Seasonal Garden Care: What to Do in Each Season

‍“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Audrey Hepburn‍

Your garden changes with the seasons, so should your care routine. In the winter, you might be trimming back plants and preparing the soil. In spring, it's all about feeding and planting. And when summer arrives, you’ll be keeping weeds under control and providing your plants with extra water. Each season has its to-do list, and staying on top of it helps your garden stay healthy and beautiful all year round.

So, let’s break down what you need to focus on during each part of the year, making gardening more straightforward and ideally suited to your local conditions.

What Your Garden Needs in Every Season

Just like you wear different clothes in summer and winter, your garden needs different care in each season.  If you know what to do and when to do it, you’ll have a healthy garden that grows strong all year.

1. Autumn (March to May)

Autumn is a time when the weather cools down and leaves begin to fall. It’s a great time to get your garden ready for winter. You can rake up the dry leaves and add them to your compost. Pull out old plants that aren’t growing anymore and tidy up your flower beds. It is also the best time to plant cool-season veggies like broccoli, spinach, and beetroot. And if you want colourful flowers in winter, you can plant pansies or violas now. You can add compost or mulch to your soil; it’s like giving your garden a warm blanket before the cold sets in.

2. Winter (June to August)

Winter is cold, and things grow more slowly, but there’s still work to be done. You can plant strong vegetables that thrive in cold weather, such as garlic, onions, and peas. These plants don’t mind the chill and will grow well if you provide them with good care. Frost can hurt some plants, so cover the small ones with a cloth or a plastic bottle. Also, be on the lookout for pests like snails and slugs. They hide in damp places and munch on your plants when you’re not looking. And don’t forget to harvest citrus fruits like mandarins and lemons, they taste even better in the cold!

3. Spring (September to November)

Spring is when your garden wakes up! Everything starts growing again, so it’s time to get busy. You can plant seeds for tomatoes, capsicum, cucumbers, and herbs like basil and coriander. It is also the time to add new flowers or shrubs to your garden. They’ll have months to grow and bloom in the warm weather. Pull out weeds before they take over and add mulch to keep your soil cool and moist.

4. Summer (December to February)

Summer is hot and dry, so your garden will need extra water and care. Make sure you water in the morning or evening so it doesn’t dry out too fast. Apply mulch around your plants to prevent the soil from drying out and to keep the roots cool. You can still grow summer favourites like corn, zucchini, beans, and sunflowers. If you see flowers drying up, snip them off to help new ones grow. And keep pulling weeds, they grow fast in the heat!

5. All Year Round Tips

No matter the season, there are some things you should always do:

• Keep an eye on your plants. If they look sad or have holes in the leaves, something might be wrong.
• Try planting native plants, they’re tough and need less care.
• Make compost using kitchen scraps and garden waste. It feeds your garden and helps the planet.
• Keep your tools clean and sharp so they work better and last longer.
  

Let Zones NZ Help Keep Your Garden Happy All Year

Taking care of your garden through each season doesn’t have to be hard. With the right plan and a little help, you can enjoy a thriving outdoor space, no matter the time of year. At Zones Landscaping NZ, we’re here to make things easy for you. If you need help planning, tidying, or transforming your garden through the seasons, we’ve got you covered.

Get in touch today for a friendly, no-obligation chat and see how we can bring out the best in your garden, one season at a time.