In Perth, August is the perfect time to sow your spring and summer crops. Veggie gardeners can make the most of the last of the rains and the cooler weather to get their favourite seeds off to a good start.
With temperatures still a little chilly, start your summer favourites like tomatoes, chillies and eggplant indoors using seedling trays. Hardier seeds like radish, carrots and beetroot can be sown directly in your garden.
The following August planting guide is for the Perth area, and appropriate for our mediterranean climate. If you are from another region, check other resources online such as The Diggers Club planting guide.
We highly recommend growing from heirloom and open pollinated seeds from local seed savers. Find hundreds of seed varieties from WA growers on our shelves.
Seeds to Sow in Seedling Flats in August
Seedling flats are an easy way to germinate the exact amount of plants that you plan to eat over a season. They are also a great tool for succession planting, and require no plastic.
Fill with a good quality seed raising mix and place indoors or undercover out of cold winds to protect vulnerable seedlings.
Alternatively, start seeds in repurposed pots, trays and other containers you have on hand. When they are big enough, and the soil temperatures in the ideal range, prick out seedlings carefully using a widger or pencil.
For more info, read our guide: How to sow seeds using a seedling flat.
| Basil | 10-12 weeks until harvest |
| Beetroot | 10-12 weeks until harvest Harvest salad leaves as bulb grows |
| Broccoli | 10-16 weeks until harvest |
| Cabbage | 11-15 weeks until harvest |
| Capsicum | 12-16 weeks until harvest |
| Cauliflower | 15-22 weeks until harvest |
| Chilli | 12-16 weeks until harvest |
| Chervil | 8 weeks until harvest Don't sow too deep - need light to germinate |
| Chicory | 4-6 weeks until harvest |
| Coriander | 4-6 weeks until harvest |
| Eggplant | 12-15 weeks until harvest |
| Endive | 10-11 weeks until harvest |
| Leeks | 15-18 weeks until harvest |
| Lettuce | 6-12 weeks until harvest |
| Mint | 12-16 weeks until harvest |
| Parsley | 4-6 weeks until harvest |
| Rocket | 3-5 weeks until harvest |
| Salad Burnet | 6-8 weeks until harvest |
| Silverbeet | 6-8 weeks until harvest |
| Spinach | 8-10 weeks until harvest |
| Strawberries | (From seed) At least 52 week until harvest |
| Thyme | 16-18 weeks until harvest |
| Tomato | 10-17 weeks until harvest |
| Watermelon | 12-17 weeks until harvest |
Seeds to Sow Direct in the Garden in August
| Artichoke (globe) | 26 weeks until harvest |
| Asparagus | 2 years until harvest from crowns or 3 years from seed |
| Beans (dwarf, runner) | 8-12 weeks until harvest Sow direct to garden or in deep biodegradable pots |
| Beetroot |
10-12 weeks until harvest Harvest salad leaves as bulb grows |
| Carrot | 12-16 weeks until harvest Don't sow too deep - need light to germinate |
| Chives | 10-14 weeks until harvest |
| Cucumber | 8-12 weeks until harvest Sow direct to garden or in deep biodegradable pots |
| Fennel | 14-15 weeks until harvest |
| Onion (brown) | Need cool conditions early on, then warm and dry |
| Parsnip | 9-19 weeks until harvest |
| Peas | 9-16 weeks until harvest, frequently pick to increase pods Sow direct to garden or in deep biodegradable pots |
| Potato | Learn how to grow potatoes here |
| Radish | 5-7 weeks until harvest |
| Salsify | 14-21 weeks until harvest |
| Snow peas |
12-14 weeks until harvest, frequently pick to increase yield Sow direct to garden or in deep biodegradable pots |
| Spring onions | 8-12 weeks until harvest Grow from seed or from propagated base cutting |
| Squash | 7-8 weeks until harvest |
| Sunflower | 10-11 weeks until harvest |
| Zucchini | 8-14 weeks until harvest Sow direct to garden or in deep biodegradable pots |
Seedlings to Plant Out in August
| Broccoli |
| Cabbage |
| Capsicum |
| Cauliflower |
| Chervil |
| Chicory |
| Chives |
| Kale |
| Lettuce |
| Onion (brown) |
| Parsley |
| Silverbeet |
| Sweet potato |
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