Winter Vegetables to Grow in Australia

The diverse variety of veggies available means there’s something that can be grown no matter what time of the year you wish to start sowing. If the urge to plant strikes you in winter, don’t worry, there are still plenty of vegetables that you can grow!

As the trusted experts at Jim’s Mowing, we know a thing or two about growing plants in the winter. We’ve put together this handy guide to help you understand what growing region you are located in and what type of winter vegetables you can grow.

Winter Vegetables Growing Guide By Region

When it comes to winter vegetables, the type to plant in your garden will differ greatly depending where in Australia you live. For example, those who live in Northern Queensland will find their options differ from those who live in Melbourne. Find your growing region below and get inspired with our recommendations!

Tropical regions (Northern Territory & Northern Queensland)

The tropical growing region is found at the top of Australia and is characterised by humid summers and warm winters. Because of the warmer temperatures, it’s easy to grow a range of different vegetables.

Our recommendations:

• Carrots: As carrots prefer slightly cooler temperatures, they are a great addition to your winter veggie patch. Plant them early winter for them to sprout once spring hits.
• Onions: Not only are onions delicious in warm winter dishes and soups, they thrive in the winter when grown in tropical regions.
• Pumpkin: As pumpkins need a warmer and frost-free spot when growing, plant them in your tropical garden during the winter.
• Tomatoes: Anywhere else, tomatoes are strictly a summer and spring fruit. But they can be grown in winter when planted in a tropical garden. Tomatoes are great for novice gardeners due to their hardy nature.

Subtropical regions (Brisbane & South-East Queensland)

Subtropical regions tend to be further south than tropical regions, and enjoy warm summers with more mild winters. As the winters are dry and cool, it’s an ideal time for vegetables.

Our recommendations

• Lettuce: Usually lettuce rushes to seed in the subtropical region, but the winter months provide the right conditions.
• Broccoli: Wonderful for adding to soups or stir-fries, broccoli is a great veggie to add to your winter garden. Steam it or fry it to keep its crunch!  
• Shallots: A fantastic garnish or addition to a salad. Plant them late autumn and early spring to harvest in springtime.

Arid regions (Alice Springs, Perth and the central desert)

Arid regions tend to be incredibly dry and is usually what springs to mind when one thinks of the outback. You may want to grow your vegetables in containers and use some mulch to help retain moisture.

Our recommendations:

• Cabbage: Enjoying cooler temperatures with full-sun, cabbage does well in arid regions during the winter. Shred it up and make a homemade coleslaw, or add it to soup. 
• Silverbeet: As highly frost-adverse, silverbeet is another good winter veggie to grow in arid regions. Add it to soups, pizzas, or bakes for a pop of green and extra nutrients! 
• Potatoes: There are few veggies as universal as the potato. Potatoes thrive in the winter months, but don’t cope well with frost so are best grown in arid regions during the cooler months.

Cool Regions (Canberra, Melbourne & Tasmania)

If you live in one of the cooler regions of Australia, you experience warm summers and cool and frosty winters. You will need to choose winter vegetables which are a bit hardier and can tolerate some mild frost.

Our recommendations:

• Cauliflower: Baked into a pie or mashed in a soup, cauliflower is a wonderful winter veggie to add to your collection. This cooler growing plant can be a little fussy so it’s not the best plant to start with as a beginner.
• Leeks: Fairly frost tolerant and hardy, leeks are perfect for those new to growing their own veggies. Leeks are delicious in pies or in leek and potato soup. 
• Snow peas: These plants can be picked and eaten right there and then in the garden, making them a wonderful veggie to get kids excited for gardening. Snow peas are pretty hardy and love cool and moist soil.

Temperate Regions (Sydney & Adelaide)

Temperate regions have warm summers and cool winters. Due to the mildness of the climate, you can grow a variety of different vegetables in this region.

Our recommendations:

• Peas: Peas make a wonderful side dish or addition to pies and bakes, and do well in a temperate climate. Just ensure that you plant them in a sunny position and keep the soil moist. 
• Asparagus: Delicious baked and battered, asparagus can be grown during the winter in these areas of Australia. As they have a deep root system, avoid planting asparagus in shallow soils. 
• Radishes: Radishes can be pickled and preserved, or shaved thin and added to salads for a zesty kick. Plant in well-drained soil and water your radishes regularly.
• Bok choy: Chop this green up and add it to soups and noodle dishes. Bok choy is great at tolerating frost, but prefers slightly milder temperatures so is perfect to grow in temperate regions.

Learn More About Gardening In Winter

If you’re excited to learn more about gardening in the colder months, follow our easy winter gardening tips. You can also find information about how to grow herbs in the winter, how to start a veggie patch, and how best to utilise a small space in the gardening section of our blog! Alternatively, you can get in touch with our friendly team and enlist the experts with our professional gardening services.