Autumn & Winter Garden: How To Prepare & What to Plant

As summer fades and temperatures drop, Australian gardeners must start preparing for the cooler months. Autumn is a crucial time to get your garden ready for winter, ensuring that your soil remains fertile, your plants thrive, and your outdoor space stays healthy. Whether you want to grow winter vegetables, keep your flower garden vibrant, or protect your lawn, now is the time to take action. In this guide, we’ll cover soil preparation, what to plant in autumn and winter, lawn care, pruning, mulching, watering adjustments, pest control, and frost protection.

For more general gardening tips, review our other garden maintenance guides.

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. As summer crops finish, take the time to improve your soil before planting autumn and winter crops.

• Clear and aerate the soil: Remove spent summer plants, weeds, and debris. Loosen the soil with a garden fork or tiller to improve aeration.
• Add organic matter: Compost, well-rotted manure, and worm castings enhance soil structure and fertility. Consider using a composter or worm farm to generate nutrient-rich amendments for your soil.
• Adjust pH levels: Use a soil test kit to check pH levels. Add lime to raise pH for brassicas or sulfur to lower pH for berries and potatoes.
• Apply slow-release fertiliser: Organic fertilisers rich in potassium and phosphorus support root development in winter crops. Browse fertilisers suitable for vegetable gardens.

For a deeper dive into soil improvement, read how to make and improve garden soil.

2. What to Plant for an Autumn and Winter Garden

Each month of autumn and winter brings different opportunities for planting vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Here’s what to plant from March to August.

March - April (Early Autumn)

• Vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, kale, lettuce, radish, beetroot.
• Herbs: Coriander, parsley, chives, rosemary.
• Flowers: Pansies, violas, snapdragons, poppies.
• Bulbs: Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths (plant now for spring blooms).

May - June (Mid-Autumn to Early Winter)

• Vegetables: Garlic, onions, leeks, broad beans, peas, carrots.
• Herbs: Thyme, oregano, sage.
• Flowers: Camellias, primroses, winter roses.

July - August (Mid to Late Winter)

• Vegetables: Continue planting onions, peas, and root crops like carrots and turnips.
• Herbs: Mint, chives, parsley (indoors or in sheltered areas).
• Flowers: Begin sowing spring flowers like marigolds and cosmos indoors.

For a full seasonal guide, check out the planting calendar for vegetables, flowers, and herbs. To buy seeds, explore our Plants, Seedlings, and Seeds section to get started on your seasonal planting.

3. Lawn Care in Autumn

To maintain a lush lawn during the colder months, follow these autumn care tips:

• Aerate compacted soil: Use a rake or lawn aerator to allow nutrients and water to reach the roots.
• Fertilise with an autumn blend: Choose a lawn fertiliser high in potassium to strengthen grass for winter.
• Overseed patchy areas: Use cool-season grass varieties like fescue and ryegrass.
• Reduce mowing height gradually: Avoid cutting too short, as this can weaken the grass. Use a quality lawn mower for best results.

To learn more, read how to care for your lawn.

5. Mulching and Weed Control

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.

• Apply organic mulch: Sugar cane mulch, straw, or wood chips work well.
• Top up existing mulch layers: Maintain a depth of 5-7cm around plants.
• Remove weeds before they seed: Hand-pull or use a hoe to control weeds. Check out weed control products.

For more insights on mulching techniques and benefits, read our mulching guide.

6. Watering and Irrigation Adjustments

• Reduce watering frequency: Plants require less water in cooler months.
• Water early in the day: Prevent fungal diseases by allowing foliage to dry before nightfall.
• Check irrigation systems: Clean filters and adjust timers for reduced watering needs. If you are considering an irrigation system, read how to install a garden watering system.
• Collect rainwater: Install a water tank to store water for drier months. To learn how to do it yourself, read how to install a water tank.

7. Pest and Disease Prevention in Autumn

• Watch for slugs and snails: Use beer traps, copper tape, or organic pellets.
• Monitor for aphids: Introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds or spray with neem oil.
• Prevent fungal infections: Prune for airflow and use natural fungicides.

For more details, read how to control common garden pests and explore natural pest control methods.

8. Protecting Plants from Frost and Cold Weather

• Use frost cloth or hessian: Cover vulnerable plants on cold nights.
• Move pots to sheltered areas: Keep container plants near walls for warmth.
• Add a greenhouse or cloche: Provide extra insulation for seedlings and herbs.

Check out our Plant Protection category for everything you might need to keep your plants safe and frost free.

Conclusion

Preparing your garden for autumn and winter involves essential steps such as enriching the soil, selecting the right seasonal plants, maintaining a healthy lawn, and implementing proper pruning techniques. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds, while adjusting watering schedules ensures efficient irrigation. Protecting your plants from pests, diseases, and frost will ensure a thriving garden throughout the colder months.

For all your gardening needs, visit our Garden category to find the right tools, fertilisers, and mulch for your autumn and winter garden.