Autumn is known as a troublesome season for gardeners all across Australia – But if you have the right tips and tricks it can be a breeze.

• Know what to plant and when – We all know different plants succeed in different seasons. Winter annuals are a great option to plant in Autumn as it gives them enough time to settle in and be able to produce a healthy bloom in Spring. For instance, United Nurseries old favourites: violas, primulas and polyanthus are great options to plant now.
• Back to Basics – You’ll never grow plants to their ideal size, health and taste if you don’t get the basics right. Most plants prefer (and often require) well-drained soil. This lets water to percolate around the plant quickly without pooling – depriving the plant of oxygen. It’s also important to mulch well to protect the soil from direct sunlight, reducing evaporation.
• It’s not too soon to prune –. It can feel counterproductive at times but pruning really is essential to maintain the health and appearance of your plant. Every plant requires different pruning methods and techniques so it’s important to research which are best for you.
• New life – There are always garden casualties in Autumn, your leaves being one of them. Instead of just leaving them on the ground, take the opportunity to start a compost heap. It’s a natural fertiliser that’s great for your garden and a great place to put your food scraps!
• Superb time for Herbs! – Autumn is the ideal time to start planting your herbs. The combination of the cooler weather in the mornings with the soil that’s still warm over the hot summer provides the perfect opportunity to start growing great culinary herbs like – parsley, coriander, chives and dill.
• Where there’s a Dill, there’s a way – Dill I a great herb to have in the backyard over winter, and not just for its many uses in cooking. Dill is a great repellent of ‘Cabbage White Butterfly’, a pest that loves to visit when you’re trying to grow cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower or various Asian green’s.
• Location, Location, Location – Where you’re placing your new plants is vitally important to not only their health and growth but also the wellbeing of it’s surrounding plants. Don’t cultivate soil underneath any big already standing trees as it only damages the roots.