November in Victoria, Australia is late spring, so it’s a great time to plant a variety of fruits and veggies that thrive in the upcoming warm summer months. Here’s a list to get you started with some easy-going and productive options for planting now:
Vegetables
- Tomatoes – Ideal for spring planting! Start seedlings if you haven’t already. They love the warm weather.
- Capsicum (Bell Peppers) – Like tomatoes, they’ll flourish in the summer heat.
- Chilies – Perfect if you like a bit of spice, and they’re pretty low-maintenance.
- Eggplant – These need a long growing season, so planting now will help them thrive in summer.
- Zucchini and Squash – Quick to grow and produce, plus they love the warm soil.
- Cucumbers – Perfect for warm weather and can be trained to climb to save space.
- Beans – Bush and climbing beans both do well from a spring sowing.
- Pumpkins – If you have the space, pumpkins can be sown now for a summer harvest.
- Corn – Corn is great for spring planting since it loves the heat and will be ready by summer.
Leafy Greens & Herbs
- Lettuce – Varieties like cos or butterhead handle spring and early summer well.
- Basil – A warm-weather herb that pairs well with tomatoes.
- Spinach – Best to plant in early spring before the hottest part of summer.
- Rocket (Arugula) – Fast-growing, but try to harvest quickly before it bolts in the heat.
- Parsley and Coriander – These can be grown, but keep them in partial shade as it gets hotter.
Fruits
- Strawberries – These can be planted from runners if you can get your hands on them; they’ll love the warm weather.
- Watermelon and Rockmelon (Cantaloupe) – Late spring is ideal for these to get established before summer.
- Passionfruit – If you’re interested in long-term planting, passionfruit vines are great to start now.
Planting Tips for November in Victoria:
- Sun Protection: As temperatures rise, be ready to protect tender seedlings from intense midday sun. Shade cloths or temporary shading can help young plants.
- Mulching: Adding mulch around your plants will help retain moisture as the weather heats up.
- Watering: Be consistent with watering, especially as we move closer to summer. Early morning is best.
With these plants, you’ll be set up for a productive summer harvest! Let me know if you want more specific tips for any of these plants.