You’ve plotted and planned all winter; now it’s spring – it’s time to get your garden started. Here’s what to plant in October in each zone, so ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions.
Plus, we’re sharing the three seasonal specials worth adding to your list.
Three plants to add to your October planting list
Want something a little different? These three Australian favourites are looking their best right now.
Waratah
For bold colour
The ultimate spring showstopper, the waratah makes a bold statement in the bush or your garden.
Kangaroo paws
For low-maintenance flowers
Long-flowering, drought-tolerant and loved by birds, the iconic native kangaroo paws are celebrated for their vibrant colours.
Flannel flower
For cottage-garden charm
Simple but special, the flannel flower is a true favourite.
What to plant in October
Find out which climate zone you’re in below, and plant accordingly:
Flowers
All zones
- Alyssum
- Amaranthus
- Aster
- Begonia
- Cosmos
- Dahlia
- Marigold
- Nasturtium
- Petunia
- Portulaca
- Salvia
- Verbena
- Zinnia
Zones 1-3
Zones 4-6
- Aster
- Californian poppy
- Candytuft
- Carnation
- Lobelia
- Snapdragon
Vegetables
All zones
- Artichoke
- Asparagus
- Beans
- Beetroot
- Cabbage
- Capsicum
- Celery
- Choko
- Carrot
- Eggplant
- Green onion
- Lettuce
- Potato
- Pumpkin
- Radish
- Shallot
- Silverbeet
- Squash
- Sweetcorn
- Sweet potato
- Tomato
- Zucchini
Zones 1-3
- Taro
- Okra
- Water chestnut
Zones 4-6
October gardening jobs
- Deadhead already-bloomed spring roses to encourage new ones – but only after bulbs die down.
- Pep up houseplants with an application of half-strength liquid fertiliser fortnightly until summer’s end.
- Cut away dead leaves and old root growth on cymbidium orchids – and divide or repot if their roots have become overly cramped.
- Treat gardenias suffering leaf yellowing due to a chilly winter by soaking soil with a dose of Epsom salts mixed in water.
- Give native trees a trim to keep them in shape.
- Plant pots of showy annuals; set up beds of already-flowering salvias, snapdragons, pansies, marigolds, nasturtiums and lobelia.
- Paint timber furniture in joyous colours, spray tired paling fences grey or green to create exciting backdrops for plants and revitalise old pots in spring tones.
- Fertilise fruit and ornamental trees to encourage spring growth.
- Take semi-hardwood or tip cuttings of favourite evergreen shrubs to increase numbers.
- Treat Aussie shrubs to a seasonal trim.
- Lift height of mower blades a few centimetres in drier areas – extra leaf blade length gives protection from sun and drying winds.
- Establish new turf lawns in time for Christmas
- Give your soil a healthy boost by digging in organic matter, including compost and well-rotted manure.
