It’s a busy time in the garden as we maintain, feed, and plant in both gardens and pots, all while watching the autumn colours come to life.

Gardens may be confused by the weather. Autumn usually brings cooler temperatures, however, in some areas warmer temperatures, rain or humidity may still linger. Garden according to the weather, not the season to complete all your garden tasks.

Follow these easy seven steps to create a colourful autumn garden that will delight your family and friends.

Step 1 – Autumn soil care

Garden health starts below the surface with the soil. Healthy soil leads to vibrant, colourful plants.

Begin by inspecting the condition of the soil. Move back the mulch and check the soil moisture. If the soil is dry, apply Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner to improve and retain moisture.

Remove weeds and debris and rejuvenate soils with new Seasol Organic* Worm Fertiliser. Made from biological wormcast pellets rich in key nutrients, beneficial microorganisms and organic matter, it delivers slow-release nutrients to aerate and improve the soil structure, enhancing soil moisture retention. It is also boosted with Seasol to aid plant establishment, strong root growth and overall plant health.

If your plants are well-established and digging is difficult, use Seasol Liquid Compost. This no-dig option quickly enhances the soil, promoting worm and microbe activity.

If you plan to plant this autumn, let the soil rest for a couple of weeks before planting. For established garden beds, remember to apply or refresh the mulch.

Check out our autumn soil guide for more tips.

Step 2 – Autumn lawn care

Autumn is a great time for growth, so take the opportunity to care for and refresh your lawn to keep it looking its best.

• Rake up leaves and debris to help the lawn breathe and photosynthesise.
• Compact and dry soils require lawn moisture. Watering deeply but less often promotes deeper root growth. If you see water pooling or running off, use Seasol Super Soil Wetter & Conditioner hose-on to enhance moisture absorption.
• Thatch is dead plant material that accumulates at the base of grass, preventing water and nutrients from reaching the roots. To remove it, mow your lawn short and rake thoroughly, or use a de-thatching tool.
• Aerate your lawn with a garden fork or aerating machine to improve air, water, and nutrient flow. After aerating, apply a thin layer of organic compost like Seasol Lawn Top Dress Mix to replenish nutrients and keep the aeration holes clear.
• Repair bare patches with lawn seed or turf. Mix Seasol Lawn + Soil Booster into the soil and water new seed or turf in with Seasol.  For more tips, check out the laying lawn seed or turf guide.
• As autumn rolls in, the growth of lawn varieties begins to taper off. To help your grass grow more, raise the mower blades so you don’t cut it too short.
• Give the lawn a monthly feed with Seasol for Lush Green Lawns to keep it healthy and vibrant as it prepares for the challenges of winter.

For more lawn tips, check our autumn lawn care guide.

Step 3 – Autumn Plant Care

Plants rejuvenate and take on new growth in autumn. To keep your plants looking good for this season and beyond.

• Deadhead flowers Remove spent blooms and prune any damaged or diseased foliage.
• Prune plants and hedges Prune plants and hedges to maintain a shape or a compact form, which encourages healthy growth.
• Divide perennials and clumping plants If a plant has outgrown its space, dividing it can provide you with new, budget-friendly plants for your garden or allow you to share them with family and friends.
• Move plants as needed Relocate any plants that are not thriving in their current location due to climate, sunlight or size. Check out step 4 below for more planting instructions..
• Provide essential nutrients Support healthy plant growth by using PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives which is suitable for garden plants and indoor and outdoor pots. For more specific plant fertiliser options, check out the PowerFeed range.

Step 4 – Transplanting and planting plants

Autumn is the ideal time for planting or transplanting, as it allows your plants to settle in and acclimatise, preparing them for spring growth.

Choose the ideal location for planting by checking the plant tag for information on climate, sunlight, and growth requirements (expected height and width).

When planting in the garden, dig a hole that matches the required depth and width of the root ball. Apply Seasol Plant + Soil Booster in the soil and position the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil, firming it down around the plant.

To plant in a pot, ensure the pot has drainage holes and is large enough for plant growth. Fill the pot halfway with Seasol Advanced Potting Mix. Place the plant in the centre and backfill with the potting mix. Carefully firm the potting mix around the plant.

Water new plants with Seasol for a healthy start. Remember to add mulch and continue using Seasol weekly to promote strong root growth and overall plant health.

Step 5 – Autumn pot plant care

Indoor and outdoor potted plants can flourish when their conditions are adjusted to meet the changing weather with a few simple tips:

• Water your plants only when the soil is dry deep down. Use the finger test: stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle. If it’s dry, water; if it’s still moist, wait a bit longer. Check again in a week.
• Position indoor plants closer to light sources, but not in direct sun as it may burn. A bright indirect light is ideal. For outdoor plants, move them to a sunnier spot, in a protected position, away from direct wind.
• Inspect your potting mix and either replenish it or transfer your plants into a larger pot filled with high-quality Seasol Advanced Potting Mix. Boost the health of your current potting mix by adding Seasol Potting Mix Booster, packed with microbes to refresh and revitalize it.
• Remove any dead or diseased leaves and trim back any excessive growth. Clean the leaves with a soft cloth and apply EarthCare White Oil insect spray to give them a shine and protect against pests.
• Liquid feed with PowerFeed Indoor & Potted trigger spray every 2 to 4 weeks to the soil to provide a balanced diet for strong growth, flowering and fruiting.

Step 6 – Autumn vegie, fruit and citrus care

A few easy gardening tasks can have you harvesting a bumper crop of tasty produce.

• Harvest produce as soon as it’s ripe for maximum flavour.
• Remove vegie plants that have finished production, and prune back diseased and damaged foliage. Check for pests and treat naturally with EarthCare White Oil insect spray.
• Improve hungry soils with Seasol Super Compost to boost soil health, water and nutrient retention.
• Check soil moisture and water if dry. Regular deep watering ensures great fruit formation. Apply organic mulch such as sugar cane mulch, lucerne or pea straw to keep weeds at bay and soil warm.
• Feed productive plants and trees with the right nutrient mix.
  • For vegies, use PowerFeed PRO SERIES Tomatoes & Vegetables. This fast-acting liquid not only nourishes the plants but also enhances the soil.
  • For fruit and citrus, use Seasol plus Nutrients Fruit & Citrus. This pelletised formula is rich in organic matter and quick-release nutrients for your plants and soil.

Step 7 – Autumn gardening tips and tasks

• Rake up leaves and create a leaf bin so they can compost for future garden projects. Add Seasol Plant & Soil Booster to the mix for a super boost.
• Brighten your pots and garden beds this autumn with colourful annuals like pansies, violas, marigolds, and snapdragons.
• Prepare for spring by planting bulbs, including daffodils, hyacinths or ranunculus. When the first shoots appear, use Seasol GOLD for healthy plant formation.
• Consider planting a shade tree for summer and beautiful autumn colours—Japanese maples, ginkgo or forest pansy are a great choice for the garden or pot.
• Prune native flowering plants to keep them looking good for a vase. Use PowerFeed All Purpose including Natives, to promote strong growth and vibrant blooms.
• Remove pesky weeds in driveways and pathways by hand, trowel or use EarthCare Organic WeedKiller trigger spray.