Gardening – Autumn tasks

Autumn is a good time to both rejuvenate your garden and prepare it for the cooler months ahead. While summer may be winding down, our mild climate means there is still plenty of gardening to be done. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the season:

• As summer crops reach their peak, harvest and preserve the bounty of your garden. Gather ripe fruit and vegetables and consider canning, freezing, or dehydrating them to enjoy throughout the winter months. I have just dehydrated a glut of feijoas, which are deliciously sweet and excellent for breakfast muesli. 

• Save seeds from your favourite plants and share surplus produce with friends, neighbours or at our monthly crop swap (last Saturday of every month) at Ōrewa Community Garden.

• Consider planting autumn crops like lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, broccoli and cabbage which can withstand cooler weather and continue producing well into the season. Prepare your soil with compost or organic matter to provide nutrients for healthy growth. 

• Keep flower beds looking fresh and vibrant by replacing tired summer blooms with colourful autumn perennials and annuals. Now is also a good time to plant bulbs, pansies, violas, polyanthus, and ornamental grasses to add texture and interest. 

• Clear away autumn leaves, weeds, and remove debris from garden beds to prevent pests and diseases from overwintering. Cut back spent perennials and remove any dead or diseased foliage to promote a healthy garden. Apply a layer of mulch to insulate your soil, suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature throughout the winter months. 

• Give your lawn some TLC before winter sets in by aerating, fertilising, and overseeding as needed. Rake up leaves and debris to allow the sunlight to reach the grass. You can also mow at a slightly lower height to help discourage mold and other possible lawn diseases. 

If you would like to see how other locals are doing in their gardens this autumn come to the Hibiscus Coast Edible Garden Trail on May 4 and 5 – see map p9.