-loving crops:
Broad beans
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Garlic
Kale
Kohl rabi
Leek
Lettuce
Onions
Peas
Radish
Shallots
Silverbeet
Spinach
Turnip
Tip: Try interplanting fast growers like radish with slower brassicas to maximise your space.
Subtropical Climate (Zone 3) – e.g. Brisbane, Gold Coast, Northern NSW
Now’s the ideal time to plant after the hot, humid months have passed:
Beetroot
Broccoli
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Coriander
Garlic
Kale
Kohl rabi
Leek
Lettuce
Mustard greens
Onions
Pak choy
Peas
Radish
Rocket
Shallots
Silverbeet
Spinach
Turnip
Tip: Coriander thrives in the cooler months here—plant a patch and enjoy fresh, fragrant leaves without the bolting.
Tropical Climate (Zone 4) – e.g. Darwin, Cairns, Townsville
The arrival of the dry season means better conditions for growing:
Beetroot
Bush beans
Carrots
Coriander
Cucumber
Eggplant
Lettuce
Mustard greens
Okra
Radish
Rocket
Rosella
Silverbeet
Snake beans
Spring onion
Tomato
Zucchini
Tip: Keep an eye on rainfall and mulch well to conserve moisture.
Heirloom Seeds for Your Autumn Planting
At Biome, we stock two trusted heirloom seed ranges:
- Little Veggie Patch Co – fun, colourful seed packets and beginner-friendly advice
- Eden Seeds & Select Organic – heirloom, open-pollinated seeds perfect for sustainable gardening
Because these seeds are non-hybrid and open pollinated, you can save the seeds from your harvest for next year—just dry, label, and store them in a cool, dry place.
Learn more about How to Grow Greens Anywhere.
Tools to Help You Grow
Dewit Tools
Dewit tools are handcrafted in the Netherlands from sustainably sourced wood and high-quality boron steel, making them exceptionally durable, comfortable to use, and built to last a lifetime.
Read more about the strengths of Dewit tools and the Lifetime Guarantee here >
Paper Pot Maker
This clever little tool lets you make biodegradable seed-starting pots from old paper—no plastic needed! It’s a simple way to reduce waste while getting your seedlings off to a strong start.
The paper pot and seedling get buried all together in the soil so the roots are not disturbed. If you don't have newspaper, use recycled printer paper, paper bags, brown kraft paper.
Shop the paper pot maker here >
Wood Handled Secateurs
Wonderful secateurs with drop forged stainless steel sharp blades, lovely wooden Ash handles, and clip to hold closed.
Find all our Gardening Tools and Gloves
Even a small planting effort now can lead to big harvests through winter. So grab your seeds, get your hands in the soil, and enjoy growing something nourishing through the cooler months. Happy planting!
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