THE temperature is slowly dropping, the humidity slowly easing, so now is the time to be planting your greens in preparation for the cooler weather ahead.

According to BOM, a large proportion of Mackay’s rainfall falls up until March with the driest months being August/September.

And with temperatures between 29-24 degrees, autumn is the perfect time to get planting those winter vegetables.

>> READ MORE: FOUR LOW MAINTENANCE INDOOR PLANTS

Here’s your autumn planting guide for Mackay…

Vegetables and herbs to grow in hot climates

Anytime:

  • Artichoke
  • Pak Choy
  • Radish
  • Spring onion
  • Strawberry
  • Cabbage
  • Rocket
  • Basil
  • Chive
  • Coriander
  • Dill

March:

  • Garlic (bulbs)
  • Kale
  • Peas
  • Lettuce
  • Beans
  • Tomatoes
  • Eggplant

April:

  • Broad beans
  • Spinach
  • Beetroot
  • Silverbeet
  • Capsicum
  • Chillies
  • Chervil

May:

  • Rhubarb
  • Parsley
  • Watercress

>> READ MORE: HOW TO CREATE A TROPICAL GARDEN ON A BUDGET

Fruits to grow in hot climates

Deciduous trees (low chill):

  • Peach
  • Nectarine
  • Persimmon
  • Fig
  • Mulberry
  • Pomegranate

Berries/shrubs/groundcovers (low chill):

  • Blueberry
  • Chilean Guava
  • Pepino
  • Naranjilla

Evergreens:

  • Loquat
  • Olive
  • Brazilian Tree Grape
  • Citrus
  • Natal Plum
  • Tamarillo
  • Babaco
  • Avocado
  • Carob
  • Guava

Nuts:

  • Macadamia
  • Pecan

Climbers:

  • Passionfruit
  • Choko

Subtropical:

  • Banana
  • Mango
  • Longan
  • Pawpaw
  • Lychee
  • Pineapple
  • Dragonfruit

>> READ MORE: WHAT TO PLANT IN JULY IN MACKAY

Source: The Diggers Club’s The Australian Fruit & Vegetable Garden