04/08/2026
WHAT TO PLANT IN AUGUST
There's a real buzz to the garden this time of year. Spring's not here yet, but you can feel it coming β and the best gardeners aren't waiting around for it. π±
Here's a trick worth knowing: you don't need a heat mat or a fancy greenhouse to start your spring seeds early. A plastic storage tub with a lid does the job just as well, trapping warmth and humidity like a mini greenhouse so your seeds get growing while it's still cold outside. By the time spring actually arrives, you've got sturdy seedlings ready to go straight in the ground.
Full how-to here: https://survivalseeds.com.au/blogs/blog/starting-spring-seeds-in-winter
The most productive spring and summer gardens start early, so we've put together an Early Bird Spring bundle β Spring & Summer Seeds, Tomato Seeds and Edible Flower Seeds, delivered for $58 (down from $93 RRP): https://survivalseeds.com.au/collections/garden-seeds/products/spring-and-summer-heirloom-vegetable-seed-kit
Now, onto what to plant this month, zone by zone π
π΅ COOL ZONE (Tasmania, ACT, Alpine Victoria & NSW)
Broad beans, peas, spinach, silverbeet, parsnip and radish can all go in direct, and potato and asparagus crowns can be planted now too.
Brassicas β broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale β are best planted as established seedlings rather than seed at this point, since the cold will slow direct-sown seed right down.
You're still weeks off being able to plant tomatoes, capsicums and chillies outdoors, so this is where the storage tub trick above really earns its keep.
One more thing: if you want bare-rooted fruit trees, August is your last chance before the season closes.
π’ MILD ZONE (Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, coastal NSW)
Peas, spinach, silverbeet, kale, lettuce, Asian greens, carrots, beetroot, radish, turnip, leeks and parsnip can all go in this month, and in frost-free coastal spots you can make a start on potatoes.
August is your last real chance for broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower β plant these as established seedlings rather than seed, since the window's closing and seed won't catch up in time.
The soil is still too cold for tomatoes, capsicums and chillies to go outdoors, so this is another good zone for the tub trick if you want a head start before spring.
π‘ ARID ZONE (Alice Springs, Broken Hill, Mildura, inland WA & SA)
Warm days but cold nights still β frost is a real risk here well into August. Radishes, turnips, Asian greens, mustard greens, lettuce and rocket are your best bet, since they're fast enough to get away before conditions turn. Leeks can go in too, making the most of the last of the season's moisture.
If you want to try potatoes, be ready to protect the new shoots if a late frost hits.
For tomatoes, capsicums and chillies, sow into trays and keep them somewhere protected β the tub trick works well here too, since your nights are still cold enough to catch seedlings out.
π SUB-TROPICAL ZONE (Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Northern NSW)
Frost is rare here, so August is prime growing time β there's a lot on offer. Asian greens, beans, beetroot, carrots, celery, silverbeet, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, leek, lettuce, mizuna, mustard, peas, potato, spinach, radish, rocket, spring onions, tatsoi, zucchini, cucumber and basil can all go in now.
Tomatoes, capsicums, eggplant and pumpkin can get started too β sow into trays in full sun and keep the soil consistently moist so they don't dry out. The tub trick works well here as well if you want to keep humidity up.
π΄ TROPICAL ZONE (Darwin, Cairns, Top End, Far North QLD)
Dry season is your prime growing window, and August sits right in the middle of it β cooler, less humid, and ideal for the crops that struggle once the wet sets in. Tomatoes, chillies, capsicums, cucumbers, eggplant, snake beans, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet corn and okra all do well now, along with leafy greens like rocket, spinach and amaranth, plus radishes, sweet potato and herbs like basil, coriander, parsley and chives.
Not sure which zone you're in? Find yours here: https://survivalseeds.com.au/blogs/blog/australias-gardening-climate-zones
