Six Gardening Tips to Keep Your Garden Lush This Autumn

From planting trees and veggies to pruning and mulching, there are many gardening jobs to get stuck into in autumn. As we approach the cold winter months, it’s important that we keep on top of the list of duties to keep your backyard pristine throughout the seasons. 

1. Bring out the rake

A tell-tale sign of autumn’s arrival is the immense amount of leaves lying on the ground as you walk by. Many plants shed their leaves at the start of autumn as cooler temperatures set in. The fallen leaves, which end up on your lawn, can create a dark spot that deprives the healthy grass of natural sunlight and may produce brown patches. 

Regularly raking leaves can help maintain the health of your garden, which you can transfer to your compost bin and create rich nutrients for your garden to thrive. 

2. Give your lawn some extra attention 

Autumn is the ideal time to help your lawn recover from the summer sun and heat, preparing it for the wetter months ahead. Fertilising your lawn with slow-release lawn food helps develop a robust root system and thicker grass – promoting new growth. 

3. Plant, plant, plant

Autumn creates the perfect planting climate – cooler air temperatures, warm soil and rainfall that increase soil moisture, ultimately providing your new plants with the best chance at success. Planting Australian natives such as grevillea, banksias, and bottlebrush is an excellent way to incorporate durable plants and bring beauty to your outdoor space during autumn. Growing citrus trees, spanning oranges, lemons, and limes is a great option if you’re looking to spruce up your garden and inject a vibrant pop of colour and fresh produce into your garden.

4. Trim & prune

Trimming hedges before the onset of winter is ideal for keeping them compact and full-bodied – prepped and ready for the cooler breeze ahead. Pruning plants is a great way to stimulate new growth by removing dead or damaged branches. Be mindful about which plants you choose to prune so you don’t miss out on spring blossoms – look for flowering spurs before starting to prune. 

5. Plan ahead for spring bulbs and winter crops

Bulbs are a great way to add a stunning splash of colour to your garden. Autumn is the perfect time to plant them to flourish in spring; try daffodils, dutch irises, tulips, and hyacinths. Remember to plant in a spot with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil. 

Start forward-planning by planting and growing your veggie garden early to ensure a flourishing winter harvest. Brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, garlic, spring onion and carrots are ideal for planting in autumn. 

6. Add mulch

Mulch helps to protect your plants from the cold, keeping the soil moist and healthy throughout the autumn and winter months. Over time, this nutrient-filled mulch will also break down into your soil, improving its conditions and keeping it fresh and healthy for an extended period of time.