By following this checklist, you can ensure that your garden is well-prepared for the autumn season in New Zealand. This proactive approach helps maintain a healthy and thriving garden while setting the stage for a successful spring.
1. Pruning and Cutting Back:
- Deciduous Trees and Shrubs: Prune back deciduous trees and shrubs once they start to lose their leaves. This helps shape the plants and encourages healthy growth in the following spring.
- Perennials: Cut back spent flower stems and trim back perennial plants, leaving about 5-10 cm above the ground.
2. Leaf Management:
- Leaf Removal: Rake and collect fallen leaves regularly. Use the collected leaves for composting or as mulch for your garden beds.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch to protect the soil from temperature fluctuations and suppress weed growth.
3. Soil Preparation:
- Amend Soil: Add organic matter like compost to the soil to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure.
- Cover Crops: Consider planting cover crops in bare areas to prevent soil erosion and improve fertility during the winter months.
4. Planting and Transplanting:
- Bulb Planting: Autumn is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses.
- Transplanting: Move any existing plants that need to be relocated while they are dormant.
5. Lawn Care:
- Aeration: Aerating the lawn helps improve water and nutrient penetration into the soil.
- Overseeding: Consider overseeding your lawn to fill in bare patches and improve overall lawn density.
6. Fertilization:
- Slow-Release Fertilizer: Apply a slow-release fertilizer to nourish plants through the winter months.
7. Garden Clean-Up:
- Remove Annuals: Clear out spent annual plants from your garden beds.
- Clean Tools: Clean and sharpen garden tools, and organize them for winter storage.
- Remove Garden Debris: Clean up any dead or diseased plant material to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
8. Pest and Disease Control:
- Inspect Plants: Check plants for signs of pests and diseases. Treat any issues promptly with organic solutions.
- Neem Oil Application: Consider applying neem oil as a preventive measure against overwintering pests.
9. Container Plants:
- Move Indoors: If you have potted plants that are not frost-tolerant, consider bringing them indoors or placing them in sheltered areas.
- Check Drainage: Ensure containers have proper drainage to prevent waterlogging during autumn rains.
10. Watering:
- Reduce Watering: As temperatures cool down, adjust your watering schedule to prevent overwatering. Plants generally require less water in autumn.
11. Wildlife Considerations:
- Provide Food and Water: Set up bird feeders and birdbaths to provide food and water for birds during the colder months.
12. Garden Planning:
- Plan for Spring: Use the autumn season to plan for your spring garden. Consider any changes, additions, or new plantings you’d like to make.
Adjust the tasks based on your specific garden conditions and plant varieties.