_(1)_(1).jpg)
Australia's seasons, though predictable, can still be challenging for gardeners. To choose the right plant for the right season and minimise the risk of your plant dying, you need to know which plants thrive well as the seasons change. A seasonal gardening guide helps you stay in tune with nature and protect your plants from unfavourable conditions.
In this garden calendar, you can take away key points on what to plant each season, gardening checklists for each season and garden tasks by season.
Additionally, learn more about seasonal garden maintenance tips and eco-friendly pest control ideas for every season.
Spring (September - November)
Spring is a new beginning when plants burst into vibrant colours. Therefore, you should make the most of this gorgeous season by incorporating many flowering plants.
Month-by-Month Gardening Tasks for Spring
September
Plants great for September:
Australian Natives: Grevillea, Kangaroo Grass, Bottlebrush, Lomandra Lime Tuff
Others: Carnation, Marigold, Dahlia, Petunia, Begonia, Allium, Orchids, Roses, Chillies, Cucumber, Tomatoes, Peas, Onion, Garlic, Salad Leaves, Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Blueberries, Strawberries, Cherries and Raspberries.
Tasks: Feed and water the plants regularly. Ensure to prune the flowering natives whenever necessary.
October
Plants great for October:
Exotics: Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae),
Australian Natives: Banksia, Kangaroo Paw, Waratah, Bottle Brush, Grevellia, Flannel flower, Fan flower(Scaevola aemula) and Native Daisies.
Others: Chillies. Potatoes, Spring Onion, Cucumbers, Orchids, Sunflowers, Allium, Roses, Berries and Almond trees.
Tasks: This is a great time to beautify your garden and build trellises to support climbing plants.
November
Plants great for November:
Australian Natives: Paper Daisy, Saltbush, Bottlebrush, Melaleuca, Kangaroo Paw and Grevillia.
Others: Cucumber, Chillies, Spring Onion, Potatoes, Orchids, Sunflowers, Allium, Roses, Bromeliads.
Tasks: Keep spring pests at bay by integrating companion planting. Add mulch to lock in moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Tips for a Specific Climate in Spring
Arid: Keep the soil covered with compost
Temperate: Feed a slow-release organic fertiliser to support rapid plant growth
Tropical: Plant fast-growing annual plants before the monsoon sets in.
Sub-Tropical: Add flowering natives that encourage pollinators.
Spring Pest and Sustainability Tips
• Plant natives like Banksia and Tea Tree to attract native bees.
• Spray diluted seaweed to ensure optimum plant health
SUMMER (December – February)
Kangaroo Paw
Summer brings heatwaves and intense sunlight. Therefore, your main aim should be to keep your green babies hydrated, shaded and stress-free. Here is a breakdown of the plants you should plant, the seeds you should sow and the main garden tasks by season to follow.
Month-by-Month Gardening Tasks for Summer
December
Plants great for this month:
Australian Natives: Kangaroo Paw, Bush Basil, Native Grasses, Succulents and hardy plants that can withstand the summer heat and drought.
Others Include Sweet Corn (temperate climate), Okra, Snake Beans (tropical climate), pumpkins, melons, and tomatoes.
Tasks to Follow: Remember to mulch regularly to retain the moisture. Water either during the early morning or late evening to minimise water loss through evaporation.
January
Plants great for this month:
Australian Natives: Heat-tolerant plants like Tuckeroo, Lavender, Westringia, Correa, Grevillea, Hibbertia.
Exotics: Lavender, Strelitzia species,
Others: Sweet Corn, Tomato, Beetroot, Pigface, Radish, Silver beet, Capsicum, Beans, Zucchini, Sunflower, Marigold, Hibiscus, and herbs like Thyme, Mint, Basil, Coriander and Oregano.
Tasks: Prune dead flowers from the plants, check for possible sunburn on the foliage, and ensure your irrigation system or watering consistency is effective.
February
Plants great for this month:
Australian Natives: Warrigal greens, Native Hibiscus, Grevillea, Hibbertia, Lomandra longifolia (Mat-rush) and Eremophila (Emu Brush).
Others: Bulbophyllum shepherdii, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, kale, lettuce, beans, Marigolds, bulbs like Tulips and Daffodils, Petunias
This month is also the perfect time to harvest tomatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants if you planted them around early summer.
Tasks: Light pruning for shape and airflow. It's also about time to prepare your beds, which means removing old and dead plants, weeding the area, loosening the soil, and adding a layer of compost for the upcoming autumn season.
Tips For Each Climate in Summer
Arid: Mulch regularly. Water thoroughly and give your plants a deep soak, but do so less frequently.
Temperate: Avoid planting during heat waves. Use summer covers or shade cloths like lightweight mesh fabric to protect your plants from the sun.
Tropical: Try to pick shade-loving natives like Tuckeroo, Lavender and Foxtail Ferns.
Subtropical: Ensure there is light, breezy airflow around your plants to reduce the stress caused by humidity. When there is no air circulation, damp leaves provide an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive.
Summer Pests and Sustainability Tips
• Use a neem oil spray to keep aphids and mites at bay.
• Place crushed eggshells to keep snails from approaching young plants.
• If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical region, set up a rainwater tank to collect water from those heavy rains and storms for smarter summer watering
AUTUMN (March-May)
Gardenia Augusta 'Florida'
The autumn season is often known as a planting paradise. The soil is still warm from the summer, the rains have returned, and it is perfect for planting something new. The stunning native plants put out a beautiful show of autumn colours that light up your garden.
Month-by-Month Gardening Tasks for Autumn
March
Plants Great for Autumn:
Australian Natives: Bottlebrush, Pansies, Golden Wattle, Correa, Eremophila, Grevillea, and Crowea (Wax Flower)
Exotics: Gardenia Augusta' florida, Murraya paniculata
Others: Broccoli, Lettuce, Radish, Beetroot, Sweet Pea, Spinach, Onion, Cauliflower, Rocket (temperate climate), Bok Choy and Radish (Tropical).
Tasks: Before planting new ones, ensure your garden bed is clear of weeds and dead plants from the previous season. Fertilise your native plants lightly as they do not need heavy or rich feeding.
April
Plants great for April:
Australian Natives: Correa, Grevillea, Banksia, Persian Witch Hazel (Parrotia), Lomandra longifolia (Spiny-headed Mat Rush), Callistemon (Bottlebrush)
Others: Spinach, Broad beans, Coriander, Cabbage, Broccoli, Kale, Turnip, Celery, Garlic, Calendula and Viola.
Tasks: Separate or divide overgrown clumps of herbs and natives. Aerate soil by loosening the ground by poking it to make small holes, which improves airflow to roots and boosts water absorption.
May
Plants great for May:
Australian Natives: Telopea (Waratah), Eremophila, Callistemon, Banksia Serrata, Banksia integrifolia and Acacia.
Others: Flame Peas, Pumpkins, Chillies, Peas, Bottle Brush, Celery, Basil (before the frost hits in cool areas), Brussels Sprouts, Spring Onions, Rose, Pansies, Begonia, Pumpkins, Chillies and Basil can be harvested during this time of the year.
Tasks: Remember to protect seedlings from early chills by using a frost protection cloth. Also, rake the fallen leaves in the garden and add them to your compost pile or bin.
Tips for a Specific Climate During Autumn
Arid: Choose natives like Eremophila or Cassia that are drought-tolerant.
Temperate: It is now time to start transplanting trees and shrubs.
Tropical: For the tropics, flowering natives like Callistemon are ideal.
Subtropical: It is a good time to start establishing those hardy perennials like Grevillea (Robyn Gordon) and Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra)
Autumn Pests and Sustainability Tips
• Hand-pick the caterpillars or use Chilli Garlic spray if needed.
• Rake autumn leaves and turn them into compost
• Choose plants like Dill and Alyssum to attract ladybugs and Lacewings to control aphids.
Winter (June – August)
Lavendula spp.
While most plant activity slows down or stops in winter, you still need to protect your garden to sustain it through the coldest time of the year. You should take particular care to protect your plants from frost and heavy snowfall.
Month-by-Month Gardening Tasks for Winter
June
Plants great for June:
Australian Natives: Grevillea, Banksia, Native Violet, She-Oak and Hakea.
Exotics: Lavender, Camellia, Magnolia, Azelia
Others: Peas, Onions, Garlic(Temperate), Lettuce, Coriander (tropical), Cabbage, and Leeks.
Tasks: This is a great time to prune dormant natives and plan for the next season.
Tip: Do not clean away the fallen leaves, as they act as a protective layer for your winter veggies.
July
Plants great for July:
Australian Natives: Eucalyptus Seedlings, Leucadendron, Grevillea, Pansies, Wintergreen Boxwood
Others: Primrose, Beetroot, Daphne, Cabbage, Carrot, Beans and Citrus.
Tasks: Mulching is particularly beneficial during winter, as it helps ensure your plants don't suffer from temperature shocks.
August
Plants great for August:
Australian Natives: Tea tree, Wattles, Waxflowers, Grevillea (Winter Delight)
Others: Lavender, Hellebores, Pansies, Viola, Hyacinths, Heuchera, Garlic, Parsley, Mint, Chives, Carrots, Beetroot and Calendula.
Tasks: It is time to clean your garden tools, fertilise for your next planting cycle and stake young plants.
Tips for a Specific Climate during Autumn
Arid: Sow winter natives like Desert Cassia directly rather than planting them in pots.
Temperate: Use frost covers to protect sensitive plants.
Tropical: Make the most of this cooler weather, as winter is the primary growing season.
Sub-Tropical: Ensure the beds are well-drained to avoid root rot.
Winter Pests and Sustainability Tips
• Use beer traps to keep garden pests at bay, especially during cooler seasons.
• Rotate and change your crops every year to prevent the build-up of soil-borne diseases.
Want more inspiration on gardening and plant care? Visit PlantArk's Instagram handle to get more information on all things green!
We are an online Australian plant marketplace where you can buy or sell plants and seeds online.
By following our seasonal gardening guide, you can plant with purpose and ensure you provide the right environment for your plants to thrive.
To nurture a healthy and well-maintained garden, follow the garden tasks by season.
Happy growing!
