Make the most of nature’s planting time!

Autumn is a special season. We enjoy cool mornings and sunny afternoons. Nature’s dazzling hues of yellow, orange, red and brown colour our neighbourhoods.

Autumn is also an abundant season. Not only late summer crops are being harvested, but soil conditions are perfect for planting. The soil is still warm, but the cooler temperatures help it stay moist from morning dew and rain. This encourages root establishment before the cold winter settles in.

Whether you are planting vegetables, herbs or flowers, there are a few things you need to do to transition your garden from summer to autumn crops:

1. Give your garden a nice clean: remove finished crops and those hardy summer weeds.
2. Fertilize the soil to replace lost nutrients (especially with the amount of rain some of us have experienced…). Be cautious of high nitrogen fertilizers, which can stimulate soft growth susceptible to frosts. Choose balanced fertilizers that contain potassium for strong healthy roots such as sheep’s pellets, blood and bones or compost mixes.
3. A good seed-raising mix that is light and free draining can also ensure your seeds get the best possible start.
4. Mulching is a good way to save water, mulch helps the soil retain its moisture.
5. Support taller plants like dahlias and sweet peas with frames or stakes.

Here are the main crops you should plant during Autumn:

VEGETABLES

• Brassicas: broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage prefer cooler temperatures and will produce a good yield if planted in March or April.
• Leafy Greens: spinach, lettuce, and kale are easy to grow and can be harvested throughout the season.
• Root Vegetables: carrots, turnips, parsnips, and beetroot are hardy and can withstand cooler temperatures.
• Peas and Beans: peas and beans prefer cooler temperatures and will produce a good yield if planted in March or April.
• Garlic: needs a long growing season, so autumn planting ensures that it will have enough time to mature before harvesting.

FLOWERS

• Dahlias: vibrant flowers that come in many colours and sizes. These can be planted in Autumn to bloom late the following summer or early Autumn.
• Chrysanthemums: hardy plants that come in a range of colours and can be planted in Autumn for a stunning display during the season.
• Asters: pretty flowers in shades of pink, purple, and white. If planted at the beginning of Autumn, they will provide a showy display later in the season.
• Camellias: evergreen shrubs that produce beautiful blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. They can be planted in Autumn to bloom in the winter.
• Pansies: can be planted in early autumn to bloom throughout the season.
• Violas: hardy plants come in a range of colours. They can be planted in Autumn to provide colourful blooms throughout winter.
• Hellebores: shade-loving plants produce beautiful blooms in shades of pink, purple, and white. They can be planted in Autumn to bloom in the winter.
• Cyclamen: pretty flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white, and can be planted in Autumn to provide a colourful display throughout the winter.

If you don’t have space to plant a tree but want to help the planet and get some extra gardening done over autumn, keep an eye on the Auckland Parks Facebook page for their planting days.

Happy planting!