What to Sow Now
Spring edition. Updated 28 August 2026.
The quick answer for Australian gardens, in three moves. Every link goes straight to the seeds.
1. Start undercover now
These crops want a warm head start in trays, on a bright windowsill or in a greenhouse, so they hit the garden strong once nights warm up.
- Tomatoes: sow 5 mm deep in trays, plant out once frosts are done.
- Chillies and capsicums: slow starters, so the sooner the better. Gentle bottom warmth speeds them up.
- Eggplant and basil: same treatment, both love the warmth.
2. Direct sow as frost passes
Once your last frost is behind you and the soil has warmed, sow these straight where they will grow.
- Sunflowers: full sun, and give the giants a stake.
- Beans, sweet corn, cucumbers, zucchini and pumpkins: sow into warm soil and stand back.
- Zinnias, cosmos and marigolds: the fastest colour in the flower bed.
3. Sow any time through spring
- Herbs: parsley, basil, chives and more. A few dollars of seed replaces a year of supermarket bunches.
- Salad greens, carrots and beetroot: sow a short row every few weeks for a steady supply.
One for the pantry
Seed potatoes go in now through October in most regions: 15+ varieties from Dutch Cream to Purple Bliss. (Not available to WA, TAS or Kangaroo Island.)
Cool climate?
Tasmania, the tablelands and alpine districts: hold the frost-tender crops back three to four weeks and start them undercover in the meantime. Everything in section 3 is fair game right now.
Prefer certified organic?
Our certified organic range covers 80+ varieties, independently certified, so organic starts from the very first day.
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