Autumn is the new spring

When it comes to planting more permanent additions like fruit trees, ornamental plants and trees we’ve traditionally been led to believe that spring is the ideal time to start gardening. However, with changing weather patterns – and in regions such like the tropics and subtropics that experience milder winters- autumn has proven to be an excellent season for gardening, whether for ornamental or edible plants.

The soil retains warmth from summer, and the milder temperatures create ideal conditions for plants to establish, either partially or fully, before facing the heat of summer.

Allowing your plants to settle in during autumn gives them a strong foundation to thrive and reward you with healthy growth in the following spring and summer.

Garden Overhaul:

Ornamental shrubs and trees, natives and fruiting trees: Now is the time to plant! Use Rocky Point Garden Soil, Organic Health Garden Soil or Native Mix depending on your planting needs.

The veggie patch: As summer crops finish, prepare to plant winter vegetables. Replenish garden beds with Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver and Rocky Point Cow Manure for optimal soil health.

The flower garden: Summer annuals are finishing, making way for winter and spring varieties. Enrich the soil with Rocky Point Garden Soil and Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver.

Bulbs: Brilliant flowering bulbs like freesia, anemone, ranunculus, jonquils, daffodils, hyacinths, ixia, watsonia, tulips, Dutch iris, and Ipheion are ready to plant now. In warmer climates, larger bulbs benefit from being chilled in a paper bag in the crisper drawer for 4-6 weeks before planting.

The Potted Garden

Autumn is also a great time to refresh tired potted plants. Choose the appropriate potting mix from the Rocky Point Range for the plants you’re repotting.

Mulch for All

All gardens, whether ornamental or edible, benefit from mulching. Use products from Rocky Point’s mulch range to conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds.

For ornamentals and established trees, opt for high-carbon mulches like Rocky Point Cypress Mulch or Rocky Point Tea Tree Mulch, which break down slowly and enhance soil structure over time. For herb and veggie gardens, low-carbon mulches like Rocky Point Sugar Cane Mulch or Rocky Point Pea Straw Mulch is ideal, as they break down faster, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients.

More to do in your Autumn Garden Diary

Plant bulbs: Freesia, anemone, ranunculus, jonquils, daffodils, tulips, and more.
Weed your lawn: Watch for early signs of bindii and clover and treat before they set seed and become difficult to get rid of!

Clean the poultry pen: Remove soiled bedding and replace with fresh Rocky Point AniStraw or AniWood.

Save seeds: Collect seeds from finishing summer crops for next spring.

Mulch: Even though growth slows in autumn, weeds won’t stop entirely. Mulching suppresses weeds and conserves soil moisture.

Add compost: During crop changeovers in your veggie patch, dig Rocky Point ActivGrow Soil Improver into the soil for added nutrients.

Plant edible flowers: Varieties like pansy, viola, cornflower, calendula, alyssum, and dianthus are ready to go in now, brightening your garden and kitchen.