March Garden Care in Adelaide

March Garden Care in Adelaide

Tips for Keeping Your Garden Thriving

As the warm Adelaide summer gives way to the milder days of March, it’s the perfect time to give your garden the attention it needs to transition smoothly into autumn. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or a budding gardener, the shift in seasons is your cue to start adapting your care routine to match the changing climate.

Reassess Your Watering Schedule

March in Adelaide often brings a mix of warm days and cooler nights. With this in mind, adjusting your watering schedule is crucial. The goal is to water deeply but less frequently, promoting healthy root growth that will help plants withstand the dryer months ahead. Aim to water early in the morning to reduce evaporation losses and to provide your plants with the moisture they need to get through the day.

Soil and Mulch Management

Check the condition of your soil. After summer, it might be compacted or low in nutrients. Loosen the soil with a garden fork and enrich it with compost or a well-balanced fertiliser to give your plants a nutrient boost. Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds not only helps to retain soil moisture but also suppresses weeds and regulates soil temperature.

Pruning and Deadheading

Late summer or early autumn is the perfect time to prune summer-flowering shrubs and deadhead spent blooms. Pruning encourages new growth and helps prevent diseases by improving air circulation. Remember to use clean, sharp tools to make clean cuts and minimise damage to the plants.

Lawn Care

As the intense heat subsides, your lawn will need less water. However, it’s still important to maintain a consistent watering routine to keep it lush and green. March is also a good time to aerate your lawn to relieve soil compaction, allowing water and nutrients to reach the root zone more effectively.

Planting and Transplanting

With the extreme heat of the Adelaide summer behind us, March is ideal for planting new additions to your garden. It’s also a safe time to transplant any plants that need a new location. The milder temperatures and more consistent moisture levels help plants to establish themselves before the winter arrives.

Pest and Disease Watch

Keep an eye out for pests and diseases as plants can be particularly vulnerable during seasonal transitions. Regularly inspect your plants for signs of trouble and treat any issues promptly with eco-friendly solutions to prevent them from spreading.

Preparing for Autumn

Consider planting autumn crops if you have a veggie patch. Leafy greens, such as spinach and lettuce, and root vegetables like carrots and beetroot, can be sown now for a late autumn harvest.

Garden Equipment Maintenance

Take the time to clean, sharpen, and oil your gardening tools. Well-maintained equipment makes garden work more efficient and is gentler on your plants.

Enjoy Your Garden

Finally, take a moment to appreciate the fruits of your labour. Enjoy the cooler days by spending time in your garden, whether you’re actively gardening or simply relaxing and taking in the beauty of your outdoor space.