Get Ready for winter with some autumn gardening tips from APG
The team at APG (Adelaide Property and Gardens) normally work on large-scale garden maintenance projects, but they took the time out to give us some tips for your garden at home.
Here’s some autumn advice from Mitchell Lowe, APG’s Operations Manager at Lonsdale. With over 20 years’ experience in garden maintenance, he’s sure to know a thing or two about gardening!
Mitch says you should focus on these four key areas during autumn;
Lawn Care
In autumn, the focus of lawn care in Australia shifts towards preparing the lawn for the winter months. This includes tasks such as aerating the soil, fertilizing the lawn, controlling weeds, and mowing the grass at a slightly higher height to protect it from cold temperatures. Additionally, it is important to continue watering the lawn as needed and to remove fallen leaves and debris to prevent suffocation and disease. Overall, autumn lawn care plays a vital role in ensuring a healthy and vibrant lawn throughout the year.
Mulch for your garden
Mulching the garden in autumn has many benefits. It helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. Autumn is a good time to mulch as it helps protect plants from temperature fluctuations and helps insulate the soil over the winter months. It also helps improve the overall health of the garden by providing a protective barrier for plant roots. Some popular types of mulch for autumn in Australia include straw, wood chips, and leaf litter. By mulching the garden in autumn, you can help prepare your garden for the colder months ahead and promote healthy plant growth.
Plant bulbs
In Australia, it is common practice to plant bulbs in autumn, typically from March to May. This timing allows the bulbs to establish their roots and get settled in the soil before the colder winter months. Planting in autumn also ensures that the bulbs will bloom in spring, providing a burst of colour and beauty in the garden. It is important to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil when planting bulbs, and to follow specific planting instructions for each type of bulb. Be sure to check with who you are buying the bulbs from that there are no special needs for the bulbs. Due to the temperatures not getting cold enough in Australia, some colder climate bulbs such as tulips won’t thrive. For beginners I recommend Narcissus (Daffodil) or their miniature version Narcissus jonquilla (Jonquils).
Plant trees
Planting trees in the garden in autumn is very beneficial. The cooler temperatures and higher moisture levels during autumn create ideal conditions for young trees to establish themselves before the harsher conditions of winter. However, it's crucial to select the right tree for the right job. Choosing trees suited to the specific climate, soil type, and available space ensures their successful growth and long-term health. Planting trees in autumn allows them to develop strong root systems and adapt to their new environment before the heat of summer arrives. Additionally, selecting appropriate trees can help combat soil erosion, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve the overall aesthetics of the garden. Overall, planting trees in the garden in autumn in Australia is a smart and rewarding investment for both the environment and the homeowner.
We hope these tips help you to keep your garden flourishing!
A little more about APG
APG proudly services the Adelaide metropolitan area, their key capabilities include gardening, horticulture, revegetation, and maintenance. Specialising in regular and ongoing upkeep of grounds, they are committed to tending to reserves and streetscapes with the utmost care on both multi-year and ongoing contracts.
APG is capable of big things and has handled some of South Australia’s largest projects, while offering employment to people with disability. To date, we’ve partnered with industry leaders like Lanser, Fairland, Renewal SA and Onkaparinga Council.