What to Plant Now in the Mediterranean Zone: Oct 2026
October is the hinge month in Adelaide and Perth. The last of the winter rain is fading, the days are warming and the long dry summer is coming. Plant warm-season crops now and set up irrigation and mulch before the heat.
Covers: Adelaide and southern South Australia, Perth and the WA South West. Windows shown are typical, so adjust for your own frost dates and microclimate. Not sure of your zone?
Watch: what to plant in October in the Mediterranean zone
A 15-second silent video summary. The words on screen are written out under the video.
Video transcript
Intro: Holly's Homestead.
ADELAIDE · PERTH. Plant THESE in October
PLANT NOW. Tomato. Capsicum. Cucumber. Beans. Corn. Pumpkin
HARVEST NOW. Broccoli. Peas. Asparagus. Artichoke
The full list is below. Plant, harvest, jobs and what to watch for. Mediterranean zone: October 2026
Outro: hollyshomestead.com.au.
What to plant now
| Crop | Sow or plant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Seedlings | Plant now with mulch and drip irrigation ready for summer. |
| Capsicum | Seedlings | Plant when nights are mild. Also Chilli and Eggplant. |
| Cucumber | Seed or seedlings | Trellis it and mulch the base. Dry heat means regular watering. |
| Zucchini | Seed | Plant now. Pumpkin also goes in with plenty of space. |
| Green Beans | Seed | Sow direct now and every few weeks into November. |
| Corn | Seed | Plant in blocks and water well in dry weather. |
| Sweet Potato | Slips | Late October to November once soil is warm. It copes with dry heat well. |
| Watermelon | Seed | Plant in full sun with space and deep, regular water. |
| Basil | Seed or seedlings | Plant beside tomatoes. Wait until nights are mild. |
| Beetroot | Seed | Last easy sowings of beetroot, carrot, radish and lettuce before real heat. |
Tap a crop for its full grow guide, with spacing, soil and a printable PDF.
What to hold off for now
Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Summer heat and caterpillars make them hard work, so sow in late summer for autumn. Peas and broad beans are finished for the year. Garlic and onions go in during autumn.
What to harvest
- Broccoli. Cut the last heads before they flower.
- Peas. Finishing in the warming weather. Pick often.
- Asparagus. Spears are at their best in spring.
- Globe Artichoke. Harvest buds when tight, before the scales open.
- Silverbeet. Cut outer leaves regularly.
- Strawberry. Peak season is spring into early summer.
Jobs for October
- Mulch 7 to 10 cm deep now, before the dry sets in.
- Install or check drip irrigation and put it on a timer for early morning.
- Check your tank, pumps and gutters before the main dry months.
- Put up shade cloth for seedlings and leafy greens ahead of hot spells.
- Fire season approaches. Slash dry grass, clear gutters and tidy around buildings.
What to watch for
- Fruit fly: Medfly is established in Perth and the South West, and South Australia runs outbreak zones with fruit movement rules. Check local rules before moving fruit, and use nets, bags and traps.
- Heatwaves can arrive early. Protect new plantings and water deeply.
- Grass seeds, foxtails and burrs in paddocks, and on animals.
- Aphids and caterpillars on remaining brassicas, and powdery mildew on cucurbits.
If you keep animals
- Spring feed is at its peak and is drying off fast. Plan hay and feed now for the dry months.
- Flystrike risk is high in spring. Check sheep regularly.
- Heat and water: check troughs, shade and tank levels.
- Snakes are active. Keep grass short around poultry runs and sheds.
Animal rules differ by state. See our My Council in One Place tool, or the backyard livestock rules by state.
Other climate zones
This page is refreshed every month. Next update: 1 November 2026. General guidance only: always check local conditions, council rules and your own frost dates.
Also in Garden News: why more Australians are turning to self-sufficiency in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant tomatoes in Adelaide or Perth?
From about September to November, after the last frost. Mulch and drip irrigation make the difference through the dry summer.
What can I plant in October in Perth?
Tomato, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, cucumber, zucchini, beans, corn, pumpkin, sweet potato and basil. Lettuce, beetroot and carrots still work early in the month.
Why is the Mediterranean zone different?
It has wet winters and hot dry summers, the reverse of much of Australia. Cool-season crops do well in winter, while summer planting needs reliable irrigation.