Why have a seed planting guide specific to Ballarat and district?
Ballarat's climate is cooler than most parts of Southern mainland Australia.  However planting instructions on the back of seed packets and in vegetable gardening books make no distinction between Ballarat and much warmer places such as Melbourne. 

But Ballarat is in fact about six weeks behind Melbourne in Spring plantings.  For example tomato seedlings can be planted out without frost protection in mid September in Melbourne,  however in Ballarat it is not safe to do so until early November (traditionally Melbourne Cup day).  Novice Ballarat gardeners will get a rude shock if they rely on seed packet planting guides.

Ongoing development of this seed guide
This seed guide was compiled by John Ditchburn from gardening observations made during some fifteen years of gardening in the Ballarat area.  A number of gardeners were also consulted on compiling the guide; with special thanks to Marianne Gingell and Liz Suiter for their suggestions for alterations.

This seed guide is by no means complete and must be seen as only a rough draft  for a number  years to come.   If you are a Ballarat and district gardener and would like to comment on, or contribute to this seed guide then please feel free to contact me.  Your input will always be considered when making future updates.

Factors to consider when using this guide
Even within a regional area there are always variations.  The bulk of this guide was drawn from observations of an urban garden in central Ballarat.  If you are on land out of town it would be wise to treat  this guide cautiously as your frost patterns may be more severe.  See REGIONAL CLIMATE VARIATIONS for things to look for that might affect your plantings.

Making adjustments for seasonal variations
A season does not start on a particular date.  Some years Spring can be very early, while on others it  just never seems to arrive!  To just rely on a seed planting guide means that you may miss opportunities to get your seeds up early.  The observations below were compiled by Marraine Gingell and are useful points to consider when deciding when to plant or harvest :

"Plant sweet corn seeds when apple trees are in full bloom,  but different varieties bloom early and late.  Observe and work it out.  Works with my tree.

Frosts are finished when English Oak is in full leaf - observe.

Observe season's wild flowers.  The appearance of seasonal birds.  When birds start nesting and the hatching of cygnets on the lake.
                             
First Autumn signs are changes in Claret Ash leaves. Also feel the atmospheric difference of early Autumn."


By Marianne Gingell