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Margaret's Sustainability Articles | Seasons and Calendars

Latest Forecast for Adelaide & Metro Area

This is a rough guide, based on average years. Figures are for the Adelaide Metropolitan region.
Exactly when to plant or harvest depends on latitude, temperature, and rainfall.
As you will see from the weather information below, in spite of being in a so-called temperate zone, South Australia's climate is one of extremes, more so now due to the effects of Global Warming.

Summer 2011 was a warmer than average summer in Adelaide & the hills, even though February was cool.
And as I update average temperature figures, I see that they are all either rising or in a few cases the same.
Even if monthly Maxima are slightly lower, the Minima are usually higher.

If you compare rainfall and evaporation figures, you will see why mulch is one of the most important components of a successful South Australian garden, more so because of the increased frequency of strong winds, which rapidy dry out exposed soil even in cool weather.

This Calendar is an ongoing project, and I would greatly appreciate
feedback and additional information.
I would particularly like to reduce the number of ornamentals listed, and increase the natives and vegetables.
I will also try to update temperature and rainfall records as new figures become available. These can vary between sources.
I use those published by AmetA, the Australian Meteorolgical Assn. in their bi-monthly newsletter.

So please DO NOT reproduce any part of this page, although you are welcome to print it for personal use only.

I enter Adelaide data as it becomes available.

Total rainfall for 2011 at Adelaide Regional Office 537.8mm Average annual figure 550.5mm.
For all stats for 2011 go to:http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/current/annual/sa/summary.shtml

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December
Moon Planting Guide
Links to Planting Guides & Organic Forum
To return to top of page, hold down the 'Control' Key and then hit 'Home'.

WATERING RESTRICTIONS

For up-to-date details of Local Shows, and Cultural Events, go to
SOUTH AUSTRALIA CENTRAL

Climate & Weather Information:
AUSTRALIAN METEOROLOGICAL BUREAU

If you fish - hopefully for food, rather than solely for recreation - please visit the
RECREATIONAL FISHING PAGE of the SA Fisheries website.
If you buy fish, this calendar will tell you what is in season locally.

January

This is usually one of the hottest and driest months of the year, so early mornings are extremely busy in the garden. Sunburn, mildew and fungus diseases may be avoided by watering the soil, not the foliage around your plants as early as you can manage. (Citrus trees are different, & appreciate a morning 'shower') Never over-water, nor over-fertilise, or you will get lush growth which wilts and burns easily in the heat. Water deeply (from underneath the mulch), how often will depend on your soil type and what you are growing. Push a finger deeply into the soil to test for moisture. Lettuce is the one exception to this rule, as it needs to be grown quickly or it will become bitter.
Reduce stress on fruit and vegetables by harvesting every morning.
Minimise evaporation by keeping up the mulch - it breaks down rapidly in the heat. Shadecloth, straw, or even old umbrellas, can be used to shelter delicate plants during the middle of the day.
Sea breezes & gully winds provide some afternoon & evening relief from the heat for the coastal & hills regions, but increase evaporation. Gully winds can cause havoc in the garden if plants are not properly staked, and protected by appropriate windbreak plantings.

Average temperatures - Max. 29.2°C. Min.17.1°C.
Last year's (2012) mean - Max.31.1°C. Min. 19.1°C.
Highest on record: Max. 46.1°C.- 1939 ; Min.33.9°C.- 2009
Lowest on Record: Max.17.1°C.- 1970 ; Min. 8.8°C.- 1924

Average rainfall - 19.7mm. Last year (2012) - 18.7mm.
Highest on record - 84mm. - 1941
Lowest on Record - 0 - several
Highest Daily Total - 58.4mm. - 1889

Average evaporation - 254mm. Last year (2012) 254.4mm

WHAT TO PLANT:
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings - Beans (bush), Beetroot, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery Cucumbers, Endive, Lettuces, Parsnips, Radishes, Silverbeet, Swedes, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, Zucchini.
Seedlings only - Capsicum, Eggplant.
Flowers - Seeds & Seedlings - Ageratum, Alyssum, Marigold, Nasturtium.
Seedlings only - Amaranthus, Aster, Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, Dahlia, Gazania, Gerbera, lmpatiens, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon, Sunflower, Verbena, Zinnia.
Seeds only - Calendula, Linaria, Pansy, Iceland Poppy, Primula, Stock, Sweet Pea, Viola, Wallflower.
Autumn Flowering Bulbs - Amaryllis belladonna, Brunsvigia, Sternbergia lutea, Colchicum, Zephyranthes candida

LOCAL PRODUCE - cherries, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, rockmelons, watermelons, early pears, cape gooseberries, currants, strawberries, passionfruit, early apples, table grapes. Tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, capsicum, eggplant, chillis.

FISHING
Tommy Ruff (all areas); Snapper (all areas); Garfish (all areas); Squid (Jetties); Victor Harbor Mullet (Southern Beaches); Tuna (West Coast); Mulloway (Coorong).

EVENTS
Port Lincoln Tunarama celebrates the opening of the tuna fishing season.
Schutzenfest - a celebration of South Australian beer, as well as being reminiscent of the days when our European ancestors hunted their meat.

February

February is often the hottest and driest month. Extreme heat may last for several days at a time. Continue watering and harvesting as for January, but give particular attention to surface rooters, such as citrus, avocados, and Kiwi fruit vines. They may require extra water, and increased mulching.
Plants and trees in containers need to be checked daily for moisture. Water moderately if the soil is dry an inch below the surface. If the water goes straight through, the soil has dried out, and the container will need to be placed in a tub of water for several hours until the soil is wet again, and the gap between the pot and soil has been eliminated. Containers should have good drainage, and the 'saucers' should be filled with sand or gravel to prevent mosquitos breeding in them.
Adelaide's fringe festival begins this month, and continues into March.

Average temperatures - Max. 29.4°C. Min.17.2°C.
Last year's (2012) mean - Max.28.2°C. Min.17.2°C.
Highest on record: Max. 44.3°C.- 2004 ; Min.32.9°C.-1899
Lowest on Record: Max.15.8°C.- 1939 ; Min. 7.8°C.- 1918

Average rainfall - 12.4mm. Last year (2012) 13.2mm.
Highest on record - 154.7mm. -1925
Lowest on Record - 0 - several
Highest Daily Total - 141.5mm. - 1925

Average evaporation - 216mm. Last year (2011) 172.8mm

WHAT TO PLANT:
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings: Beans (bush), Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, Endive, Lettuces, Radish, Silverbeet, Spinach, Swedes, Turnip, Zucchini.
Potatoes can be planted out now. Use whole, small seed potatoes. Sprout them first by placing them under a wet bag until the eyes start to grow (about 10-14 days).
Flowers - Seeds & Seedlings: Ageratum, Alyssum, Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy, Nasturtium.
Seedlings only: Amaranthus, Aster, Begonia, Celosia, Gazania, lmpatiens, African Marigold, Petunia, Phlox, Salvia, Snapdragon, Verbena, Zinnia.
Seeds only: Aquilegia, Arctotis, English Daisy, Calendula, Cineraria, Cornflower, Delphinium, Hollyhock, Linaria, Mesembryanthemum, Lobelia, French Marigold, Nemesia, Pansy, Polyanthus, Iceland Poppy, Primula, Stock, Sweet Pea, Viola, Wallflower.
Tropical plants including Hibiscus, Frangipani, Bougainvillea and Passionfruit should be planted soon to give them a good start before the cool weather arrives.

LOCAL PRODUCE - apricots, peaches, plums, pears, blackberries & their cultivars, raspberries, passionfruit, early varieties of apple, table grapes, early almonds.

FISHING
Garfish (all areas); Jumping (Blue-Nose) Mullet (Local Beaches); Mulloway (Coorong);Squid (Jetties); Tuna (West Coast); Snook (all areas); Snapper (in limited numbers);Yellowfin Whiting (all beaches)

. EVENTS
The Fringe Festival begins this month, permanent shows and the Speigeltent in Rymill Park, and there are 100s of other performances, many free of charge, all over the city.

March

March is, in a good year, the last of the dry months. Harvest everything that's ripe, and distribute and/or preserve all surplus.
High temperatures may still be exerienced, but the days are getting shorter and the sun is lower in the sky. Around the 21st. the Autumn Equinox occurs, and day and night are of equal length. This is a good time to fertilise all trees, shrubs & perennials, preferably with organic manure and compost. Keep the mulch good and thick, evaporation rates are still extreme. Continue watering, but do not overwater productive trees, too much stress at this time will adversely affect the next season's crop, while too much water will produce unwanted leafy growth. Remove any dead wood and old fruit.

Average temperatures - Max. 26.3°C. Min.15.2°C.
This year's (2012) mean - Max.26.2°C. Min.15.1°C.
Highest on record: Max. 41.9°C.- 1986 ; Min.30.2°C.- 2008
Lowest on Record: Max.15.0°C.- 1946 Min. 6.9°C.- 1933

Average rainfall - 24.9mm. This year (2012)63.2mm.
Highest on record - 116.6mm. - 1878
Lowest on Record - 0. - several
Highest Daily Total 88.9mm. - 1878

Average evaporation - 176mm. This year (2012) 141.8mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
This is the time to plant Citrus, Avocado,&Olive trees,while the soil is still warm. It's also a good time to plant native trees & shrubs, and all evergreens.
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Silverbeet. Seedlings - Beetroot, Brussel Sprouts.
Seeds only: Broad Beans, Parsnips, Peas, Turnip.
Evergreen trees, shrubs and climbing plants - plant out now while the ground is still warm.
Winter and Spring flowering bulbs - Anemones, Bluebells, Daffodils, Freesia, Hyacinth, Iris, lxia, Lachenalia, Narcissus, Ranunculas, Sparaxis, Scilla, Tritonia, Grape Hyacinth.
Flowers - Seed & Seedlings: Ageratum, Alyssum, Aquilegia (Columbine), Arctotis, English Daisy, Calendula, Carnation, Cineraria, Cornflower, Delphinium, Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy, Hollyhock, Godetia, Gypsophila, Linaria, Mesembryanthemum, Lobelia, French Marigold, Nemesia, Pansy, Polyanthus, Iceland Poppy, Primula, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet Pea, Viola, Wallflower.
Seedlings only: Begonia, Impatiens.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Apples of all kinds, pears, late season stone fruits, berry fruits, melons, figs, raisins, pistachios, macadamias. Pumpkins, tomatos, eggplant, zucchini, capsicums, chillis.

FISHING
Catfish (all areas); Mullet (Southern and Local Beaches); Mulloway (Coorong and Murray' Mouth); Whiting (Upper Gulf St Vincent).

EVENTS
WOMAD, the World Music Festival, is now held annually in Adelaide's Botanic Park.
Harvest Festivals, and Vintage Festivals, also happen in March.
The Adelaide Festival of Arts, and the "Come Out" Children's Festival are held in alternate years.
The Adelaide Cup is run early in the month, and the Fringe continues until mid-March.

April

Daylight Saving ends at 3am on the first Sunday in April. The first frosts of the year often occur in April, and rain is more likely, especially over the settled and agricultural areas of the State. Daytime temperatures over most of the settled areas are often below 25° C. and between 25° - 30° in the interior.
Now the Autumn Equinox is past, and Daylight Saving has ended, the shortening of the days is noticeable.
The olive harvest begins, continuing throughout autumn and winter.
In 2012, Easter falls in April, so the Oakbank and Clare racing carnivals, traditionally held over the Easter long weekend will also be in April this year.

Average temperatures - Max. 22.6°C. Min.12.4°C.
This year's (2012) mean - Max.24.2°C. Min.12.6°C.
Highest on record: Max. 36.9°C. Min.26.3°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.11.9°C. Min. 4.3°C.

Average rainfall - 40.9mm. This year (2012) - 27mm.
Highest on record - 154.7mm. - 1971
Lowest on Record - 0mm. - 1945
Highest Daily Total - 80mm. - 1860
So far this year - 152mm - average 97.9mm

Average evaporation - 120mm. This year (2012)90.2mm

WHAT TO PLANT:
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery; Endive, Lettuce, Peas, Silverbeet, Spinach.
Seeds - Broad Beans, White Onions, Turnip.
Herbs can be grown from seed now, either in the open garden or in pots.
Flowers - Seeds & Seedlings: Ageratum, Alyssum. Aquilegia, Arctotis, English Daisy, Calendula, Carnation, Cineraria, Cornflower, Delphinium, Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy, Hollyhock, Linaria, Mesembryanthemum, French Marigold, Nemesia, Pansy, Polyanthus, Iceland Poppy, Primula, Snapdragon, Stock, Sweet Pea, Viola, Wallflower.
Bulbs - Anemone, Bluebells, Daffodils, Dutch Iris, Freesias, Hyacinths, Jonquils, Lachenalias, Muscari, Ranunculas, Sparaxis, Tritonias.
For a good show of flowers, complete spring bulb planting this month, except Tulips, they do best planted in May.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Figs, apples, pears, late season table grapes, pistachios, macadamias, early persimmons, and kiwi fruit. Early mandarins, Washington Navels.

FISHING
Whiting (all areas); Garfish (all areas); Blue-nose Mullet (Local Beaches); Salmon (West Coast, Coorong, Salt Creek); Mulloway (Coorong Entrance); Snapper (Cape Jervis, Backstairs Passage).

May

In May temperatures start to fall, it is often wet and windy, while frosts become more frequent, especially along the Ranges and in the Murray Mallee. The sun is noticeably lower in the sky, and rises and sets further North. This is the true start of Winter, May1st. being the Southern Hemisphere equivalent of Samhain.
Mean maximum temperatures are between 15°-18° Celsius over most of the Mt. Lofty and Flinders Ranges and the Lower South-East. Elsewhere over the settled areas they range from 18°-21° and, in the interiors, from 21°-24°.

Average temperatures - Max. 19°C. Min.10.2°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max.18°C. Min. 10°C.
Highest on record: Max. 32.3°C. Min.21.1°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.11.3°C. Min. 1.5°C.

Average rainfall - 59.9mm.Last year (2011)61.8mm.
Highest on record - 196.9mm. - 1875
Lowest on Record - 2.6mm. -1934
Highest Daily Total - 69.9mm. - 1853

Average evaporation - 61.4mm. Last year (2011) 46.2mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Flowers - Seeds & Seedlings: Ageratum, Alyssum, Aquilegia (columbine), Arctotis(Aurora Daisy), BeIlis (English Daisy), Calendula, Carnation, Cineraria, Cornflower (Centaurea), Delphinium, Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy (Acroclinium), Godetia, Gypsophila, Hollyhock, Linaria, Livingston Daisy (Mesembryanthemum), Lobelia, Marigold (French), Nemesia, Nemophila, Nigella, Pansy Polyanthus, Poppy (Iceland), Primula, Scabiosa, Snapdragon (Antirrhinum), Statice, Stock, Sweet Pea,Viola, Wallflower.
Bulbs - Alstroemeria, Amaryllis, Anemone, Blue Bells, Brunsvigia, Calla, Clivea, Crinum, Crocus, Cyclamen, Daffodil, Eucharist Lily, Eucomis, Freesia, Grape Hyacinth, Hemerocallis, Hyacinths, Iris (flag), Ixia, Jonquil, Kniphofia, Lilium, Ranunculas, Snowdrop, Sparaxis, Tigridia, Tritonia, Tulip, Watsonia, Zephrantes.
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower (late), Celery, Endive, Lettuce, Onions (white), Peas.
Seeds only: Beans (broad), Kohl Rabi, Rhubarb (crowns).

LOCAL PRODUCE
Winter vegetables, late apples, quinces, medlars, olives, citrus fruits, early varieties of avocado. The first olive oil of the season is available, but if you're buying, be patient & let if settle for a while before using. SA Oysters are in season.

FISHING
Whiting (all areas); Yellowfin Whiting (Gulf Waters, Southern Coasts); Catfish (all areas); Tommy Ruff (Jetties); Snapper (in the shallows).

EVENTS
Annual Clare Gourmet Weekend.

June

Winter has usually arrived and conditions are cool to cold and, hopefully, quite wet. Contrary to popular belief, this is too early to start pruning in the home garden, although commercial groweres often start pruning in June.
The highest rainfall areas of the State this month are the Lower South-East, and along the Ranges as far North as Clare where normal rainfalls are between 75-125mm. Over the remainder of the settled areas, the average rainfall decreases with increasing distance from the coast, but normally almost all of this region can expect more than 40mm.In the interiors, the rainfall average is between 12-25mm in the Southern parts, but over most of the pastoral zones the average is less than 12mm with significant variations from year to year.
Whales arrive to give birth and to mate in the shallows off the South Australian Coastline.

Average temperatures - Max. 16.1°C. Min.8.1°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max. 16.5°C. Min.8.5°C.
Highest on record: Max. 25.6°C. Min.17.3°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.8.2°C. Min. -0.4°C.

Average rainfall - 78.8mm. Last year (2011) 37.2mm.
Highest on record - 217.9mm. - 1916
Lowest on Record - 6mm. - 1958
Highest Daily Total - 54.6mm. - 2005

Average evaporation - 56mm. Last year (2011) 38.4mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Endive, Onions, Peas, Radish. Seeds only; Broad Beans, Lettuce.
Flowers - Seeds & Seedlings: Delphinium, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Linaria, Lupins, Statice.
Bulbs - Agapanthus, Alstroemenia, Amaryllis, Babiana, Brunsvigia, Calla, Crinum, Cyclamen, Hemerocallis, Hippeastrum, Iris, Kniphofia, Lilium, Lycoris, Nerine, Tigridia, Valotta, Zephrantes.
Almond trees should be planted this month. Other deciduous trees, and bare-rooted shrubs, including roses can also go in later in the month, or during July.

LOCAL PRODUCE
SA oysters, citrus fruit, Kiwi fruit, quinces, medlars, winter vegetables.

FISHING
Whiting (all areas), Yellowfin Whiting (all beaches in shallow waters); Catfish (all areas); Tommy Ruff (Jetties); Bream (Port Pine, West Lakes, St Kilda)

July

In July conditions are wet cold and windy, often with frost at night. Deciduous fruit trees and vines are dormant, except the almond, which is a brings Spirntime in mid-winter. However grey the skies, towards the end of the month their delicate flower buds will start to open.
This is traditionally the wettest month of the year.
In the wetter parts of the Mt. Lofty Ranges the average is between 100-150 millimetres. The extreme tip of Eyre Peninsula and the Lower South-East average is just over 100mm for the month.
The 'foot' of Yorke Peninsula and the Ranges as far North as the Clare Hills also receive more than 50mm for the month. The remainder of the settled areas normally averages between 25-50mm. The Southern parts of the interiors average between 12-25mm, with the remainder of the Northern part of the State averaging less than 12mm.
Mean maximum temperatures are between 15°-18° Celsius over the whole of the State south of Lake Eyre, except along the Ranges and South-East of the River Murray where the normal maximum is between 12.5°-15°. Mean minima are between 4.5°-7° over most of the settled areas, but lower along the Ranges and the Southern half of the interiors, where frosts are common.

Average temperatures - Max. 15.3°C. Min.7.5°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max.15.6°C. Min. 7.9°C.
Highest on record: Max. 26.6°C. Min.17.0°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.8.8deg;C. Min. 0.4°C.

Average rainfall - 68.8m. Last year (2011) 61.4mm.
Highest on record - 159.8mm. - 1886
Lowest on Record - 10.1mm. - 1899
Highest Daily Total - 44.5mm. - 1865

Average evaporation - 60mm. Last year (2011) 34.8mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:

Flowering Annuals - Seedlings only: Carnation, Delphinium, Dianthus, Gypsophila, Lupin, Pansy Snapdragon, Stocks, Sweet Peas, Sweet William.
Bulbs and Perennials - Bearded Iris, Canna, Daylilies, Gerbera, Gladioli, Hippeastrum, Lilium, Lily of the Valley Perennial Phlox, Pineapple Lily Raspberries, Red Hot Poker, Rhubarb, Russel Lupins, Violet, Water Lily
Vegetables - Seeds & Seedlings: Cabbage, Lettuce, Onions, Parsnip, Radish, Rhubarb.
Deciduous trees, vines, shrubs, and roses should be planted this month.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Citrus fruits, Kiwi fruit, quinces, medlars, pomegranates, persimmons, Sharon fruit.

FISHING
Whiting (all areas); Yellowfin Whiting (all beaches); Tommy Ruff (all areas); Flounder (Coorong); Salmon Trout (local beaches and jetties); Garfish (in limited numbers). Bloodworm run (First big run-out tide after the new moon).

August

Almond trees are in full blossom early this month, the Willunga Almond Festival begins on the last weekend in July, and continues for 2 weeks. The winter flowering wattles add their delicious perfume to the air, and many other natives are in full bloom. August is usually cold, wet and windy. All areas average at least 25mm of rain, with the 50mm Isohyet enclosing those parts of Eyre Peninsula South of a line from Streaky Bay to Darke Peak & Tumby Bay.

Average temperatures - Max.16.7°C. Min.8.2°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max.18°C. Min 9.2°C.
Highest on record: Max. 30.4°C. Min.18.4°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.9.3°C. Min. 0.9°C.

Average rainfall - 68.2 mm. Last year (2011) 92.4mm.
Highest on record - 157.7mm. - 1852
Lowest on Record - 8.4mm. - 1944
Highest Daily Total - 56.6mm. - 1851

Average evaporation - 62.31mm. Last year (2011) 58.4mm.
The average rate of evaporation is now often greater than rainfall, due to rising temperatures and falling humidity.
But this was not the case in 2010, and promoted major recovery from the recent drought years, and prolific, almost record crop growth.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Summer-flowering Bulbs - Agapanthus, Amaryllis, Brunsvigia, Calla, Canna, Cninum, Euchanis Lily, Eucomis, Gladiolus, Hemerocallis, Hippeastrum, Iris (flag), Kniphofia, Lyconis, Nenine, Sprekelia, Valotta, Zephrantes. Flower (Not until Late August) - Seeds & Seedling: Ageratum, Alyssum, Californian Poppy, Carnation, Celosia, Cosmos, Delphinium, Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy Globe Amaranth, Honesty Marigold (African), Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Rudbeckia, Salpiglossis, Salvia, Snapdragon, Statice.
Perennials - Astilbe, Coreopsis, Campanula, Erigeron, Perennial Phlox, Perennial Aster, Heliopsis, Hostas, Shasta Daisy
Vegetables - Asparagus (crowns), Beetroot (seeds), Broccoli (seedlings), Cabbage (seedlings), Carrot (seeds), Garlic (seeds & corms), Leeks (seeds & seedlings), Lettuce (seeds & seedlings), Onions (seeds & seedlings), Parsnip (Seeds),Potato (seeds), Radish (seeds), Rhubarb (crowns), Strawberry (potted plants), Spinach (seeds & seedlings).

LOCAL PRODUCE
S.A. oysters in season. Citrus fruit, quinces, medlars, pomegranates, persimmons, Sharon fruit.

FISHING
Whiting (Metropolitan waters, going off the bite during the month); Salmon Trout (local beaches and jetties); Tommy Ruff (Southern coasts); Flounder (Coorong); Squid (most areas. Big specimens Southern coasts)

September

Spring has arrived and the world is full of flowers. Wildflowers and/or weeds carpet every open space with colour, and bees are busily stocking up with pollen and nectar after the winter cold. Buds appear on the Grape vines, and cherry and apple trees will start to blossom.
Conditions this month are somewhat milder, usually with less rainfall than in the Winter months. Over most of the settled areas, the average daily temperature for the month is between 15°-21° Celsius, with the average night temperature between 7°-13°

Average temperatures - Max. 19°C. Min.9.7°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max.20.8°C. Min.10.2.°C.
Highest on record: Max. 35.1°C. Min.23.8°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.10.9°C. Min. 2°C.

Average rainfall - 60.9mm. Last year (2011) - 46.9xmm.
Highest on record - 151.4mm. - 1992
Lowest on Record - 7mm. - 1951
Highest Daily Total - 43.2mm. - 2001

Average evaporation - 110mm. Last year (2011) 106.6mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Flowers - Ageratum, Alyssum, Aster, Begonia (bedding), Carnations, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia (seed), Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy(acroclinium), lmpatiens, Marigolds (African), Nasturtium, Petunias, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon (Antirrhinum), Sunflower(Helianthus), Torenia, Verbena, Zinnia.
Summer-flowering Bulbs - Canna, Crinum, Eucharis, Gladiolus, Lycoris, Sprekelia, Valotta.
Citrus, Avocado, Flowering, & Native trees and shrubs can safely be planted once the risk of frost is past.
Vegetables - Beans (bush), Beetroot, Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrot,Celery, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Garlic, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Melon, Parsnip, Potato, Pumpkin (squash), Radish, Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomato, Zucchini.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Citrus fruit, quinces, medlars, pomegranates, persimmons, Sharon fruit.

FISHING
Snook (West Coast); Coorong Mullet (Coorong); Flounder (Coorong); Salmon Trout (Local Beaches and Southern Coasts and Jetties); Bream (Kangaroo Island, Coorong, Local shores, Pt River Region); Yellowtail Kingfish (West Coast, Spencer Gulf); Squid (Southern Coasts and Jetties); Tommy' Ruff (Limited Numbers); Garfish (coming back on the bite)

October

This is normally the last of the wet months of the year, and the chance of useful rain will diminish rapidly from now on. With the exception of the Far West Coast around Streaky Bay and beyond, the settled areas average better than 25mm for the month.
In the higher parts of the Ranges around Melrose and Clare and South from Williamstown, more than 50mm is normally received. Most of the interior averages between 12-25mm, but these rains are most variable and quite unreliable.
Mean Maximum temperatures remain below 20° over the Southern parts of Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula, along the Ranges as far North as Clare, and in the South-East.
Daylight Saving commences on the first Sunday in October.

Average temperatures - Max. 21.8°C. Min.11.5°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max.22.1°C. Min.13.0°C.
Highest on record: Max. 39.0°C. Min.26.2°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.11.2°C. Min.2.7°C.

Average rainfall - 51mm. Last Year (2011) 42.6mm.
Highest on record - 133.2mm. - 1949
Lowest on Record - 1mm. - 1969
Highest Daily Total - 56.9mm. - 1908

Average evaporation - 164mm. Last year (2011) 112.8mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Flowers - Ageratum, Alyssum, Aster, Begonia (bedding), Carnations, Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia (seed), Dianthus, Everlasting Daisy (acroclinium), lmpatiens, Marigolds (african), Nasturtium, Petunias, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon (antirrhinum), Sunflower (Helianthus), Torenia, Verbena, Zinnia.
Summer-flowering Bulbs - Canna, Crinum, Eucharis, Eucomis (pineapple lily), Gladiolus, Lycoris, Nerine, Sprekelia, Valotta, Zephyranthes.
Vegetables - Beans (bush), Beans (runner), Beetroot, Broccoli, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Eggplant, Endive, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Melon, Parsnip, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin (squash), Radish, Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomato, Zucchini.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Loquats, late citrus varieties, Cape Gooseberries, all the Spring vegetables.

FISHING
Snapper (Backstairs Passage); Whiting (Yorke Peninsula); Flounder (Coorong);Yellowtail Kingfish (West Coast, Spencer Gulf); Bream (Port River, St Kilda); Squid (most areas); Mulloway (Murray Mouth); Garfish (Best Time for Spotlight Dabbing).

November

Temperatures are on the rise this month,with most of the settled areas reaching daily maxima between 25-30° Celsius, and the interiors between 30-35° However long, hot spells are not common, with only one or two day's likely to produce temperatures well above average. Night temperatures average between 10°-15°. Frosts can still occur inland, but are infrequent
The average rainfall for the settled areas for the month is between 12-25mm, except along the Mt. Lofty Ranges and the higher parts of the Flinders Ranges as far North as Wilmington, and in the regions South of a line due East through Meningie. In these regions, the average is between 25-40mm, increasing to 50mm in the higher parts of the Ranges.

Average temperatures - Max. 25.1°C. Min.14.0deg;C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max. 26.8°C. Min.14.7°C.
Highest on record: Max. 43.0°C. Min.30.1°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.13°C. Min. 5.3°C.

Average rainfall - 33mm. Last year (2011) 25.2mm.
Highest on record - 113.2mm. - 1839
Lowest on Record - 1mm. - 1996
Highest Daily Total - 75.2mm. - 1960

Average evaporation -196mm. Last year (2011) 158.5mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Flowers - Ageratum, Alyssum, Aster, Begonia (bedding), Celosia, Chrysanthemum, Cockscomb, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia (seed), Dianthus, Marigolds (african), Nasturtium, Petunias, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Sunflower (Helianthus), Torenia, Verbena, Zinnia.
Flowering Bulbs - Agapanthus, Clivea, Crinum, Dahlia, Gladiolus.
Hibiscus, Bougainvillea and Frangipan can be planted now.
Vegetables - Beans (bush), Beans (runner), Beetroot, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery Cucumber, Egglant, Endive, Leeks, Lettuce, Marrow, Melon, Parsnip, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin (squash), Radish, Rhubarb (potted), Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomato, Zucchini.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Loquats, cherry plums, early strawberries.

FISHING
Snook (most areas); Victor Harbor Mullet (Southern Coasts); Yellowtail Kingfish (West Coast, Spencer Gulf); Snapper (Gulf Waters, Yorke Peninsula); Tuna (West Coast); Squid (most areas); Garfish (All Areas for dabbing); Mulloway (Murray Mouth).

December

In December most people still celebrate Christmas, even if they are not Christians. In spite of the forthcoming holiday season, many remain hard at work throughout the season.
The Summer Solstice occurs around 22nd. and is probably a more appropriate celebration for our climate.
This is the first of the four driest months of the year and irrigation will be necessary in most gardens.
The fire danger season is now with us, and Fire Bans are common.
Only along the higher parts of the Mt. Lofty Ranges, the Southern Flinders Ranges, and in the South-East, South of a line from Kingston to Bordertown is the rainfall average in excess of 2 5mm. Elsewhere in the State, with the exception of the Lake Eyre region and the Far West Coast beyond Streaky Bay the average is 12-25mm. On the far West Coast the average is less than 12mm. Average day temperatures over most of the settled areas are usually between 25-30°. However, in the South-East: on Kangaroo Island, and in the Southern parts of the Mt Lofty Ranges, the average is 20-25°.

Average temperatures - Max. 27.0°C. Min.15.6°C.
Last year's (2011) mean - Max. 27.9°C. Min.16.3°C.
Highest on record: Max. 44.2°C. Min.31.8°C.
Lowest on Record: Max.15.4°C. Min. 6.8°C.

Average rainfall - 28mm. Last year (2011) 18.2mm.
Highest on record - 101.1mm.- 1861
Lowest on Record - 0mm. - 1904
Highest Daily Total - 66.2mm. - 2010

Average evaporation - 242mm. Last year (2011) 201.8mm.

WHAT TO PLANT:
Flowers - Ageratum, Alyssum, Aster, Celosia, Cockscomb, Coleus, Cosmos, Dahlia (seed), Dianthus, Marigolds African), Nasturtium, Petunia, Phlox, Portulaca, Salvia, Sunflower (Helianthus), Torenia, Verbena, Zinnia.
Winter Flowering Annual, such as Cinerarias, Stocks and Poppies can be propagated from seed at this time of year provided the seed boxes are kept in the shade, and out of hot, drying winds.
Vegetables - Beans (bush), Beans (runner), Beetroot, Cabbage, Capsicum, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery Cucumber, Endive, Leek, Lettuce, Melon, Parsnip, Potato, Pumpkin (squash), Radish, Spinach, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes.

LOCAL PRODUCE
Cherries, early apricots, plums and strawberries, crayfish, prawns, oysters, crabs, mullet, snook and snapper.

FISHING
Snook (all areas); Mullet (Victor Harbor); Snapper (Gulf Waters and Yorke Peninsula); Garfish (all areas); Tuna (West Coast); Callop and Redfin (River Murray); Squid (all areas).

The Wheel of the Year in the Southern Hemisphere
Planting by the Moon..............Back to Seasons and Calendars

USEFUL LINKS
GARDENING AUSTRALIA'S VEGIE PLANTING GUIDE
DAVID CORKILL'S ORGANIC GARDENING WEBSITE - INFORMATION &FORUM
You will need cookies enabled to access the forum, and may need to take a look at the help files to find your way around at first.
This site still under construction - I can't wait.
David is a good friend, and one of the best teachers & organic gardeners around.

http://www.heyne.com.au/gardencentre/factsheets/

Rosella Background courtesy of:
VIRTUAL AUSTRALIA GRAPHICS

Note:In researching & answering questions about earthwise living, Margaret offers information, opinion, & personal experience, but no quick fixes! Readers should evaluate these offerings in the context of their own situations; they are suggestions, *not* recommendations. Any responsibility for their implementation rests *solely* with the reader.

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