Autumn Gardening Tips 2022

Autumn is here once again, bringing with it cooling temperatures and (for many trees) changing leaves with a multitude of colours. It can also mean completing a few gardening tasks to ensure your garden is winter-ready. These months are a great time of year to get your garden in order for the winter ahead.

Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced green thumb, you may be interested to read a few autumn gardening tips. From fertilising to pruning to planting trees and veggies, there are many jobs to be one during the autumn.

In today’s article, we take a look at a selection of autumn gardening tips for your autumn garden. Read on to find out more!

Get Ready for Winter with our Autumn Gardening Tips

Fertilise

“Should I fertilise my garden in autumn?” is a common question, and the answer is typically yes. Autumn is the perfect time to fertilise your garden, as the soil is still warm and moist from summer rains. Fertilising at this time will help your plants to get a healthy start as they enter the winter months. This is also the time to fertilise your lawn and get it ready for the cooler season.

Prune your trees

Autumn is also a good time to prune your trees and shrubs. Pruning at this time will help them to grow strong and healthy in the coming spring. Pruning also helps to remove any dead or damaged branches, and encourages new, healthy growth. It’s important not to wait too long, though – depending on the region you’re in, pruning in late autumn can lead to damage from winter weather. Keep in mind that not all plants need pruning in the autumn. If you’re unsure of whether a certain tree in your garden requires pruning, be sure to do your research to find out.

Add mulch

Another autumn gardening tip is to mulch. Mulching your garden in autumn can help to protect your plants from the cold winter months. Mulch will also help to keep the soil moist and healthy, which is especially important during winter. Mulch comes in many different varieties, so be sure to choose one that will be compatible with your garden soil and plants.

Grow suitable veggies

If you have a year-round vegetable garden, you may be wondering what to grow in autumn. Some veggies that can be good to plant in the autumn months include broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, spring onion, cabbage, carrots, and kale. The exact veggies to grow may vary depending on where in Australia you’re living. For more information on what to grow, research a vegetable planting guide that works for your climate zone.

Bulbs, bulbs, bulbs

Planting bulbs in the autumn means you should have plenty of spring blooms. Choose between tulips, daffodils, hyacinth, crocuses, and more for creating beautiful springtime colour. Plant them in pots to decorate a balcony or directly in the ground for a collection of beautiful flowers. These bulbs should be planted in well-drained soil. Add in some fertiliser to prepare the soil before you plant the bulbs.

Plant trees

Spruce up your garden by planting trees before the winter marches in. Many trees respond well to being planted in autumn. From natives such as grevillea, bottlebrush, and banksias through to citrus trees like lemons and oranges, autumn is the perfect time to add some new trees to your outdoor space. Planting in autumn gives trees plenty of time to get settled in before the summer months roll back around.

Improve soil

Autumn is the time to work on improving your garden soil. Figure out the type of soil you have, then you can know what to add to it for improvement. Add organic matter such as compost or manure, and mix it in well with the existing soil. This will help to improve the quality of your soil and make it ready for additional planting in the spring.

Water your plants

Plants need water throughout the entire year. It’s important to continue watering your plants in autumn, even as the temperatures start to drop. The cooler weather can often mean that plants need less water, but don’t rely on this rule too much. Check your plants regularly and water them as needed, paying extra attention to them during the early autumn weeks when the weather is still warm and dry.

Rake leaves

Many plants shed their leaves in autumn, and these can often end up on your lawn. Leaves make great mulch for your garden, so it’s a good idea to rake them up and use them to protect your plants. Leaves can also be added to your compost pile to create rich nutrients for your garden. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a fun craft activity to do with kids, you might like to consider collecting some of these leaves to press between books or create fun artworks with.

Aeration

These months are also the perfect time for aerating the soil of your lawn and garden beds. This is done by creating holes in the soil to allow more oxygen to flow in. Aeration can be completed using a specialised machine, aeration shoes, or a simple garden fork. Aerating the ground will help to break up the soil, improve drainage, and allow air to reach the roots of your plants. For more information on hiring Jim’s Mowing for a lawn aeration service, watch this video.

Transplant plants

If you have any plants that need to be transplanted, autumn is the time to do it. Transplanting in autumn allows the plants to settle in before winter arrives and plants enter their dormant stage. Be sure to water the transplanted plants well after they’re moved, and give them some fertiliser to help them get started in their new home. Keep an eye on your transplanted plants in the coming weeks to ensure they’re settling in.

We hope you found these autumn gardening tips useful. Autumn gardening can help you get your garden in order for the winter ahead. For more information, read our autumn gardening checklist and remember to get in touch with your local Jim’s Mowing if you need a hand getting your autumn tasks done. With a bit of preparation, your garden will be looking great and ready for winter!