The Urban Patch

On Sunday, Melbourne hit 20 degrees. In August.

I don’t know about you, but my Macpac puffer has started giving me side-eye from the coat rack, as if to say “Really? Can I retire already?”

Odie and I took full advantage – him sprawled in a sunny patch (check out his epic bed head after a deep slumber), me poking around the garden beds to see who’d decided to wake up early. Spoiler: the mint is back with a vengeance, and the mustard leaves are going gangbusters.

🌼 Melbourne Spring Gardening Tips for Early Warm Weather

When the temperature jumps, it’s tempting to start planting your whole summer crop – but August in Melbourne (and most other Australian urban climates) can still throw in a cold snap or frost. Here’s how I’m easing into it:

1. Check for Winter Survivors
   Herbs like parsley, mint, and chives may already be bouncing back. Trim lightly to encourage fresh growth.
2. Start Warm Weather Seeds Indoors
   Tomatoes, capsicum, and basil all love warmth – give them a head start in pots indoors or on a sunny windowsill. They’ll be ready to transplant outside once it’s consistently warm (usually late September–October).
3. Prep Your Beds and Pots
   Turn over the soil, add compost, and check drainage. Good prep now means you can plant at the first sign of consistently warm weather.
4. Get on Top of Weeding
   Warm weather wakes up weeds just as quickly as your veggies. Pull them now while they’re small to stop them stealing nutrients and taking over your beds.
5. Plant Early Crops Outdoors
   Leafy greens that are fast growers like lettuce, rocket, and spinach can handle cooler nights, so they’re perfect for planting now for a spring harvest before the real summer heat hits.
6. Watch for Pests
   The bugs are waking up too. Keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars, and have your natural pest control ready (I’m looking at you, squishy thumb method).

🐕 Garden Life According to Odie

Odie’s take on the whole “early spring” situation?
Pros: more sunny naps, more sniffs, and the occasional snow pea theft opportunity.
Cons: *achoo!* doggy hayfever kicking in.

💡 My Plan for the Next Two Weeks

• Keep starting spring/summer crops indoors (tomatoes, basil, capsicum).
• Sow radishes and rocket outside for a fast harvest.
• Resist planting frost-tender crops outdoors until late September (even if the weather app is feeling “optimistic”. BOM has given me trust issues).

If you’ve noticed the same early warmth in your own patch, enjoy it – just keep a few seedlings safe inside. After all, Melbourne weather loves a plot twist.