What to Plant in Spring in New Zealand: September, October and November Planting Guide

Spring is here, which means it's time to get planting.

But knowing what to plant and when in New Zealand isn't always quite as straightforward as the seed packet makes it sound.

September in Northland looks very different to September here in Ohakune or Wanaka, and a tomato seedling that is perfectly happy going into the ground in Auckland might have a very short and unhappy life if we planted it outside here too early.

So rather than treating the whole country the same, we've put together a practical New Zealand spring planting guide for September, October and November.

Use it as a starting point, then adjust it for your own climate, soil and likelihood of frost.

What should you plant in spring in New Zealand?

Spring is one of the busiest planting seasons in a New Zealand vegetable garden.

Over September, October and November, you can progressively plant crops including:

• Tomatoes
• Lettuce and salad greens
• Carrots
• Beetroot
• Radishes
• Peas
• Beans
• Courgettes
• Pumpkins
• Cucumbers
• Sweetcorn
• Potatoes
• Strawberries
• Herbs

But don't rush out and plant everything on September 1.

Some vegetables tolerate cool spring conditions incredibly well. Others, particularly tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, pumpkins and courgettes, prefer warmer soil and can be damaged by frost.

Your local conditions matter more than the date on the calendar.

What to Plant in September in New Zealand

September is exciting because everything starts moving again.

The days are getting longer, the soil is beginning to warm and suddenly the garden starts looking alive.

But September can still be cold.

For much of New Zealand, particularly inland and southern areas, frosts are still very much a possibility.

Vegetables to sow or plant in September

Depending on your region, September is a good time to consider:

• Beetroot
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Lettuce
• Peas - any type, ornamental and eating ones! 
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions

You can also start preparing for your summer vegetables.

Tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins, cucumbers and other warm-season crops can be started from seed somewhere protected and warm. I like to start ours in the greenhouse. 

Can I plant tomatoes in September in New Zealand?

In warmer, frost-free parts of New Zealand, you may be able to plant tomatoes outside during September.

For many of us, however, September is still too early to plant tomatoes directly into the garden. I like to wait to I have consistent 15 degree overnight temps. 

Tomatoes don't appreciate frost.

If you're still getting cold nights, grow your tomato seedlings somewhere protected and wait for warmer conditions before putting them outside permanently.

There is absolutely no prize for having the first tomato plant in the ground.

A healthy tomato planted slightly later can quickly catch up with a cold, stressed plant that went out too early.

What to Plant in October in New Zealand

October is when things really start ramping up.

The soil is warmer, daylight hours are increasing and many summer vegetables can start moving outside.

October is also when you'll hear Kiwi gardeners talking about Labour Weekend.

Traditionally, Labour Weekend is treated as tomato planting weekend in many parts of New Zealand.

But again, watch your own weather forecast.

Here in the Central North Island and in the south Island, you can still get some pretty impressive late frosts.

Vegetables to plant in October

Depending on your local climate, you can plant or sow:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Peas
• Potatoes
• Radishes
• Silverbeet
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes
• Courgettes
• Pumpkins

October is also a great month for succession planting.

Rather than planting 20 lettuces at once and then wondering what on earth you're going to do with them all, plant smaller amounts every few weeks.

That way you have produce coming through progressively.

What to Plant in November in New Zealand

By November, the summer vegetable garden is usually well underway.

For most of New Zealand, the risk of frost has significantly reduced and warm-season crops can really get moving.  We have had frost at christmas,  but I just look out for them and use wool frost cloth if necessary. 

Vegetables to plant in November

November is a great time for:

• Beans
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Lettuce
• Radishes
• Spring onions
• Sweetcorn
• Tomatoes
• Courgettes
• Zucchini
• Pumpkins
• Basil and other summer herbs

November is also when watering, mulching and weed control start becoming increasingly important.

The warmer the soil gets, the faster it can lose moisture.

And unfortunately, the plants aren't the only things growing quickly.

The weeds are too.

When should I plant tomatoes in New Zealand?

One of the questions Kiwi gardeners ask every spring is:

When can I plant my tomatoes outside?

Rather than relying entirely on a particular date, look at your conditions.

Tomatoes generally want:

• Warm soil
• Plenty of sunlight
• No frost
• Protection from very cold nights
• A sheltered position where possible
• overnight temps above 15 degrees

In warmer northern areas, planting can begin earlier.

In cooler regions, inland areas and parts of the South Island, waiting until late October or even November may be safer.

If you're unsure, keep your seedlings protected for another week or two.

When should I plant strawberries in New Zealand?

Strawberries can be planted through winter and early spring in many parts of New Zealand.

Getting them established before the weather becomes hot gives their roots time to settle in before they start putting lots of energy into fruit production.

Spring is also a really important time to look after existing strawberry plants.

Remove weeds, feed your plants and get mulch around them before the fruit develops.

Mulching around strawberries helps keep the fruit away from direct contact with damp soil while also helping suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. We use our strawberry grow pack to mulch our strawberries. 

What can I direct sow in spring?

Not everything needs to be started in a seed tray.

Many vegetables can be sown directly into prepared garden soil during spring.

Good options include:

• Carrots
• Radishes
• Beetroot
• Peas
• Beans once conditions are warm enough
• Spinach
• Spring onions
• Lettuce
• Sweetcorn once the soil has warmed

Always check the individual variety you're growing because planting recommendations can differ.

What seeds should I start inside in spring?

Warm-season plants can benefit from getting a head start somewhere protected.

These include:

• Tomatoes
• Capsicums
• Chillies
• Cucumbers
• Pumpkins
• Courgettes
• Basil

Starting seeds in pots gives you more control over temperature and moisture while the seedlings are small.

Our NZ Wool Grow Pots are designed for exactly this stage.

Once the seedling is ready, the wool pot can be planted into the garden with it, reducing the need to pull the young plant out of a plastic pot and disturb its roots.

Prepare your soil before you plant

This is the bit we're particularly passionate about.

It's easy to get excited about buying seedlings and completely forget about what they're actually going into.

Your soil is the foundation of your garden.

Before planting your main spring and summer crops, take some time to prepare it.

Remove established weeds and add compost or organic matter where needed.

You can also add soil amendments depending on what your garden needs. We recommend SeaWool or our biochar products. 

The aim is to create soil that holds moisture while still draining well and provides a healthy environment for roots and soil biology.

If you've got five minutes to spend choosing between another plant and improving the soil underneath the plants you've already got, we'd choose the soil.

Every time.

Should you mulch your garden in spring?

Yes.

Spring is one of the best times to get mulch onto your garden beds.

Ideally, you want your soil covered before summer heat arrives and before spring weeds become established.

Mulching can help:

• Suppress weeds
• Reduce evaporation
• Protect the soil surface
• Maintain more consistent soil moisture
• Reduce competition for water
• Add organic matter if you're using a natural mulch

Our NZ Wool Mulch creates a dense layer over the soil which helps block light from reaching weed seeds while also helping protect moisture in the soil underneath.

If you're expecting a hot or dry summer, don't wait until January to start thinking about moisture retention.

Do it now.

How do I protect spring seedlings from frost?

This is particularly important for gardeners in cooler parts of New Zealand.

A beautiful sunny spring day doesn't necessarily mean winter has completely disappeared.

Keep an eye on overnight temperatures and your local weather forecast.

If frost is expected, young and frost-sensitive plants may need protection.

You can use wool frost cloth over vulnerable plants overnight, particularly tomatoes and other warm-season seedlings that have already gone outside.

Just remember to secure it properly.

North Island vs South Island spring planting

One of the problems with generic planting calendars is that New Zealand has a huge range of growing conditions.

Even within the North Island, Auckland and Ohakune can have completely different temperatures on the same day.

Warmer northern areas

Gardeners in Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and other warmer coastal regions can often begin planting warm-season crops earlier.

Cooler North Island areas

Central North Island and inland areas may continue experiencing frosts well into spring.

Don't rush frost-sensitive crops outside just because the calendar says October.

South Island

Conditions vary enormously across the South Island too.

Coastal areas may warm earlier, while inland and southern gardens can remain much cooler.

The lesson is simple:

Use a New Zealand planting calendar as a guide, but use your own garden as the final decision-maker. Ask the local garden club and experienced gardeners in your area for advice on planting times. 

A Simple New Zealand Spring Garden Checklist

If you're standing outside looking at the garden wondering where to begin, start here.

1. Weed your garden beds

Get on top of weeds before spring growth really takes off.

2. Prepare your soil

Add compost and organic matter and address any obvious soil issues.

3. Mulch bare soil

Get the soil covered before warmer weather increases evaporation.

4. Start summer seeds

Get tomatoes, courgettes, pumpkins, cucumbers and other warm-season crops underway somewhere protected if it's still cold outside.

5. Plant cool-season crops

Make the most of lettuce, peas, carrots, beetroot and other crops that are happy growing during cooler spring conditions.

6. Watch for frost

Don't assume winter is over just because we've officially reached spring.

7. Plan your summer watering

Think about how you're going to keep your garden watered before the dry weather arrives.

8. Don't plant everything at once

Succession planting will give you a much more manageable and consistent harvest.

What is the easiest vegetable to grow in spring in New Zealand?

If you're new to gardening, don't feel like you need to grow everything.

Start with a few things your family will actually eat.

Lettuce, radishes, peas, beans, courgettes and herbs can all be rewarding crops for beginner gardeners when they're planted at the right time.

And don't be put off when something doesn't work.

We've been gardening for years and still have things fail.

That's gardening.

You learn what works in your soil, your climate and your backyard, then have another go.

Get Your New Zealand Garden Ready for Spring

Spring doesn't need to mean planting everything on the first sunny weekend.

Start with your soil.

Get your weeds under control, cover bare ground, work out what you want to grow and plant according to the conditions in your part of New Zealand.

September is about getting started.

October is when the garden really begins to move.

And by November, you'll hopefully have the foundations of a pretty exciting summer garden.

Because ultimately, that's what we want at Sustaina Grow.

We want more Kiwis growing food successfully at home.

Not perfectly.

Just successfully.