Garden Care Checklist for Autumn

Garden Care Checklist for Autumn

As the summer heat fades, and the cooler months approach, autumn is the perfect time to reset and prepare your garden for the months ahead. Here in Australia, autumn gardening is all about tidying up, nourishing the soil, and making smart planting decisions to ensure your garden thrives throughout winter into spring.

Here's your go-to checklist to get your garden autumn-ready! (NO it's not too late!)

1. Tidy Up & Remove Summer Leftovers

Clear spent plants:

Remove any tired or diseased summer crops like tomatoes, zucchinis, cucumbers (and any others) to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering.

Rake up fallen leaves:

While leaves make great compost or mulch, leaving them scattered can attract unwanted pests. Collect them and add them to your compost or use them as mulch once broken down.

2. Revive & Replenish Your Soil

Feed the soil:

After a productive summer, your soil is likely depleted of nutrients. Mix in organic compost, worm castings or aged manure to improve soil structure and replenish nutrients.

Mulch it up:

Top up mulch around existing plants and empty garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds as autumn rain kicks in. Straw, sugar cane mulch or leaf litter are great seasonal choices.

Soil:

Consider testing your soil pH to ensure optimal conditions for your autumn crops. Most veggies prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6-7). 

3. Plan for Autumn Planting

Plant cool-season veggies:

Autumn is perfect for planting crops that thrive in cooler conditions. Here are some great choices for your garden:

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage
  • Spinach
  • Kale
  • Carrots
  • Onions
  • Snow peas
  • Garlic (late autumn)

Add flowers for pollinators:

Plant cool-season flowers like pansies, calendulas and violas to attract bees and beneficial insects to your garden during autumn.

4. Companion Planting for Autumn Success

Companion planting can reduce pests, improve plant health and make your garden more productive. Try these autumn-friendly pairings:

  • Broccoli & Dill - Dill attracts pollinators and predatory insects that help protect broccoli.
  • Cabbage & Nasturtium - Nasturtiums lure pests away from brassicas like cabbage and kale.
  • Spinach & Strawberries - Strawberries act as a living mulch for spinach, keeping the soil cool and moist.

5. Prepare Wicking Beds for the Cooler Months

If you're using a wicking bed system:

  • Check reservoir levels to ensure proper drainage after summer storms.
  • Top up soil and compost to rejuvenate the bed for autumn planting.
  • Inspect wicking pipes and overflow outlets to prevent blockages as falling leaves accumulate.

6. Protect Plants from Early Frosts

Use protective covers:

In cooler regions, be ready to cover young or tender crops with frost cloth or garden fleece to shield them from unexpected cold snaps.

Plant in microclimates:

Take advantage of warmer spots like north-facing walls or sheltered garden beds to extend the growing season.

7. Compost & Organise

  • Add garden waste to compost and turn your compost heap to speed up decomposition.
  • Organise garden tools and tidy up your shed or garden workspace - autumn is a great time for maintenance before winter sets in!

Autumn is all about setting your garden up for success. With the right care now, you'll enjoy strong, resilient plants heading into winter and a head start when spring returns. So grab your gloves, tools and enjoy the cool change as you prepare your garden for the next chapter.

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