Darwin & Top End Grow Guide
Tropical wet/dry calendar for Darwin & Top End. 151 plants with monthly sow windows calibrated for local conditions.
Monthly Planting Calendar
Tropical north Australia (Cairns, Darwin, Townsville, Katherine) operates on a wet/dry cycle fundamentally different from southeast Queensland. Nov-Apr wet season brings 25-35°C, high humidity, and heavy monsoonal rain—ideal for heat-loving tropical crops but hostile to temperate vegetables. May-Oct dry season (18-32°C, low humidity) is the primary window for traditional vegetables, leafy greens, and cool-season brassicas. This is tropical fruit heartland: mango, banana, pawpaw, dragonfruit, lychee, and rambutan thrive year-round with extended sow windows.
Browse by Category
Darwin-Specific Guides
Guides written specifically for Darwin and the Top End's tropical climate, wet season challenges, and dry season growing.
May-Aug only, cherry varieties What to Plant in Wet Season
Monsoon crops, kangkong, sweet potato Growing Tropical Fruit
Mango capital, jackfruit, rambutan Start a Veggie Garden
Termite-proof beds, dry season focus Dry Season Gardening
Month-by-month May-Sep calendar
Growing Guides
In-depth guides for the most popular crops and techniques. These guides adapt to your region.
Free Monthly Planting Calendar
Get a personalised email each month with what to plant, seasonal tips, and harvest reminders for your region.
We send one email per month. Unsubscribe any time.
Free Printable Planting Calendars
A4 landscape PDFs for each month — stick one on the fridge.
Get NT calendars →Plan Your Garden with the Free App
Drag plants into beds, get sow reminders, and track your harvests. Works on phone, tablet, and desktop.
Open the App Free →Frequently Asked Questions
What can I grow in Darwin?
Darwin has a tropical climate that supports a wide range of edible plants year-round. You can grow vegetables, herbs, fruit trees, and native edibles. The key is choosing the right crops for each season and planting at the right time. Use the monthly guides above to see exactly what to plant each month.
When is the best time to start a vegetable garden in Darwin?
You can start a vegetable garden in Darwin any time of year. Autumn and spring are the easiest seasons for beginners because temperatures are mild and many crops thrive. Pick a spot with at least six hours of sun, prepare your soil with compost, and choose crops from the current month's planting list.
What grows best in Darwin's climate?
Darwin's tropical climate suits a specific range of crops each season. Use the monthly planting calendars above to find the best crops for right now. Each listing includes sowing windows, spacing, harvest timing, and companion planting suggestions tailored to Darwin's conditions.