Your Sunshine Coast autumn gardening guide

Build your soil now

Autumn is the perfect time to enrich your soil. The ground is warm and beneficial microbes in the soil are working at peak performance, making nutrients more readily available to your plants.

Add organic matter such as compost or Active Grow, along with rock minerals like Garden Mates, to improve soil structure and fertility. Lightly dig amendments into the top 1-2 inches of soil, taking care not to disturb nearby roots (keeping the mulch clear of trunks and stems will prevent rot). Water well, then finish with a 7-10cm layer of mulch to lock in moisture and protect the soil.

Plant for long-term rewards

This is the best time of year for plant establishment. The warm soil we mentioned before encourages strong root growth, while the cooler air reduces plant stress and pest activity.

Planting now means your winter crops and new plants will establish quickly and require less water and maintenance over time. Come spring, they’ll be well settled, helping your garden thrive.

Prune with purpose

Autumn is a great time to improve airflow while humidity is still lingering. The helps reduce the risk of fungal disease and encourages healthier growth.

Make sure you always start with clean and sharp pruning clippers. Focus on removing crossing branches, inward-growing stems and any damaged growth. We recommend avoiding heavy structural pruning until late winter, especially for stone fruit, deciduous trees, and roses.

Propagation sweet spot

This is ideal propagation time, particularly for semi-hardwood cuttings. The temperature is cooler and there’s less risk of rot compared to summer.

Try your hand at propagating rosemary, figs, salvia, westringia and leptospermum. Pick up rooting hormone powder and propagation mix in store to get your garden going.

Water less, not more

As temperatures drop, transpiration rates slow, meaning your plants hold onto moisture for longer. Overwatering in autumn is a common gardening mistake.

Check your soil’s moisture level before watering and adjust your schedule as needed. Your plants will thank you with healthier roots and better growth.

Planning a gardening project?

Whether you’re refreshing your garden beds, planting a winter veggie patch or tackling a larger landscaping project, our team is here to help.

Visit STEPS Garden Centre for expert advice, quality plants and everything you need to get the job done right.

Every purchase supports STEPS Pathways College, helping young adults living with a disability and autism develop independence skills for a brighter future.

🗓️ Open seven days a week, 8:30am-4:30pm
📍 Ulm Street South, Caloundra
🌱 Plenty of free parking