What to grow (and when) in your pots, planters, or raised beds—no backyard needed
If you’ve ever felt like gardening is only for people with big backyards and sunny decks, we hear you. But here’s the good news: you don’t need much space to enjoy the simple joy of growing your own herbs, veggies, or flowers. A sunny windowsill, a balcony corner, or even a kitchen bench can become your own little green haven.
That’s why we created the Australian Companion Planting Calendar, a simple, seasonal guide made especially for small-space gardeners like you.
Whether you’re potting up basil on your apartment balcony or tending a raised bed on your patio, this guide shows you what to plant (and when) based on your climate zone. Because even when you’re gardening in pots, the weather still matters.
Why Climate Zones Still Matter (Even for Potted Plants)
It’s easy to think pots and planters mean total control, but your outdoor conditions still have a big say. Things like temperature, rainfall, and sunlight make a real difference, even in the smallest setups.
By planting with your climate zone in mind, you can:
- Choose plants that thrive in your conditions
- Avoid seasonal flops (like planting too early or too late)
- Get more from your small space with less stress
What to Grow in Your Zone
🌴 Tropical & Subtropical (e.g. Brisbane, Darwin, Cairns, Northern NSW)
You’re lucky to have warm weather most of the year—perfect for an almost year-round garden.
Grow in pots:
- All year: Basil, coriander, lemongrass, cherry tomatoes, chillies, leafy greens
- Dry season (May–Sep): Kale, pak choi, carrots, radish, garlic
- Wet season (Nov–Apr): Sweet potato, okra, cucumber, zinnias, marigolds
Quick tips:
- Use self-watering or raised planters to handle heavy rain
- Tuck leafy greens into part shade to prevent sunburn
- Fertilise every 2–3 weeks with an organic liquid boost
- Group your pots to create a little microclimate and reduce wind stress
☀️ Temperate (e.g. Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth)
With defined seasons, you’ll want to rotate crops with the weather, but your options are still wide.
Grow in planters or raised beds:
- Spring–Summer (Sep–Feb): Tomatoes, zucchinis, capsicum, beans, basil
- Autumn–Winter (Mar–Aug): Spinach, kale, carrots, garlic, onions, peas
- Year-round indoors: Mint, parsley, oregano, thyme
Helpful hints:
- Choose sunny spots, especially in winter
- Use large pots (30cm+) for fruiting plants like tomatoes
- Mulch in summer to retain water
- Cover frost-sensitive plants or move them indoors when needed
❄️ Cool & Alpine (e.g. Canberra, Hobart, Blue Mountains)
Cooler temps mean a shorter season, but your herbs and greens will be extra flavourful.
Grow in pots, compact beds, or indoors:
- Warm months (Nov–Mar): Tomatoes, chillies, basil, cucumbers, nasturtiums
- Cool months (Apr–Sep): Kale, spinach, silverbeet, garlic, onions
- All year indoors: Parsley, mint, thyme, leafy greens (just add sunshine or a grow light)
Setup suggestions:
- Choose dark pots to soak up warmth
- Move pots near sunny walls or inside during frost
- Try compact raised beds for root veg on balconies
- Start seeds indoors early to get ahead of the cold
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a Backyard to Garden Well
At Urban Haven Living, we believe that gardening should feel possible, peaceful, and a little bit magical—no matter where you live. Whether you're a first-time plant parent or a longtime grower adjusting to a smaller home, this calendar is designed to help you succeed.
Just a few thoughtful plant choices each month can turn your space into something calming and lush, a spot to ground yourself, grow your own food, and reconnect with nature.
Want the Full Calendar?
We’ve made printable companion planting calendars tailored for each Australian climate zone, perfect for pinning to your fridge, tucking into your garden journal, or keeping near your indoor planters.
Download your calendar here
