The Almanac · may 2026
Twelve months,five climate zones,sixty planting guides.
may 2026 — Quick Jump
All 60 Planting Guides
Every month and climate zone combination, covering all of Australia. The current month is highlighted. Each guide includes what to sow from seed, what to plant as seedlings, what's ready to harvest, and expert tips for your zone.
| Month | Tropical | Subtropical | Temperate | Cool/Alpine | Arid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
☀️ January Summer | View | View | View | View | View |
☀️ February Summer | View | View | View | View | View |
🍂 March Autumn | View | View | View | View | View |
🍂 April Autumn | View | View | View | View | View |
🍂 MayNow Autumn | View | View | View | View | View |
❄️ June Winter | View | View | View | View | View |
❄️ July Winter | View | View | View | View | View |
❄️ August Winter | View | View | View | View | View |
🌸 September Spring | View | View | View | View | View |
🌸 October Spring | View | View | View | View | View |
🌸 November Spring | View | View | View | View | View |
☀️ December Summer | View | View | View | View | View |
Summer
Summer
Autumn
Autumn
Autumn
Winter
Winter
Winter
Spring
Spring
Spring
Summer
From the makers
Get a Plan Built Around Your Exact Postcode
These guides cover broad climate zones — Plant Planner uses your exact Australian postcode to pinpoint your microclimate, local frost dates, and optimal planting windows.
Australia's Five Climate Zones for Vegetable Gardening
Tropical
Cairns, Darwin
Year-round growing with wet and dry seasons. December–April brings monsoon rains; May–November is perfect for almost any vegetable with consistent irrigation.
May guideSubtropical
Brisbane, Gold Coast
Mild winters and warm summers allow near year-round production. The autumn season (March–May) and winter months are peak productivity time for leafy greens and brassicas.
May guideTemperate
Sydney, Melbourne
Classic four-season gardening with clear planting windows. Spring (September–November) and autumn (March–May) are the most productive transition periods.
May guideCool/Alpine
Hobart, Canberra
Short but intense growing season (November–March). Frost protection is essential from April to October. Choose fast-maturing varieties to maximise the warm window.
May guideArid
Alice Springs
Extreme summer heat limits growing to the cooler months (March–October). Water efficiency is paramount — drip irrigation under mulch is essential for success.
May guideHow to Use These Planting Guides
Find Your Climate Zone
If you're unsure of your zone, use your city as a guide: tropical (Darwin, Cairns), subtropical (Brisbane, Gold Coast), temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth), cool (Hobart, Canberra, Ballarat), or arid (Alice Springs, Broken Hill).
Select Your Month
Each guide is specific to a month and zone combination. The current month is highlighted at the top of the grid. You can also browse upcoming months to plan ahead — order seeds 4–6 weeks before their sowing window.
Sow, Plant & Harvest
Each guide lists three categories: sow from seed (direct or in punnets), plant as seedlings (from nursery), and ready to harvest from earlier plantings. Focus on what fits your current garden space and family needs.
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For exact planting dates based on your postcode, quantities tailored to your family size, companion planting suggestions, and weekly email reminders — create your free account. The app generates a personalised 12-month calendar for your specific garden.
Get a Plan Built Around Your Exact Postcode
These guides cover broad climate zones — but VeggiePatch Pro uses your exact Australian postcode to pinpoint your microclimate, local frost dates, and optimal planting windows. Plus bed planning, family consumption calculations, and weekly reminders.
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