5 AUTUMN GARDEN MUST-DOS

Autumn is here! Is your garden looking a bit battered by summer? The intense heat, more frequent outdoor traffic often results in …. All that rain may also mean  unruly growth. Now’s the time to give your outdoor space some much-needed care.

Whether your lawn needs attention, your veggie patch is ready for a fresh start, or you’re planning ahead for spring colour, a few focused steps can help restore energy to your garden and keep it thriving through the cooler months.

Here are five essentials to focus on this season:

1. Prepare and enrich the soil

Clear out weeds, spent plants, and leftover debris. Turn the soil and mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and restore nutrients. Healthy soil supports strong root growth, whether you’re planting vegetables or laying lawn sods or plugs.

2. Plant cool-season vegetables

The milder temperatures of autumn make it a great time to plant crops like spinach, carrots, broccoli, lettuce, and cauliflower. These vegetables tend to grow well this time of year, as the cooler conditions naturally reduce overall pest activity. For best results, plant them in sunny spots with well-drained soil and enrich the beds with compost. Water deeply in the early morning when evaporation rates are low – this allows moisture to reach the roots while giving leaves time to dry out during the day, which helps prevent fungal issues.

3. Mulch for moisture and protection

After planting, apply a thick layer of mulch – like bark chips, straw, or leaves. Mulching locks in moisture, regulates soil temperature, and prevents weeds, while slowly feeding the soil as it breaks down.

4. Prune and tidy

Now’s a good time to tidy up perennials and summer bloomers. Cut back faded flowers, remove dead stems, and trim away damaged growth. This keeps your garden looking neat and encourages healthy new growth.

5. Plant spring bulbs

Get bulbs like tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, and freesias into the ground now so they can settle before winter. Loosen the soil, enrich it with compost, and plant each bulb at the right depth. You’ll enjoy a colourful bloom show when spring returns.

Taking care of your garden in autumn lays the groundwork for a greener, more vibrant spring. Just a few focused tasks now can make all the difference. Need help choosing the right grass for your space? Get in touch at office@evangrass.co.za or call (031) 785 1388 / 1612.