As autumn sets in across Australia, the changing weather can bring both beauty and challenges to your garden. From cooler nights to unpredictable storms, now’s the time to protect your plants from seasonal stress. Whether you're growing edibles, natives or ornamentals, a few strategic steps will help your garden thrive right through to winter.

Understanding the Threats

Autumn in Australia brings a unique mix of conditions. The days may remain sunny, but the nights get colder—and sometimes frosty. Rainfall increases in many regions, and gusty winds can strike unexpectedly. Meanwhile, cooler temps can attract pests looking for fresh greens. Understanding the seasonal threats is key to protecting your garden:

• Frost damage on tender leaves and stems

• Heavy rain and hail causing breakage or rot

• Strong winds uprooting young plants

• Sunburn on exposed foliage during warm autumn afternoons

• Increased pest and disease activity

• Birds and other animals foraging for food

Frost Protection for Plants

Frost could be a major concern in southern regions and elevated areas. A light frost can blacken leaves, while a hard frost may kill young or sensitive plants entirely.

Protecting your plants from cold weather is essential to ensure their health and survival. Here are several strategies to safeguard your plants during frosty periods:

1. Plant Covers, Garden Fleece, and Cloches

Utilise protective covers such as plant covers, garden fleece, or cloches to shield your plants from frost. These coverings trap warmth from the soil and create a microclimate with slightly elevated temperatures, protecting plants from freezing temperatures and harsh winds.

2. Relocation of Potted Plants

Potted plants offer the advantage of mobility. During cold spells, move your potted plants to sheltered locations such as patios, verandas, or against north-facing walls. These areas provide protection from cold winds and frost, ensuring your potted plants remain safe during temperature drops.

3. Mulching

Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your plants acts as insulation for the root zone. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and warmth, protecting the roots from freezing and maintaining a stable soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw, leaves, or compost are excellent choices for winter protection.

4. Smart Watering Strategy

Watering your plants in the afternoon allows the soil to retain moisture and warmth throughout the night. Moist soil holds heat better than dry soil, providing a slightly warmer environment for the roots and reducing the risk of frost damage. However, avoid overwatering, as waterlogged soil can be detrimental to plant health.

5. Additional Protective Measures

• Row Covers: For larger garden beds or rows of plants, consider using row covers or horticultural fleece to provide comprehensive protection against frost.

• Cold Frames: Cold frames are structures with transparent lids that create a warm and sheltered environment for plants. They are ideal for protecting seedlings and young plants during cold weather.

• Frost Blankets: Frost blankets are lightweight covers specifically designed to protect plants from frost. They are typically made of breathable materials that allow air and moisture exchange while trapping heat.

• Heat Sources: In extreme cold conditions, you may need to provide additional heat sources for your plants. This can include using heat lamps, heating cables, or even placing buckets of warm water near your plants.

By implementing these protective measures, you can significantly increase the chances of your plants surviving cold weather and thriving throughout the year. Remember to monitor weather forecasts and take action before frost arrives to ensure your plants remain healthy and vibrant.

Browse our full range of plant protection products to keep the cold at bay.

Wind, Rain & Hail Protection

Sudden downpours, strong winds, and hail are common in autumn and can wreak havoc on your garden. To keep your plants safe and secure during these unpredictable weather events, take the following precautions:

1. Stake and tie young or top-heavy plants

Young plants and those with heavy blooms or fruits are particularly susceptible to snapping in strong winds. Provide them with plant support by staking them and tying them to sturdy garden stakes or trellises. This will help them stay upright and prevent damage.

2. Create windbreaks

Windbreaks can significantly reduce the impact of strong winds on your plants. You can create windbreaks using a variety of materials, such as shade cloth, trellises, garden screens, or even hedges. Position them strategically to block prevailing winds and protect your vulnerable plants.

3. Ensure good drainage

Waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and other problems, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Ensure your garden has good drainage to allow excess water to drain away. Consider raising garden beds, adding sand to clay soil, or installing drainage systems to improve drainage.

4. Use waterproof plant covers

For delicate blooms, fruiting plants, or seedlings, consider using waterproof plant covers during periods of heavy rain or hail. These covers will protect them from the impact of heavy rain and hail and prevent damage.

5. Protect your soil and roots

Mulches can help protect your soil and roots from heavy rain and erosion. They also help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulches, such as straw, leaves, or compost, to add nutrients to your soil as they decompose. Read our mulching guide for more information.

6. Secure garden structures

If you have garden structures, such as trellises, gazebos, or greenhouses, make sure they are securely anchored to the ground. Strong winds can easily topple them over, causing damage to your plants and property.

7. Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables

Don't wait for a storm to harvest your ripe fruits and vegetables. Harvest them as soon as they are ready to prevent them from being damaged by wind, rain, or hail.

8. Monitor weather forecasts

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and be prepared to take action if a storm is predicted. This may involve moving potted plants indoors, covering vulnerable plants, or securing garden structures.

By taking these precautions, you can protect your garden from the damaging effects of wind, rain, and hail and ensure that your plants thrive throughout the autumn season. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in safeguarding your garden from unpredictable weather events.

Sun Protection for Plants

Autumn may be cooler, but the UV index often remains high—especially in northern Australia. Sunburn can still damage soft foliage, even in April.

Sun-smart gardening tips:

• Use shade cloth to protect young seedlings or sun-sensitive species.

• Rotate and reposition pots to reduce prolonged exposure.

• Water early in the morning to reduce leaf scorch.

Check out our guide on how to create shade in your outdoor area.

Autumn Pest & Disease Control

While some pests slow down in cooler weather, others—like snails, aphids and mildew—thrive.

Autumn offenders to watch for

• Aphids on new growth

• Caterpillars on leafy veg

• Powdery mildew on squash, cucumbers and roses

• Rust on ornamentals like geraniums and pelargoniums

Prevention Tips

• Prune plants to promote airflow.

• Clean up fallen debris and diseased foliage.

• Spray preventatively with organic options.

Explore our range of insect control and fungicides, or read our detailed guide on how to control common garden pests.

Wildlife Deterrents

Autumn also brings hungry birds and critters closer to home. Strawberries, tomatoes and brassicas are often prime targets.

Deter birds and animals naturally

• Drape bird netting over fruiting plants.

• Try reflective tape, owl decoys or wind chimes.

• Use non-toxic sprays or fencing for possums and other animals.

General Autumn Garden Prep Tips

• Keep your garden tidy. Clear fallen leaves and debris to prevent fungal outbreaks.

• Apply mulch to conserve warmth and suppress weeds.

• Prune where appropriate, but avoid over-pruning before frost.

• Monitor for stress signs like drooping, yellowing or insect activity.

Read our detailed guide on how to prepare your Australian garden for winter.

Conclusion

Autumn in Australia is a season of transition—and an opportunity to give your plants the best start before winter. With a few thoughtful protections and the right products from Mitre 10, you’ll set your garden up to not only survive, but thrive. Visit your local store or browse online for everything you need to protect your patch this season.