November Gardening Guide: What to Plant and Do Across Australia
By Ewa Bekiesch, DipSustLiv (UTAS)
Holistic Gardens Coach | Real Food Advocate
YouTube & Instagram: @EwasVibes — Where every leaf holds a secret, and every root tells a story. Join the conversation!
Seeds, Plants & Gardening Gear: foodforestseeds.au
Here on the Fraser Coast, we can already feel the steady, building heat of summer, but in many southern parts of Australia, the gentle, sunny days of spring are still in full swing. November is a fascinating month where climate zones truly diverge, yet the theme of growth and abundance unites us all.
In my food forest, the shift is palpable. The mangoes are swelling, the air is thick with humidity, and the garden demands more water and vigilance. It’s a time of lush, rapid growth and the thrilling promise of the first real summer harvests.
This guide will help you navigate this dynamic month, whether you’re battening down for tropical wet season storms, nurturing a temperate spring paradise, or managing the subtropical heat like me. Let’s explore what to plant and do in your garden this November.
Tropical Gardens (Northern QLD, NT, WA)
What’s Happening:
The wet season is either beginning or in full swing, bringing high humidity, heavy rainfall, and lush, rapid growth. The focus is on managing moisture and heat.
Key Jobs This Month:
- Ensure excellent drainage to prevent waterlogging during heavy downpours.
- Watch for fungal diseases, which thrive in humid conditions.
- Stake tall-growing plants like corn and bananas ahead of stormy weather.
- Mulch well to suppress weeds and protect soil from heavy rain.
What to Plant Now:
Vegetables: Amaranth, kang kong, okra, cherry tomatoes, cassava
Herbs: Ginger, turmeric, lemongrass, Vietnamese mint
Fruits: Passionfruit, papaya, banana, breadfruit
Arid & Semi-Arid Gardens (Inland SA, NT, WA, NSW)
What’s Happening:
The heat is intensifying. Water conservation is critical, and the garden’s resilience is truly tested. The focus is on survival and smart harvesting.
Key Jobs This Month:
- Water deeply and early in the morning to minimise evaporation.
- Shade cloth is essential for protecting most crops from the intense sun.
- Harvest crops like tomatoes and zucchinis early in the day before the heat stresses them.
- Compost and mulch are non-negotiable for retaining precious soil moisture.
What to Plant Now:
Vegetables: Drought-tolerant corn, snake beans, roselle, sweet potato
Herbs: Purslane, saltbush, native thyme
Fruits: Jujube, pomegranate, date palm
Subtropical Gardens (SE QLD, Northern NSW) – My Garden This Month!
What I’m Doing in My Food Forest:
November is a peak month for growth! I’m harvesting the first cucumbers and tomatoes, while keeping a watchful eye on the fruit trees. The mangoes are swelling, and the citrus trees are setting their next crop. My main jobs are consistent watering, mulching, and staying on top of the weeds that seem to appear overnight!
Key Jobs This Month:
- Water consistently as temperatures rise. A deep soak is better than a daily sprinkle.
- Continue to plant heat-loving crops like sweet potato and cassava.
- Be vigilant about fruit fly and set traps or use exclusion bags like me (fruit fly exclusion bags are available in my online store).
- Feed fruit trees with a balanced organic fertiliser or compost tea.
What to Plant Now:
Vegetables: Sweet corn, okra, Malabar spinach, snake beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, capsicum, eggplant, melons
Herbs: Basil (holy and sweet), lemongrass, perilla, shiso
Fruits: Pineapple, passionfruit, dragon fruit, and many other fruit trees and fruiting bushes
Temperate Gardens (Southern NSW, VIC, TAS, SA, WA)
What’s Happening:
This is arguably the most productive and beautiful time in the temperate garden! Warm soils and long days create perfect conditions for rapid growth. The risk of frost has passed.
Key Jobs This Month:
- Plant out all remaining summer crops.
- Set up sturdy stakes and trellises for tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers.
- Water regularly, especially newly planted seedlings.
- Pinch out the tips of basil plants to encourage bushy growth.
What to Plant Now:
Vegetables: Tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, capsicum, eggplant, melons
Herbs: Basil, coriander, parsley, oregano, thyme
Flowers: Sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds (to attract pollinators and deter pests)
Final Tip for Everyone:
Embrace the Mulch! A thick layer of mulch is your garden’s best friend in November. It conserves water, suppresses weeds, and keeps roots cool as the temperatures climb.
A Personal Note…
November is a month of gratitude in the garden. It’s a time to appreciate the simple miracle of a seed transforming into a plant that provides food. As the pace of growth quickens, remember to take a moment each day to simply observe and enjoy the life you’ve helped create.
Join Our Growing Community!
For more gardening tips and a behind-the-scenes look at my food forest journey, subscribe to my YouTube channel at EwasVibes If you’re looking to get growing yourself, visit my online store at www.foodforestseeds.au for heirloom, organically grown seeds and plants, plus handy gardening gear like our super-sized grow bags—everything you need to create your own abundant garden in Australian conditions.
What are you most looking forward to harvesting this season? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy gardening, and thank you for supporting my small business 🙂
Ewa Bekiesch
