November Planting & Garden Guide

Vegetables to Plant

1. Tomatoes
   

   Choose warm season varieties and transplant seedlings now. Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours a day) and use well-draining soil enriched with compost. Install a stake to tie the stem to as the plant grows. Water consistently and mulch around the base to retain moisture and keep roots cool.

2. Pumpkin
   

   Pumpkins provide big harvests, store well and are perfect for summer meals. Plant seeds or seedlings in sunny spots with rich, composted soil. Let the vines sprawl or train along a fence. Water deeply while vines run. Pinch tips once you have a few pumpkins to focus the growth.

3. Capsicums
   

   These heat loving plants perform well when established and given space to grow. Plant into a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind. Use good quality soil with compost. Fertilise every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertiliser. Remove lower leaves if the foliage becomes dense as this will improve airflow and prevent heat-stress or disease.  

4. Cucumbers
   

   Perfect for the warming climate as they are fast growing and productive if planted now. Choose a sunny location and allow vines to sprawl or provide a trellis for them to climb if space is limited. Prepare soil well with compost and mulch. Water regularly. Pick fruit early and often to keep production high. As summer heats up, check mulch depth and shade where necessary to keep roots cool.

5. Climbing Beans

   A “filler” crop that uses vertical space in the warmer months. Provide a trellis or stakes for the beans. Direct-sow or transplant seedlings now as soil is warm. They fix nitrogen in the soil, so neighbouring plants will benefit. Harvest beans regularly to encourage ongoing production. Watch for pests and maintain even moisture.

Fruits to Plant

1. Pineapple 

   A low-maintenance tropical fruit that loves warmth. Plant the crown (top) of a mature pineapple fruit in sandy and well-draining soil in a garden bed or large pot. Full sun is best. Water regularly in the early stages but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Apply a slow-release fertiliser every few months and you can expect fruit in 18-24 months.

2. Passionfruit
   

   A perfect choice for SEQ’s warm humid conditions. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and install a sturdy trellis or wire for the vine to climb. Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Keep the soil consistently moist while the vine establishes, then water deeply once or twice a week. Feed with a potassium-rich fertiliser every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to encourage flowering and fruiting. Prune lightly after fruiting to remove old growth and maintain shape.

3. Rockmelon
   

   They love the heat and will reward you with sweet, juicy fruit in summer if planted now. Choose a full-sun position with plenty of space for vines to sprawl. Work compost or aged manure into the soil before planting. Water regularly at the base and mulch heavily to keep the soil cool. Once flowers appear, reduce watering slightly to enhance fruit sweetness. Harvest when the fruit slips easily from the stem and gives off a sweet fragrance.

4. Papaya
   Quick-growing tropical trees ideal for SEQ’s warm climate. Choose a sunny but wind sheltered spot with rich, well-drained soil. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging. Mix compost through the planting hole and mulch well around the base. Water deeply 2-3 times a week while establishing. Fertilise monthly with a balanced organic fertiliser high in nitrogen and potassium. Protect from strong winds and heavy rain when young. For best results plant a few trees to ensure both male and female plants for pollination (unless you get a self-pollinating variety).

Herbs to Plant

1. Basil

   An excellent warm-season herb. Choose a sunny garden bed or pot. Use well-draining soil and plant seedlings or seeds, both will work. Keep the soil moist not soggy. When flower heads appear, pinch them off to keep the plant producing leaves. Feed lightly every few weeks or use a diluted liquid fertiliser to maintain growth.

2. Mint

   Aromatic and great in warm climates, but fast-growing so best kept in a pot to contain it. It needs part to full sun and good draining soil. Keep the soil moist and harvest leaves regularly to keep the plant bushy and vigorous. When it flowers, prune back to encourage fresh leaf growth.

3. Rosemary

   It’s a low-maintenance and hardy herb that will do well in warm and sunny SEQ. Choose a place with well-draining soil and full sun. Planting now will allow it to establish before the full summer heat. Allow the top few cm of soil to dry between watering. After flowering prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage new growth. These herbs are great companion plants for vegetable beds as they repel certain pests and attract beneficial insects.