What to plant in your raised veggie patch in South East Queensland

South East Queensland has one of the best climates in Australia for growing vegetables. Warm winters mean you can grow something almost every month of the year, but what works well changes with the season. Getting the timing right is the single biggest thing you can do to improve your results.

What should I plant each season in South East Queensland?

1. Autumn and winter (March to August): this is the best time for leafy greens, brassicas and root vegetables. Lettuce, spinach, Asian greens, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beetroot, and herbs like parsley, coriander and dill all do well in the cooler months. Pest pressure is generally lower too.
2. Spring (September to November): a transition season. You can still finish off your winter crops while starting tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber, zucchini and pumpkin as the weather warms.
3. Summer (December to February): hot and humid, which suits beans, sweet potato, Asian greens and herbs like basil and Vietnamese mint. Tomatoes can still produce early in the season. Pest pressure is highest, so keep an eye on your plants and have a look at our pest management guide.

A few things that work almost year-round in SEQ: cherry tomatoes, silverbeet, spring onions, chives and most herbs. These are great confidence builders if you are just starting out.

Why timing matters in a raised bed: plants started in the right season grow faster, taste better and have far fewer problems. A plant struggling in the wrong conditions is much more likely to attract pests and disease. Healthy, well-timed plants in a good premium potting mix are your best defence.

For precise sowing and planting times based on your exact postcode, use our free garden calendar below. It accounts for your local climate zone, not just a general Queensland average.

More garden guides: companion planting · common raised-bed mistakes · insect netting pros and cons

Check what to plant right now: our free garden calendar gives you month-by-month guidance for your postcode. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.