What to Plant in February — Arid Australia
Your complete February planting guide for arid climate zones. Whether you're in Alice Springs, Broken Hill, or Mildura, this guide tells you exactly what to sow from seed, plant as seedlings, and harvest this summer.
Covers: Alice Springs, Broken Hill, Mildura, Kalgoorlie, Port Augusta and surrounding arid postcodes(0870 (Alice Springs), 2880 (Broken Hill), 3500 (Mildura))
Arid Climate — February Overview
Low rainfall and extreme summer heat. Excellent cool-season growing from March to October.
February falls in summer for most of Australia, but in arid zones this means temperatures that are transitioning between extremes, opening or closing growing windows. The recommendations below are calibrated specifically for arid conditions with local rainfall patterns, temperature ranges, and frost dates in mind.
Sow from Seed
Direct or in punnets
- Okra
- Basil
- Sweet Potato slips
- Cowpeas
- Beans (heat-tolerant)
- Sweetcorn (early month only)
These crops perform best when direct-seeded or started in seed trays in February for arid conditions.
Plant as Seedlings
Transplant-ready
- Eggplant
- Capsicum
- Basil
- Sweet Potato slips
These crops establish faster from nursery seedlings in February. Harden off for 3–5 days before planting out.
Ready to Harvest
From earlier plantings
- Eggplant
- Capsicum
- Watermelon
- Rockmelon
- Sweet Potato
- Beans
Crops typically ready for harvest in February in arid zones, from plantings made in previous weeks.
February Tip for Arid Gardens
Still very hot — maintain shade cloth and deep watering. February marks the very start of the transition toward cooler conditions. Begin preparing beds with compost for the March–April surge in planting activity. Drip irrigation is essential.
February Garden Tasks — Arid Checklist
Soil Preparation
Arid summers are demanding on soil. Top-dress beds with 5cm of compost before planting and mulch heavily (8–10cm) to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Water-wise gardens in arid zones benefit from worm castings mixed into the top layer.
Watering Guide
Drip irrigation under mulch is essential in arid zones — it delivers water directly to roots, reduces evaporation by up to 70%, and keeps foliage dry to prevent fungal disease. Water in the early morning and check soil moisture 5cm deep before each watering session.
Pest & Disease Watch
Arid summers bring peak pest pressure. Watch for: aphids on new growth (blast with water), white cabbage moth caterpillars, spider mites in dry heat, and powdery mildew on zucchini and cucumber. Inspect plants every 2–3 days and act early.
Succession Planting
Avoid the feast-or-famine cycle by sowing fast-maturing crops — lettuce, radish, Asian greens, and spinach — every 2–3 weeks rather than all at once. In arid zones during February, a fortnightly succession-sowing rhythm ensures continuous harvests rather than a single glut. Split your available bed space into thirds and plant each third 2 weeks apart. This applies to salad crops year-round and to beans and beetroot in the warmer months.
From the makers
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This guide is a great starting point — Plant Planner goes further with exact sowing dates, quantities based on your family size, companion planting suggestions, and weekly email reminders.
Why Climate Zone Matters for February Planting
Australia spans five distinct climate zones, and the same calendar month means completely different growing conditions depending on where you live. A gardener in Alice Springs planting in February faces entirely different challenges and opportunities than someone in a cool alpine area like Canberra or Hobart.
For arid zones specifically, February is peak summer — soil temperatures are high, evaporation is rapid, and heat-loving crops thrive while cool-season vegetables struggle. The planting recommendations on this page account for typical arid frost dates, average temperatures, and seasonal rainfall patterns.
For even more precision, VeggiePatch Pro uses your exact Australian postcode to determine your specific microclimate, local frost dates, and the optimal planting windows for your suburb. Enter your postcode for a personalised 12-month planting calendar tailored to your exact location — not just your broad climate zone.
Get a Personalised Plan for Your Garden
This guide is a great starting point, but VeggiePatch Pro goes further. Enter your postcode, your bed measurements, and your family size — we'll generate a complete 12-month planting calendar with exact sowing dates, quantities based on how many people you feed, companion planting suggestions, and weekly email reminders.
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