September in Adelaide is spring, when warm-season crops go in once frost risk has passed. Here’s exactly what to sow from seed, plant as seedlings, and harvest this month in a mediterranean/temperate climate, tuned to Adelaide’s frosts and temperatures, not a generic national calendar.
Typical Temps
7-33°C
winter low to summer high
Frost
Frost-free (plains), light frosts July-August in Hills
Climate Zone
Mediterranean/Temperate
South Australia
Frost watch: Adelaide's plains rarely frost, but the Adelaide Hills and inland areas get light frosts in winter. Hold tender seedlings until early September in cooler suburbs. See frost dates for every city →
Adelaide's extreme summer heatwaves (40°C+) can kill vegetable plants within hours, keep shadecloth on hand and water deeply the day before forecast heatwaves.
The Adelaide Hills is its own microclimate, if you garden above 400m, treat your conditions more like Canberra and expect frosts from June to September.
Adelaide's low summer rainfall means drip irrigation is essential, hand-watering raised beds in 38°C heat is exhausting and inefficient.
Adelaide tap water is among Australia's most alkaline, check your soil pH regularly and add sulphur or acidic compost to correct alkalinity, which blocks nutrient uptake.
From the makers
This calendar tells you what's possible in September, Plant Planner tells you exactly how many of each crop to grow for your family, how to arrange them in your beds, and sends reminders so you never miss a window.
In September, Adelaide gardeners can sow Tomato, Capsicum, Eggplant, Cucumber, Zucchini, Beans and more from seed, and plant out Tomato seedlings, Broccoli (last), Lettuce, Silverbeet, Onion as seedlings. Adelaide sits in the Mediterranean/Temperate climate zone, so these picks are timed to local conditions.
September falls in spring, when warm-season crops go in once frost risk has passed. In Adelaide, expect winter lows around 7°C and summer highs near 33°C. Adelaide's plains rarely frost, but the Adelaide Hills and inland areas get light frosts in winter. Hold tender seedlings until early September in cooler suburbs.
Yes, September is a suitable window to start or plant tomatoes in Adelaide. Give them full sun, support, and consistent watering. See the full month-by-month calendar for the rest of the season.
In a Adelaide garden, September typically brings harvests of Peas, Broad Beans, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Leek, Spinach, Kale. Actual timing depends on when each crop was planted.