August · Late winter
What to sow in August in Melbourne
72 crops are in their window this month in Melbourne — timed to your local frost dates.
Last frost≈ 16 Aug
First frost≈ 20 Jun
Frost-free daysFrom 16 Aug
August averages7°–15°C
Vegetables
48 in season
Artichoke
Start indoors · seedlings need a cold snap to set buds in year one
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Asparagus
Plant crowns · resist harvesting until the second or third spring
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Herbs
17 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Chervil
Direct sow · prefers cool shade, bolts quickly once hot
Chives
Start indoors · perennial clumps, snip leaves for repeat harvests
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Dill
Direct sow · taproot resents transplanting, sow direct
Fruit
7 in season
Blackberries
Plant canes · thornless varieties are easiest for small gardens
Blueberries
Plant bushes · needs acidic soil and a second variety to pollinate
Currants
Plant canes · prune out canes older than three years each winter
Gooseberries
Plant canes · mind the thorns; pick slightly underripe for pies
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery