What to plant in Canberra, ACT
Canberra is in the cool zone. Cold winters with frost, and a short summer growing season.
Canberra gardeners know their frosts. Cold, clear winter nights usually bring the first frost around early April, and it can keep coming until early November. Summers swing the other way, with hot, dry spells and drying winds. Many local soils are heavy clay.
Hold off planting tomatoes, zucchini and beans until frost has passed, and keep frost cloth on hand for a surprise late cold night. Garlic, broad beans and brassicas carry the garden through winter. Dig in compost to open up clay, and mulch well before summer to keep moisture in.
What to plant in Canberra in July
- ChickpeaRaise seedlings, then transplant
- DaikonSow directly in the bed
- MizunaSow directly in the bed
- OnionSow directly or raise seedlings
- PeaSow directly in the bed
- RadishSow directly in the bed
- ShallotSow directly in the bed
- Snow PeaSow directly in the bed
- SpinachSow directly in the bed
- Spring OnionSow directly in the bed
- StrawberryRaise seedlings, then transplant
Held back for frost in Canberra: Jerusalem Artichoke.
Frost in Canberra
Frost usually arrives in Canberra around early April and finishes by early November. In about 1 year in 10 it comes as early as mid March or as late as late November, so frost-tender crops are planned around those dates.
From its Bureau of Meteorology station, 1991 to 2020, counting a night at 2°C or lower as a frost. Frost hollows and hillsides can shift these dates by weeks, so ask the growers at your garden too.
Planting times in Canberra through the year
| Crop | Months |
|---|---|
| Amaranth | Sep to Nov |
| Artichoke | Sep to Nov |
| Asparagus | Sep to Nov |
| Basil | Dec to Feb |
| Beetroot | Sep to Apr |
| Borage | Sep to Jan |
| Broccoli | Nov to Mar |
| Brussels Sprouts | Oct to Feb |
| Capsicum | Oct to Nov |
| Carrot | Aug to Mar |
| Cauliflower | Nov to Apr |
| Celeriac | Oct to Jan |
| Celery | None |
| Chickpea | May to Aug |
| Chilli | Oct to Nov |
| Chinese Cabbage | Aug to Mar |
| Chives | Oct to Mar |
| Coriander | Sep to Dec |
| Corn | Dec |
| Cowpea | Dec |
| Cucumber | Dec |
| Daikon | All year |
| Dill | Sep to Jan |
| French Bean | Dec |
| Garlic | Feb to Jun |
| Garlic Chives | Oct to Mar |
| Ginger | None |
| Horseradish | Aug to Nov |
| Jerusalem Artichoke | None |
| Kale | Jan to Apr |
| Kohlrabi | Aug to Mar |
| Leek | Sep to Apr |
| Lettuce | Sep to May |
| Luffa | Dec |
| Mint | Sep to Dec |
| Mizuna | All year |
| Okra | Dec |
| Onion | Feb to Sep |
| Oregano | Sep to Dec |
| Parsley | Sep to Mar |
| Parsnip | Aug to Feb |
| Pea | Jan to Oct |
| Peanut | None |
| Potato | Aug to Dec |
| Pumpkin | None |
| Purslane | Dec to Jan |
| Radicchio | Oct to Nov |
| Radish | All year |
| Rhubarb | Aug to Dec |
| Rocket | Feb to Mar, Sep to Nov |
| Rockmelon | Nov |
| Rosemary | Mar to May, Sep to Nov |
| Runner Bean | Dec |
| Sage | Sep to Nov |
| Salsify | Sep to Mar |
| Shallot | Jul to Sep |
| Silverbeet | Sep to Apr |
| Snow Pea | Jan to Oct |
| Sorrel | Mar to May, Sep to Nov |
| Soybean | Dec |
| Spinach | Feb to Nov |
| Spring Onion | Mar to Nov |
| Strawberry | Apr to Jul |
| Swede | Jan to Apr, Sep to Nov |
| Sweet Potato | None |
| Thyme | Sep to Dec |
| Tomatillo | Dec |
| Tomato | Nov |
| Turnip | Sep to May |
| Watercress | Sep to Apr |
| Watermelon | Dec |
| Yardlong Bean | Dec |
| Zucchini | Dec |