What to Plant Now in Brisbane

Dive into Brisbane’s unique climate, a gardener’s dream with its warm summers and mild winters. This city, nestled in South-East Queensland, offers diverse planting opportunities year-round. But, as we always emphasise at Yard Work, aligning with the seasons is the key to a garden that truly flourishes. 

Embrace Brisbane’s gardening potential by diving into this article because we’ve got the seasonal insights you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, let’s explore the best plants in Brisbane. 

Guide to planting seasons in Brisbane

Brisbane’s subtropical climate blends warm, wet summers and mild, dry winters, making it a haven for diverse planting opportunities. Let’s delve into the nuances of each season:

• Spring (September to November): A rejuvenating period where temperatures rise, averaging between 15°C to 25°C. The increased warmth and occasional rainfall make it a prime time for planting summer crops. However, gardeners should be wary of sudden heatwaves and ensure plants are well-watered.
• Summer (December to February): Characterised by hot and humid conditions, temperatures often soar above 30°C. This season also witnesses sporadic heavy rainfall, often accompanied by thunderstorms. While the moisture promotes growth, the heat can be challenging for some plants. Choosing heat-tolerant varieties and ensuring adequate mulching to retain soil moisture is essential.
• Autumn (March to May): A transitional period where summer heat gradually gives way to cooler temperatures, averaging between 15°C to 25°C. Rainfall becomes less frequent, providing a suitable environment for planting vegetables and flowers that prefer cooler conditions without the winter chill.
• Winter (June to August): Mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. While Brisbane doesn’t experience heavy frosts like southern regions, occasional chilly mornings can occur. This season is ideal for plants that require cooler conditions to germinate and grow.

Understanding Brisbane’s climatic patterns is crucial for making informed planting decisions. By aligning our gardening activities with these natural cycles, we can ensure our plants survive and thrive in optimal conditions.

What to grow in Brisbane now

Use the ultimate Brisbane planting calculator if you don’t want to read through our comprehensive guide. All you have to do is plug in your month, and the calculator will respond with recommendations on what to plant in Brisbane during this time. 

Check it out below!

Brisbane planting calculator

What to plant during Spring in Brisbane (September – November)

Spring in Brisbane is a time of rejuvenation and growth. As the city awakens from its mild winter slumber, gardeners are given a prime opportunity to cultivate a vibrant array of plants. With temperatures ranging between 15°C to 25°C, the conditions are generally warm but not excessively hot, making it ideal for many plants to thrive.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Heatwaves: While Spring is generally pleasant, Brisbane can occasionally experience sudden spikes in temperature. It’s essential to monitor the weather and ensure that young plants are adequately watered and shaded if necessary.
• Pests: With the resurgence of plant growth, pests also become more active. Regularly inspect plants for signs of infestations and take preventive measures, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic repellents.
• Soil preparation: After winter, the soil might need a bit of rejuvenation. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil and ensure it’s well-draining.
• Watering: While Spring does bring occasional rainfall, it’s crucial to maintain consistent watering, especially for newly planted seeds and seedlings, to ensure they establish well.

With these considerations in mind, in the following sections, let’s delve into the specific plants that thrive during Brisbane’s spring season.

Vegetables 

Spring in Brisbane offers a delightful window for vegetable planting, with its moderate temperatures and occasional rainfall. 

Here are our personal favourites to cultivate during this season:

1. Eggplant: Plant in well-draining soil under full sun, ensuring consistent moisture. As you nurture, watch for aphids; when the skin turns glossy, it’s time to harvest.
2. Tomato: Choose slightly acidic soil and bathe them in full sun. While you water them consistently, be vigilant of aphids, and once they’re firm with full colour, they’re ready to pick.
3. Capsicum: Set them in enriched soil, basking in the sun. As they grow, maintain moisture and watch for aphids. When they shine with firmness, they’re ripe for the taking.
4. Cucumber: Opt for light soil and generous sunlight. Regularly hydrate them and defend against cucumber beetles. Harvest when they feel firm and reach a medium size.
5. Lettuce: Nestle them in fertile soil, shaded just a touch. Ensure the ground stays moist, and as you fend off slugs, pick the outer leaves first, letting the centre flourish.

Herbs 

The mildness of Brisbane’s Spring creates an ideal environment for herb growth, allowing for aromatic and flavourful yields. 

Dive into our top picks for herbs to plant during Spring:

1. Chives: Cultivate in well-draining soil, balancing between sun and shade. As they sprout, snip them about 5 centimetres from the ground, and they’re ready to spice up your dishes.
2. Basil: Root them in fertile soil under the sun’s embrace. Pinch off the top leaves as they grow, and they’ll be perfect for your next culinary adventure.
3. Parsley: Let them thrive in rich soil with a hint of shade. As you cut stems close to the ground, they’re primed to garnish your favourite meals.
4. Sage: Plant in well-draining soil, ensuring full sun exposure. Pick the leaves as needed, and they’re set to elevate your dishes.
5. Oregano: Settle them in light soil bathed in sunlight. Harvest before flowering; they’re ready to infuse flavour into your recipes.

Fruits

With the warmth of Spring, fruit trees and plants in Brisbane burst into life, promising delicious harvests. 

Explore our cherished selections for fruit planting this Spring:

1. Strawberry: Spring’s mild temperatures make it prime time for strawberries. Plant them in well-draining soil, ensuring they get full sun. Water regularly, but avoid soaking the leaves. Once they turn a deep red, they’re ripe for picking. Store in a cool place and consume quickly for the best flavour.
2. Rhubarb: The coolness of Spring is ideal for rhubarb’s growth – plant in rich, well-draining soil in partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist. Harvest the stalks when firm and brightly coloured; remember, the leaves are toxic! Store in a cool, dark place.
3. Apricot: Spring’s moderate climate sets the stage for apricots. Plant them in well-draining soil under full sun. Water deeply but infrequently. Harvest when the fruit is soft to the touch and fully coloured. Store in a cool place and consume within a few days.
4. Apple: Spring blossoms promise a fruitful apple season. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Pick apples when they’re firm and full of colour. Store in a cool, dark place for longevity.
5. Watermelon: The warmth of late spring kickstarts watermelon growth. Plant in sandy, well-draining soil with ample sunlight. Water deeply and consistently. Harvest when the underside turns yellow, and the fruit sounds hollow when tapped. Store in a cool place and consume quickly.

Flowering plants

Springtime in Brisbane paints the city with vibrant hues as flowering plants bloom.

Discover our favourite blossoms to grace your garden during Spring:

1. Daylily: A burst of vibrant colours ranging from yellow to red, daylilies can grow up to 1 metre tall and bloom in early to mid-spring. We recommend planting in well-draining soil under full sun or partial shade. Water moderately and remove spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
2. Azalea: Their dazzling pink, red, and white shades are a spring spectacle. Azaleas thrive in acidic, well-draining soil and partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist and mulch to retain moisture. Prune after blooming to maintain shape.
3. Daffodil: These iconic yellow blooms signal the onset of Spring. Plant bulbs in well-draining soil under full sun or partial shade. Water moderately during growth, allowing the foliage to die naturally after blooming.
4. Dahlia: With their intricate petals and hues from white to deep purple, dahlias can grow up to 2 metres and bloom from mid-spring to Autumn. Plant in rich, well-draining soil under full sun. Water deeply and stake taller varieties for support.
5. Marigold: Their golden blooms are not just pretty but also pest-repellent. Marigolds prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Water moderately and deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.

What to plant during Summer in Brisbane (December – February)

Brisbane’s Summer is marked by its warm, often humid days, with temperatures frequently rising above 30°C. While this season brings about vibrant growth in the garden, it also presents unique challenges due to the intense heat and occasional heavy downpours. Gardeners must be vigilant, ensuring plants are protected from the scorching sun while maintaining adequate moisture levels in the soil without overwatering.

Summer in Brisbane is not just about managing the challenges but also about seizing the opportunities. Many plants thrive in the warmth, producing bountiful harvests or stunning blooms. However, it’s essential to choose heat-tolerant plants that can handle the city’s summer conditions.

With the right care and attention, summer gardening in Brisbane can be incredibly rewarding. In the sections below, let’s delve into our top picks for this sun-soaked season.

Vegetables 

Summer in Brisbane is about choosing vegetables that can withstand the heat while producing a bountiful harvest. 

Here are the top picks for vegetables that thrive in the Summer warmth:

1. Heat-resistant tomatoes: Unlike their Spring counterparts, these tomatoes are bred to withstand the summer heat. Plant them in well-draining soil and ensure they get full sun. Regular watering is key, but avoid wetting the foliage. As they mature, pick them when they’re firm and fully coloured.
2. Beetroot: A versatile root vegetable, beetroot thrives in Brisbane’s Summer. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil. They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Water consistently, and when the top of the beet becomes visible above the soil, they’re ready to harvest.
3. Zucchini: These fast growers love the summer sun. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and ensure they get plenty of sunlight. Water deeply once or twice a week. Harvest when they’re about 15-20 cm long for the best flavour and texture.
4. Okra: A true summer vegetable, okra loves the heat. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. When the pods are about 7-10 cm long, they’re ready to be picked.
5. Sweet potato: Thriving in Brisbane’s Summer, sweet potatoes need well-draining soil and full sun. Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Harvest when the leaves start to yellow and die back.

Herbs 

Summer herbs add flavour to dishes and thrive in the Brisbane heat. 

Here are our favourite herbs for the season:

1. Chilli: These fiery pods love the summer heat. Plant them in well-draining soil and ensure they get full sun. Water consistently, and once they’re brightly coloured, they’re ready to spice up your meals.
2. Mint: A refreshing herb, mint prefers partial shade in Brisbane’s intense Summer. Plant in moist, well-draining soil. Harvest the leaves as needed, and they’re ready to add a cool touch to your dishes.
3. Lemongrass: This aromatic herb thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water regularly, and once the stalks are about 30 cm tall, they’re ready to be harvested and add zest to your meals.
4. Thyme: This hardy herb loves the summer sun. Plant in well-draining soil and water when the soil feels dry. Harvest the sprigs as needed, and they’re ready to infuse flavour into your dishes.
5. Coriander: Unlike many herbs, coriander can handle Brisbane’s summer heat if given afternoon shade. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil and water consistently. Harvest the leaves as they mature, and they’re set to garnish your favourite dishes.

Fruits

Brisbane’s Summer is a season of sweet, juicy fruits. Here are Yard Work’s top fruit recommendations that not only thrive in the summer heat but also promise delightful harvests:

1. Loquat: This subtropical fruit tree loves Brisbane’s Summer. Plant in well-draining soil and provide full sun. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Harvest the fruits when they turn yellow-orange and slightly soft to the touch.
2. Peach: A summer favourite, peaches thrive in well-draining soil under full sun. Ensure consistent watering, especially when the fruits are developing. Pick them when they are soft to the touch and exude a sweet aroma.
3. Plum: These juicy fruits need well-draining soil and full sun. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between watering. Harvest when the fruits are plump, colourful, and slightly soft.
4. Blackberry: Plant these berry bushes in rich, well-draining soil and ensure they get full sun. Water consistently and protect from birds with netting. Pick the berries when they are dark, plump, and easily come off the vine.
5. Blueberry: These berries prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Plant in a sunny spot, but provide some afternoon shade. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist. Harvest when the berries turn a deep blue and are firm to touch.

Flowering plants

Summer in Brisbane sees gardens come alive with vibrant blooms. Here are Yard Work’s top flowering plants that add colour and charm to any garden:

1. Poinsettia: Known as the Christmas star, poinsettias thrive in well-draining soil under full sun. Water when the topsoil feels dry. Their vibrant red leaves are not true flowers but add festive cheer to the garden.
2. Snowflake: These delicate white blooms prefer well-draining soil and partial shade. Water moderately and enjoy their graceful appearance throughout the Summer.
3. Gardenias: With their intoxicating fragrance, gardenias need well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Plant in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Water consistently, and their creamy white blooms will delight the senses.
4. Camellias: These evergreen shrubs love well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Plant in partial shade and water regularly. Their large, rose-like blooms come in shades of pink, red, and white.
5. Roses: The timeless beauty of roses is unmatched. Plant in rich, well-draining soil under full sun. Water deeply, but avoid wetting the foliage. Regularly deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering and enjoy their classic elegance all Summer.

What to plant during Autumn in Brisbane (March-May)

As Brisbane transitions from the heat of Summer to the milder temperatures of Autumn, gardeners are presented with a unique window of opportunity. The cooler nights and still-warm days of Autumn create an environment conducive to the growth of summer favourites and the introduction of winter crops. This season is particularly favourable for establishing deep roots, ensuring plants are well-settled before the winter chill sets in.

Autumn in Brisbane is also a time to be mindful of the decreasing daylight hours and adjusting watering schedules as the evaporation rates drop. It’s a preparation period where the groundwork ensures a bountiful winter harvest and vibrant spring blooms.

With the changing hues of the landscape, autumn gardening in Brisbane offers its own set of joys and challenges. 

In the sections below, let’s explore Yard Work’s top plant recommendations for this golden season. 

Vegetables 

Autumn in Brisbane is when the soil retains the warmth of Summer, making it ideal for planting various vegetables. 

Here are Yard Work’s top picks for vegetables that we think can flourish in the Autumn months:

1. Carrot: The cooler temperatures of Autumn are perfect for carrots. Plant them in deep, well-draining soil. Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains moist. Harvest when the tops are visible above the soil, indicating they’re ready to be pulled.
2. Silverbeet: This leafy green thrives in the mild autumn climate. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and ensure they get full to partial sun. Water consistently; pick the outer leaves as they mature, allowing the centre to grow.
3. Beans: Autumn-planted beans yield a rich harvest. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Harvest when the pods are firm and snap easily.
4. Garlic: Autumn is the prime time to plant garlic in Brisbane. Plant cloves in well-draining soil, ensuring they get full sun. Water moderately and wait for the foliage to die down before harvesting.
5. Cauliflower: This cool-season crop loves the milder temperatures of Autumn. Plant in rich, well-draining soil under full sun. Water consistently; once the head is firm and compact, it’s ready to be picked.

Herbs

Autumn herbs in Brisbane add flavour to dishes and bring a touch of green to the garden as the temperatures start to dip. 

Here are our favourite herbs to plant for Autumn:

1. Fennel: This aromatic herb with a hint of licorice thrives in well-draining soil under full sun. Water regularly, and as the bulb swells at the base, it’s ready to be harvested.
2. Sage: A perennial herb, sage loves the cooler temperatures of Autumn. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Water when the soil feels dry, and pick the leaves as needed to add a warm, pine-like flavour to dishes.
3. Rosemary: This hardy herb flourishes in the mild Brisbane autumn. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water moderately, and snip the sprigs as needed to infuse dishes with its aromatic flavour.
4. Chervil: Often likened to parsley, chervil prefers the cooler days of Autumn. Plant in well-draining soil with partial shade. Keep the soil moist, harvest the leaves as they mature, adding a mild anise flavour to dishes.
5. Coriander: Unlike many herbs, coriander enjoys the cooler temperatures of Autumn in Brisbane. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil and water consistently. Harvest the leaves as they mature, adding a fresh, citrusy note to your meals.

Fruits

Autumn in Brisbane is a season of rich, sweet fruits. As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, these fruits come into their prime. Here are Yard Work’s top fruit recommendations for the autumn season:

1. Fig: The sweet, juicy figs delight the Brisbane autumn. Plant in well-draining soil and provide them with full sun. Water moderately, and it’s ripe for picking when the fruit yields slightly to the touch.
2. Grape: As Summer fades, grapevines offer their bountiful harvest. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Water consistently, especially as the fruit develops. Harvest when the grapes are plump and full of flavour.
3. Pear: These juicy fruits thrive in the mild Brisbane autumn. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water regularly, and when the fruit is slightly soft at the stem, it’s ready to be picked.
4. Cherry: The cooler nights of Autumn are perfect for cherries. Plant in well-draining soil and ensure they get full sun. Water consistently, and once the cherries are plump and deep-coloured, they’re ripe for the picking.
5. Pomegranate: These jewel-like fruits love the Brisbane autumn. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Water deeply but infrequently. Harvest when the fruit is a deep red and sounds hollow when tapped.

Flowering plants

Autumn in Brisbane sees gardens adorned with various blooms, from vibrant hues to pastel shades. Here are Yard Work’s top flowering plants for the season:

1. Pansy: These cheerful blooms bring a splash of colour to the autumn garden. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun or partial shade. Water moderately and enjoy their vibrant faces throughout the season.
2. Cyclamen: Their delicate, butterfly-like blooms are a sight to behold. Plant in well-draining soil and provide them with partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist and enjoy their varied colours.
3. Pelargoniums: Also known as geraniums, their vibrant blooms light up the autumn garden. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Water when the soil feels dry along with Seasol, and they’ll reward you with continuous blooms.
4. Kangaroo paw: A true Australian native, kangaroo paw offers unique, velvety flowers. Plant in well-draining soil and ensure they get full sun. Water moderately, and their paw-like blooms will add a touch of the wild to your garden.
5. Hydrangea: Their large, globe-like blooms range from blues to pinks, depending on the soil’s pH. Plant in well-draining soil under partial shade. Water consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist, and enjoy their spectacular show.

What to plant during Winter in Brisbane (June – July)

Winter in Brisbane is characterised by its mild temperatures, with daytime highs often reaching the low 20s (°C) and rarely dropping below 10°C at night. While it’s cooler than the other seasons, it’s far from the frosty winters experienced in many other regions. This mild climate offers gardeners a unique opportunity to grow plants that might struggle in hotter months.

The reduced evaporation rates mean less frequent watering, and the cooler temperatures can produce richer flavours in many edible plants. However, it’s essential to ensure plants are well-mulched to retain moisture and to provide protection on the occasional cooler night.

With the right choices, winter gardening in Brisbane can be productive and rewarding. In the sections below, let’s explore our top plant recommendations for this cooler season.

Vegetables 

Winter in Brisbane provides a refreshing break from the heat, allowing certain vegetables to thrive. 

Based on our experience during winter, here are the top picks for vegetables that flourish in the cooler months:

1. Potato: The cooler winter months are ideal for planting potatoes in Brisbane. Choose a well-draining spot and plant in deep trenches. Water moderately, ensuring the soil remains moist but not soggy. Harvest once the foliage has died, revealing your underground treasures (see our guide to growing potatoes in Brisbane). 
2. Kale: This nutrient-packed leafy green loves the mild Brisbane winter. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and provide it with full sun to partial shade. Water consistently, and pick the outer leaves as they mature, allowing the plant to continue producing.
3. Asparagus: While asparagus is a perennial that takes a few years to establish, winter is a great time to plant crowns. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently, and you’ll be rewarded with tender spears by the third year.
4. Broccoli: This cool-season crop thrives in the mild temperatures of a Brisbane winter. Plant in nutrient-rich, well-draining soil under full sun. Water consistently, and harvest the main head when it’s tight and green before it starts to flower.
5. Onion: Winter is the prime time to plant onions in Brisbane. Choose a spot with well-draining soil and full sun. Water moderately, and as the bulbs develop, reduce watering. Harvest when the tops begin to yellow and fall over.

Herbs 

Even in winter, Brisbane gardens can be aromatic with the scent of fresh herbs. 

Some of my favourite herbs for the Winter season include:

1. Marjoram: This aromatic herb prefers the cooler months of winter. Plant in well-draining soil and provide it with full sun. Water when the soil feels dry, and pick the leaves as needed to add a sweet, pine-citrusy flavour to dishes.
2. Thai coriander: Unlike regular coriander, Thai coriander is more heat-tolerant but still enjoys the milder winter months. Plant in fertile, well-draining soil and water consistently. Harvest the leaves as they mature, adding a spicy note to your meals.
3. Dill: This feathery herb thrives in the coolness of a Brisbane winter. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Water moderately, and snip the fronds as needed to add a fresh, anise-like flavour to dishes.
4. Parsley:  A versatile herb, parsley loves the mild winter temperatures. Plant in rich, well-draining soil and ensure it gets full to partial sun. Water consistently and pick the leaves as they mature, adding a fresh touch to various dishes.

Fruits

Winter in Brisbane may be mild, but it’s still a fruitful season for gardeners. 

Here are our top fruit-planting recommendations for the cooler months:

1. Strawberry: Winter is the perfect time to plant strawberries in Brisbane. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water consistently, ensuring the soil remains moist. By Spring, you’ll be rewarded with sweet, juicy berries.
2. Melon: While melons typically prefer the warmth of Summer, planting in late winter can give them a head start. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water deeply and regularly, and by late Spring to early Summer, you’ll have ripe melons ready for harvest.
3. Lemon: While lemon trees are evergreen and can be planted year-round, winter planting ensures they establish well before the heat of Summer. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between watering. By the following season, you’ll start to see fruit development.
4. Kiwifruit: These vine fruits can be planted in winter to establish their root system. Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny to partially shaded spot. Water consistently; in a couple of years, you’ll be rewarded with tangy kiwifruits.
5. Kumquat: These small citrus fruits are perfect for Brisbane’s climate. Plant in well-draining soil under full sun. Water regularly, and by late winter to early Spring, the tree will be adorned with tiny, zesty fruits.

Flowering plants

Brisbane gardens can burst into colour even in winter with the right flowering plants. 

Here are Yard Work’s top picks for the Winter season:

1. Frangipani: While frangipanis are deciduous and lose their leaves in winter, it’s an ideal time to plant them. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water moderately, and you’ll have fragrant blooms gracing your garden by Summer. 
2. Perennials: Many perennials can be planted in winter to ensure a burst of colour come Spring. Choose a mix suited to Brisbane’s climate, plant in well-draining soil and water consistently.
3. Carnation: These fragrant blooms can be planted in winter for a spring display. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water regularly, and by Spring, the garden will be adorned with their spicy-scented flowers.
4. Zinnia: While zinnias are typically summer flowers, sowing them in late winter ensures an early spring bloom. Plant in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water consistently, and soon you’ll have a garden full of vibrant colours.
5. Hibiscus: These tropical beauties can be planted in winter to establish themselves before the heat of Summer. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently, and by Summer, you’ll have large, showy blooms adding a tropical touch to your garden. There are a few Australian hibiscus varieties, so ensure you select the right type for your gardening needs. 

Maintenance and care tips throughout the year 

Spring 

Spring in Brisbane is a time of renewal and growth. 

The soil eagerly awakens, making it the perfect moment to enrich garden beds with compost, replenishing the nutrients that plants crave. As the city’s temperatures gently rise, plants thirst for more water. It’s essential to quench their thirst by watering deeply, yet not too frequently, encouraging roots to delve deeper into the earth. With the blossoms of winter-flowering shrubs fading, it’s time to give them a gentle prune, making way for new growth. But as the garden comes alive, so do pests. Aphids, snails, and slugs might appear, but they can be kept at bay with a keen eye and timely interventions.

Summer

Brisbane’s Summer is vibrant but also tests the garden’s resilience. 

The sun beats down, making mulching indispensable. Mulch is a protective blanket, conserving moisture and keeping the soil cool. While the urge might be to water frequently, it’s best to do so in the early mornings or late evenings, ensuring every drop counts and benefits the plants. Summer’s exuberant growth might require some plants, especially annuals, to be pinched back, promoting a bushier growth. And with the heat, pests like spider mites may try to stake a claim, but regular inspections can keep them in check.

Autumn

As the heat of Summer wanes, Autumn in Brisbane offers a gentle respite. 

Now, it’s time to prepare the garden for the seasons ahead. Adding compost and well-rotted manure will ensure the soil is primed for winter planting. In contrast, the cooler temperatures might reduce the need for frequent watering, ensuring the soil doesn’t remain soggy is crucial, a precursor to the dreaded root rot. The fading blooms of summer-flowering shrubs can be pruned now, and the fallen leaves, a golden carpet on the ground, can be composted, returning nutrients to the earth. However, after rains, look for snails and slugs, which might be tempted to feast on tender plants.

Winter

While milder than many places, winter in Brisbane still has its unique challenges and opportunities. It’s a quieter time in the garden, a period of dormancy for many plants. This restful phase means limited fertilisation is required. Watering must drop, but ensuring that evergreens and those few winter-flowering plants receive their fair share is essential. Deciduous trees, stripped of their leaves, can be pruned now, their bare branches revealing their true form. And while frost is a rarity in Brisbane, on those few colder nights, sensitive plants might appreciate the protection of a frost cloth or being moved to a warmer spot. Winter is also a time to tackle overwintering pests with dormant oil sprays, ensuring the garden is set for the year ahead.

Final Thoughts

In Brisbane’s distinct climate, each season paints a unique gardening canvas. Recognising and adapting to this seasonal rhythm is the key to flourishing gardens. While guidelines like our Adelaide vegetable planting guide offer direction, the real magic lies in experimentation. Every patch of soil and corner of a garden tells its own story, and by listening, adjusting, and learning, gardeners can unlock its secrets.

But the joys of gardening in Brisbane go beyond the vibrant blooms and fresh produce. It’s a journey of discovery, much like understanding what to plant now in Tasmania or Melbourne. This journey is a therapeutic escape from the daily hustle. With every seed sown and plant nurtured, gardeners connect deeper with nature, finding peace and solace in the soil and leaves.

So, to Brisbane’s green-thumbed residents and those in Sydney alike, we say: Dive into the dance of the seasons, experiment with passion, and cherish the rewards—both on your plate and in your heart. Happy gardening!

FAQs

How often should I water my garden in winter in Brisbane?

 In Brisbane’s mild winter, water your garden less frequently. Monitor the soil moisture and water when it feels dry to the touch.

What grows all year round in Brisbane? 

Brisbane’s climate supports various evergreens, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and vegetables like kale and silverbeet, which can thrive throughout the year.

What plants flower all year in Queensland? 

In Queensland, plants like hibiscus, bougainvillaea, and frangipani offer vibrant blooms for most of the year, given the right care and conditions.

Is Brisbane tropical or subtropical? 

Brisbane has a subtropical climate, characterised by warm to hot weather for most of the year, with distinct wet and dry seasons.