Late-Winter and Spring Gardening: Essential Tasks for August, September, and October

Welcome back, Garden Masters! Last month, we showed you how to lay the groundwork for a thriving spring garden. We also delved into the various steps you need to take to plan your spring garden. This month, we’re excited to return with the quarterly Garden Master month-by-month gardening guide, starting with late winter and heading into spring.

Spring is, of course, a time of renewal and growth, and there’s no better place to witness this transformation than in your own garden. August, September and October are transitional months and a crucial time to prepare your garden for vibrant blooms and healthy fruit

This guide will equip you with the necessary tasks and tools you need to ensure your garden flourishes throughout spring and into the warmer months. So, pour yourself one last warm cup of tea, because things are about to get hot, Garden Masters!

August: Laying the Groundwork

Soil Preparation:

Test Your Soil: Start by testing your soil’s pH level and nutrient content. This will guide you in amending your soil appropriately. Be sure to make use of our nifty home test.
Compost and Fertiliser: Now is the time to enrich your soil with compost and a well-balanced fertiliser to replenish nutrients depleted during winter. Use about 450-900 grams per 10 square meters during August. Compost adds organic matter, improving soil structure and fertility. Spread a 5 to 8 cm layer over the soil and mix it to a depth of 15 to 20 cm. This equates to about 85 to 110 litres of compost per 10 square meters. Explore our range of products for lawn and plant care.
Turn the Soil: Use a sturdy spade and fork to turn the soil, breaking up compacted areas and improving aeration. This also helps in mixing the compost and fertilisers thoroughly with the soil for optimal absorption.

Planting Schedules:

Vegetables: Start sowing early spring vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, and radishes. These can handle cooler temperatures and will be ready for harvest soon. Click here for our range of vegetable seeds.
Flowers: Plant early spring flowers like pansies and violas. These hardy blooms can withstand the last of the winter chills and add a pop of colour to your garden. For our range of flower seeds, click here.

Weeding and Mulching:

Weeding: Remove weeds to prevent them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Here’s what to look out for.
Mulching: While winter is still not over yet, apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as bark or shredded leaves, around your plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Frost Protection:

Frost Cloths: Keep frost-sensitive plants protected by covering them with frost cloths during cold nights. Alternatively, opt for a greenhouse for optimal protection from the cold (and the warmer season approaching).
Pruning: Prune back any frost-damaged branches to encourage healthy new growth for the warmer season. Invest in a sturdy lopper and pruner for precise cuts. Browse our range of cutting and pruning equipment here.

September: Embracing the Spring Awakening

Garden Cleanup:

Remove Winter Debris: Clear out any remaining winter debris, dead plants, and leaves. This prevents pests and diseases from lingering and prepares the garden for new growth.
Prune Shrubs and Trees: Use loppers, pruners and sheers to trim back overgrown shrubs, trees and hedges, encouraging healthy new growth and improving air circulation. Don’t forget to deadhead too to promote new growth.

Planting Schedules:

Vegetables: Continue planting vegetables such as tomatoes, beans, and cucumbers. These warm-season crops will thrive as temperatures rise.
Flowers: Introduce vibrant spring flowers like marigolds, petunias, and zinnias to add colour and attract pollinators to your garden.
Remember to browse our range of seeds here.

Soil Enrichment:

Add Organic Matter: Continue enriching your soil with compost and organic matter to support robust plant growth.
Continue Adding Compost and Fertiliser: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to provide consistent nutrients to your plants throughout the growing season. For most gardens, use about 450 to 900 grams of fertiliser per 10 square meters in September. Then add a 2 to 5 cm layer of compost around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and provide ongoing nutrients. This equates to about 40 to 55 litres per 10 square meters.
Discover our range of lawn and plant care products here.

Watering:

Install Irrigation Systems: September is the ideal time to set up efficient watering and sprinkling systems to ensure consistent moisture levels as temperatures increase. Check hosepipes and sprinklers for any damage and replace them as needed.
Water Storage: Now is also a great time to invest and set up water storage tanks, especially in the summer rainfall regions. This comes in handy, especially in the regions that are currently experiencing water shortages.
Watering Schedule: Water your garden early in the morning or late in the afternoon to minimise evaporation and ensure plants receive adequate moisture.

Planting Strategies:

Companion Planting: Utilise companion planting techniques to maximise space and improve plant health. For example, plant basil near tomatoes to repel pests and enhance growth. Here’s a quick guideline.

October: Preparing for the Heat

Watering Strategies:

Install Irrigation Systems: Consider setting up an efficient watering system to ensure consistent moisture levels as temperatures increase. Micro Kit systems are especially effective for conserving water while ensuring plants get the hydration they need.
Mulching: Apply another layer of mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, also adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes.

Planting Schedules:

Vegetables: Plant heat-loving vegetables like peppers, eggplants, and squash. These plants thrive in warmer temperatures and will provide a luscious harvest in the coming months.
Flowers: Add summer flowers such as sunflowers, cosmos, and dahlias to create a lively garden display. These flowers are not only beautiful but also attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Have you explored our range of seeds yet? Click here.  

Final Touches:

Weeding and Maintenance: Keep up with regular weeding to prevent unwanted plants from competing with your garden. Hand tools are great for precise removal.
Pots and Containers: Refresh your potted plants with new soil and fertilisers and be sure to assess your pots for damage and replace them if needed. Explore our range of pots and containers for stylish and functional additions to your garden.

Pest and Disease Control:

Monitor for Pests: Keep an eye out for common spring pests such as aphids and caterpillars. Use natural pest control methods like introducing beneficial insects or using organic sprays. Here’s our guide to pest control with household remedies.
Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Regularly inspect plants for signs of disease and take action promptly. For a complete guide to understanding various plant diseases as well as the signs and solutions, click here.

Spring Into Summer!

By following these essential tasks in August, September, and October, you’ll set the stage for a vibrant and thriving garden that will flourish throughout the spring and into the summer. Preparing your garden for the new growth period involves careful planning and timely action. With the right tools, techniques, and dedication, your garden will be a lush, beautiful oasis ready to burst into life as the seasons change – head to your nearest Makro, Builder’s Warehouse or Game