Winter is long gone. The days are getting longer; the weather is getting warmer, and the flowers are beginning to bloom.
Spring is a time of new growth. This is the time of year when nature comes alive, and your garden should be no exception. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or herbs, now is the perfect time to get started.
Spring Planting Guide
How to prepare the soil for planting spring vegetables and flowers
Spring is a time of renewal, and your garden should reflect that. Start by giving your soil a good airing out.
Loosen the top few inches with a spade or fork, then use a rake to level things off. You want your garden beds to be nice and loose, so that roots can easily penetrate the soil.
Once you’ve got your garden bed prepped, it’s time to add some organic matter. This could be in the form of compost, manure, or peat moss.
Mix it in well with the existing soil, then you’re ready to start planting. Just remember to give your plants enough space to spread their roots.
When to start planting in spring in Australia
The next thing you need to consider is when to plant your spring garden. In general, it’s best to wait until after the last frost date to plant anything outside.
Once you know the last frost date, count back six to eight weeks and start planting your seedlings indoors around that time.
This may also depend on what you want to plant in spring. Some plants need to be planted in late winter to early spring, such as peach trees.
Other seedlings may need less maintenance and can be planted in late spring to early summer.
What you need to start planting
Other than new plants, seeds and seedlings, there are a few other things you’ll need for your spring planting activities.
- You will need some basic gardening tools, like a shovel, rake, hoe, and trowel.
- You’ll also need some gloves, a watering can, and a few plastic pots or trays for seedlings.
- Don’t forget about fertiliser! High-quality fertiliser and potting mixes will help your plants grow strong and healthy.
What to plant in spring in Australia
Vegetables to grow in spring
These vegetables will thrive in warmer temperatures and provide fresh produce throughout the spring.
Capsicum
Capsicums are another easy-to-grow vegetable that does well in spring weather. They come in a range of colours, including green, red, yellow and even purple, so they make a great addition to any garden.
Plus, they’re super versatile and can be used in all sorts of dishes, from salads to stir-fries.
Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is a particular favourite among many home gardeners as it’s relatively easy to grow and provides a delicious addition to any meal.
Sow your sweet corn seeds around mid-spring so they have enough time to mature before the hotter summer months arrive.
Carrot
No guide on spring gardening in Australia would be complete without mentioning carrots.
These humble root vegetables are not only tasty but also packed full of nutrients — perfect for health-conscious gardeners!
Carrots can be sown throughout the entire spring season, so you can enjoy fresh carrots from your garden all year round.
Tomato
Tomatoes are a classic spring crop, and they’re easy to grow in Australia.
The warm days and cool nights provide ideal growing conditions for tomatoes, and the resulting fruits are juicy and flavourful.
Spring is also a good time to start tomatoes from seed, as they will have plenty of time to grow and produce a bountiful crop before the hot summer weather sets in.
Eggplant
Eggplants are a bit more finicky than other vegetables, but they’re definitely worth the effort.
They love warm weather and plenty of sun, and they’re companion veggies with tomatoes. So, if you live in a cooler climate, you might want to wait until late spring to plant them.
But once they start fruiting, you’ll be able to enjoy eggplant parmigiana until summer.
Cucumber
There’s nothing quite like fresh cucumbers on a hot day. Cucumbers love the warmer weather and will be ready to harvest in no time at all.
Just make sure you give them plenty of water and some support to climb up (they can get pretty long!). The longer days also give them more time to absorb sunlight, which helps to produce sweeter fruits.
Spring flowers to plant
Spring is a time of rebirth and regeneration, and what better way to celebrate the season than by planting some new flowers in your garden?
Bird of Paradise
Spring marks the start of the warmest months of the year, making it an ideal time to plant bird of paradise flowers.
With its vivid orange and blue flowers, this plant will add splashes of colour to any garden.
These flowers will need plenty of sun and water to prosper, and they will also benefit from being planted in well-drained soil.
Peony
These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colours and make a great addition to any garden.
In Australia, peonies can be grown throughout the year, but they tend to bloom in late spring or early summer.
Peonies require well-drained soil and full sun, and they should be planted in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day.
They are not drought-tolerant, so it is important to water them regularly during dry periods.
Sunflower
Sunflowers need lots of sunlight to grow and are relatively drought-tolerant, so spring is the ideal time to plant them.
They require well-drained soil and moderate humidity to thrive.
These cheerful flowers are also great at attracting bees and other pollinators, which can help to increase the yield of fruits and vegetables.
Daffodil
Daffodils are one of the first flowers to bloom in spring, and they always make a welcome addition to any garden.
They come in a variety of colours, including white, yellow, pink, and orange, and they have a long blooming season.
One thing to keep in mind with daffodils is that they can be toxic to pets if ingested, so if you have pets that like to nibble on plants, choose another option.
Tulip
Tulips are another popular choice for springtime gardening. Like daffodils, they come in a wide range of colours, and they also have a long blooming season.
One thing to note about tulips is that they require quite a bit of sunlight to thrive, so plan your garden plot well.
Marigold
Marigolds are a staple of any spring garden. They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance.
Plus, they add a beautiful pop of colour to any space.
Marigolds are also known for their ability to deter pests, so they’re perfect for keeping your garden healthy and looking great all season long.
Herbs to grow in spring
Herbs are always a good choice for gardeners, as they’re easy to grow and add flavour to recipes.
Basil
A classic favourite, basil is a staple in many kitchens around the world.
This delicious herb can be used in a variety of dishes, from pizza and pasta to salads and pesto.
Growing basil is easy, making it a great option for beginner gardeners.
Mint
Mint is a versatile herb that can be used in sweet or savoury dishes.
From mojitos and mint juleps to lamb and chicken dishes, this fragrant herb adds a refreshing touch to any meal.
Mint is also easy to grow, although it can be quite invasive, so make sure you plant it in a pot rather than in the ground.
Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that is perfect for adding a touch of relaxation to your garden. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.
It’s available in both English and French lavender varieties, and it does best in full sun.
Keep in mind that lavender can be invasive if not well-tended, so give it plenty of room to grow.
Thyme
A classic cooking herb, thyme can be used fresh or dried and goes well with just about anything!
It prefers full sun but will also tolerate partial shade, making it another good option for those who don’t have a lot of sun in their garden.
Rosemary
If you’re looking for an herb that will add some depth of flavour to your cooking, rosemary is a great option.
This strong-smelling herb is often used in Mediterranean-style dishes like roast lamb and chicken soup.
Rosemary can be tricky to grow, so make sure you give it plenty of sun and water it regularly.
Trees to plant in spring
Kurrajong Tree
If you’re looking for a plant that will provide some shade as well as colour, the kurrajong tree is a good option.
This Australian native tree has dark green leaves and an abundance of small cream-coloured flowers.
Kurrajongs are often used as street trees because they are very hardy and can tolerate a wide range of conditions.
Peach Tree
Spring is the perfect time to plant a peach tree in Australia. The weather is warm and the days are long, giving the tree plenty of time to put down roots and start growing.
When choosing a location for your tree, make sure that it gets plenty of sunlight and that the soil is well-drained.
You will also need to prepare the planting hole by digging it wide and deep enough to accommodate the tree’s roots.
Jacaranda Tree
The jacaranda tree is another beautiful tree that’s perfect for adding more colour to your garden.
It’s also very tolerant of different soil types and doesn’t need much water once it’s established.
Just be aware that the jacaranda drops a lot of leaves, so it’s not the best choice if you’re looking for a low-maintenance tree.
Bottle Tree
The bottle tree gets its name from its distinctive shape — it really looks like a bottle-shaped tree!
It’s a native Australian tree that grows very slowly. But once it reaches full size, it provides excellent shade and makes a beautiful feature in any garden.
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What pests or diseases might affect spring plants?
Spring is a time of renewal — when plants reemerge from their winter dormancy and come back to life.
However, it is also a time when pests and diseases can take a toll on plants, causing them to wilt, turn brown, and even die.
Aphids
In the spring, aphids emerge from overwintering sites and feed on new growth.
Aphids are sap-sucking insects and secrete a sticky substance known as honeydew.
This can cause distortion of leaves, stunted growth, and even death in severe cases.
While there are many chemical solutions available, the best way to prevent aphid damage is to start with healthy plants that are well-nourished and free of disease.
Snails and slugs
These slimy creatures love to munch on young leaves and tender shoots.
Besides eating your plants, snails and slugs can also introduce deadly diseases to your garden.
Snail bait is an effective way to kill these pests, but it can also be dangerous for pets and children.
Another option is to create a barrier around your plants using sharp objects like eggshells or coffee grounds.
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white or greyish-white powder on leaves and stems.
It can cause leaves to yellow and deform, and it can reduce the overall vigour of the plant. In severe cases, powdery mildew can kill plants.
To prevent this disease from taking hold, gardeners should avoid watering their plants in the evening, as damp leaves are more susceptible to powdery mildew.
Remove any affected leaves, as well as any debris, from around the base of the plant.
Leaf spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots to form on the leaves.
The spots may be small at first, but they can eventually grow larger and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. In severe cases, leaf spot can kill a plant.
While there are chemical treatments available, the best way to prevent leaf spot is to choose disease-resistant varieties of plants.
Early blight
Early blight is caused by a fungus that infects tomatoes and potatoes, resulting in dark spots on the leaves and fruit.
It’s possible to control early blight with fungicides, but it can be toxic to humans and animals.
The best way to control the disease is to practice preventive measures, such as using disease-resistant varieties of plants and properly spacing plants to promote good air circulation.
It’s also important to water plants at the base rather than from above, as this will help keep the leaves dry.
Grey mould
Grey mould is a fungus that typically appears as a grey or white fuzzy growth on plant leaves and stems.
This mould thrives in damp, humid conditions, so it’s important to prevent it if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall.
One way to do this is to make sure your plants have adequate drainage. Another is to avoid overwatering them.
If you notice grey mould on your plants, the best course of action is to remove any affected leaves or stems and dispose of them properly.
Spring is here, it’s thyme to start planting
Spring is the time of year when the world comes back to life after a long winter slumber.
For many of us, that means it’s time to get our hands dirty and start planting and growing a garden.
But if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry. Our expert gardeners can help you achieve the perfect garden for your home.
