October · Mid-spring
What to sow in October in Melbourne
31 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 days262 days
October averages10°–21°C
Vegetables
25 in season
Amaranth Greens
Direct sow · pinch tips often for a steady flush of tender greens
Arugula
Direct sow · sow every 2-3 weeks for a steady peppery harvest
Beets
Direct sow · soak seed clusters overnight to speed germination
Bitter Melon
Start indoors · harvest young and green — riper fruit turns bitter
Bush Beans
Direct sow · sow after soil warms; skip cold, wet spring soil
Herbs
5 in season
Basil
Start indoors · loves heat, don't rush it outside before frost
Cilantro
Direct sow · bolts fast in heat, sow small batches often
Epazote
Direct sow · cut flower heads early or it self-seeds everywhere
Fenugreek (Methi)
Direct sow · ready to cut in under a month; sow again for more
Rosemary
Transplant seedlings · germinates slowly, cuttings are far more reliable
Fruit
1 in season
Ground Cherries
Transplant seedlings · let ripe fruit drop; husks turn tan and papery