As summer’s high temperatures disappear and the cool relief of autumn begins, March presents a fantastic opportunity to refresh your garden with cool-season vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re growing in Sydney, Melbourne, Alice Springs, or Brisbane, there are plenty of plants suited to each region’s climate.
Read on for a complete guide to what you should be planting this month and how to ensure a bountiful harvest.
March planting zones and climate adjustments
March marks the transition from summer to autumn, meaning gardeners across Australia will need to adjust their planting strategies accordingly. Cooler regions, such as Melbourne and Hobart, begin preparing for frosts, while tropical areas like Cairns and Darwin still experience warmth and humidity. Understanding your climate is key to ensuring the success of your crops.
Recommended vegetables and herbs by region
Sydney / Perth / Adelaide
● Coriander – A fragrant herb that thrives in cooler weather and is perfect for adding fresh flavour to dishes. Growth tip – sow seeds in well-drained soil and partial shade. Keep soil moist but avoid overwatering to prevent bolting.
● Dill – This feathery herb is excellent for pairing with seafood and pickling cucumbers. Growth tip – sow seeds directly in garden beds, spacing them 20cm apart. Dill prefers full sun and occasional feeding.
● Spring Onion – A versatile kitchen staple that grows quickly and adds a mild onion flavour to meals. Growth tip – plant in rows with 2-3cm spacing, ensuring soil remains moist. Harvest when green shoots reach 30cm.
Melbourne / Canberra / Hobart
● Cabbage – A hardy vegetable that is perfect for autumn planting and can be used in a variety of dishes. Growth tip – requires deep, fertile soil. Protect from pests by using row covers or natural deterrents like neem oil.
● Broccoli – Rich in nutrients, broccoli grows well in cooler temperatures and is a fantastic addition to any garden. Growth tip – space plants 40cm apart and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
● Silverbeet – This leafy green is highly resilient and provides a steady harvest throughout autumn. Growth tip – water regularly and trim outer leaves to encourage continuous growth.
Alice Springs / Dubbo
● Onion – Easy to grow and store, onions are a kitchen essential that thrive in well-draining soil. Growth tip – ensure loose, sandy soil for proper bulb development. Avoid excessive nitrogen to prevent leafy growth over bulb formation.
● Garlic – A slow-growing crop that benefits from autumn planting, ensuring a harvest in late winter or spring. Growth tip – plant individual cloves with pointed ends up, spacing them 15cm apart. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
● Parsley – A versatile herb that enhances a wide range of dishes and grows well in both garden beds and pots. Growth tip – start from seeds or seedlings in a sunny spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Brisbane / Cairns / Darwin
● Basil – Thrives in warm climates and is perfect for homemade pesto and Mediterranean cuisine. Growth tip – pinch off flowers to promote leafy growth and water in the morning to prevent fungal diseases.
● Cucumber – A fast-growing vegetable that provides refreshing, crunchy additions to salads. Growth tip – provide a trellis for vine support and ensure deep watering during fruit development.
● Eggplant – A sun-loving crop that grows well in warmer regions and is perfect for grilling, roasting and stews. Growth tip – regularly prune excess leaves to improve air circulation and promote fruit growth.
Tips for maintaining plant health in changing seasons
With the shift from summer to autumn, here are some essential tips for keeping your garden thriving:
● Mulch your garden beds to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
● Water early in the morning to ensure plants receive adequate hydration before the afternoon heat.
● Feed your plants with organic compost or slow-release fertiliser to encourage strong growth.
● Protect young plants from temperature drops with row covers or cloches in cooler regions.
● Keep an eye out for pests such as caterpillars and aphids, which may become more active as temperatures cool. You can also read our blog on how to defend your Vegepod from pests like Armyworm Invaders.
Harvest timelines and expected yields
Each vegetable and herb have a different timeline from planting to harvest:
● Fast growers (4-6 weeks): Coriander, dill, spring onions, parsley, basil.
● Medium growers (8-12 weeks): Cucumber, silverbeet, cabbage.
● Longer growers (3-6 months): Broccoli, eggplant, onion, garlic.
Planning your garden with these timelines in mind will ensure a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the season.
Recipe ideas for March vegetables and herbs
Make the most of your harvest with these delicious regional recipes:
Sydney / Perth / Adelaide – Coriander and dill rice salad
A light and refreshing side dish featuring aromatic coriander and dill mixed with fluffy rice, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Melbourne / Canberra / Hobart – Broccoli and cabbage stir-fry
A hearty, nutritious dish with stir-fried cabbage, broccoli, garlic, and soy sauce, served over rice or noodles.
Alice Springs / Dubbo – Roasted garlic and onion soup
A warming, flavourful soup made with roasted onions, garlic and vegetable broth, perfect for autumn evenings.
Brisbane / Cairns / Darwin – Grilled eggplant and basil bruschetta
Thick slices of eggplant grilled and topped with basil, tomatoes and balsamic glaze on toasted bread.
Shop our Autumn/Winter seed packs
Ready to start planting? Our Autumn/Winter seed packs contain a curated selection of seasonal favourites to get your garden growing. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these packs offer a simple way to cultivate fresh produce right at home.
Get your hands on a pack and transform your gardening experience today.
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