October Planting & Garden Guide

Vegetables to Plant

1. Okra
   

   This vegetable loves the heat and is very hardy once it’s established. Sow directly or plant seedlings in a sunny and well-drained garden bed spaced 40-60-cm apart. Mulch generously and water during dry spells. Harvest pods small (5-10cm) for the best tenderness.

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 growth.

3. Sweet Potato
   

   These love SEQ’s humidity and gives you both tasty tubers and edible leaves. Plant cuttings in sunny and well-drained spots. They’ll spread as a groundcover. Water to establish, then they’re drought-tolerant. Harvest after 4-6 months when leaves yellow.  

4. Chillies
   

   They are compact and prolific, perfect for the subtropical climate. Plant seedlings or seeds in sunny sheltered beds, or pots with rich soil. Water regularly and feed with liquid fertiliser every 3-4 weeks for plenty of fruit.

5. Silverbeet (Rainbow Chard)
   

   This is a reliable and colourful vegetable and more heat-tolerant than lettuce. Sow seeds or seedlings in sun or partial shade with moist, compost rich soil. Harvest outer leaves as needed to keep the plant producing and feed monthly with organic fertiliser.

Fruits to Plant

1. Pineapple Crowns

   They are perfect for the SEQ climate and are easy to grow from store-bought tops. Dry crowns for a day or two before planting in sandy, well-drained soil in full sun. Minimal watering once established and feed with a slow-release fertiliser occasionally.

2. Dragon Fruit
   

   An exotic cactus vine that loves the heat. Plant cuttings against a sturdy trellis or post in well-drained soil. Water sparingly (too much causes rot) and fertilise occasionally with a general feed.

3. Banana (Dwarf Varieties)
   

   These thrive in warm, humid weather and produce fruit after 12-18 months. Plant in a sunny spot with compost rich soil and space to spread. Water generously and mulch thickly. Remove old stems after fruiting.

Herbs to Plant

1. Chives
   Tough, low-maintenance and adds a mild onion flavour. Plant clumps in sun or part shade and works well in both pots or garden beds. Trim leaves often and feed with seaweed liquid fertiliser for growth.
2. Oregano
   A mediterranean favourite that thrives in warm, dry conditions. Plant in full sun in well-draining soil or pots. Light water and regular trimming keep it bushy and fragrant.

3. Lemongrass
   

   Grows into a hardy, fragrant clump and loves humidity. Plant in full sun with space to expand and enrich with compost. Water to establish and trim outer stalks as needed for cooking.