April is the perfect time to set your garden up for success this autumn, so let’s get started preparing those veggie beds for the cooler months ahead.
Begin by adding a generous layer of well-matured compost. This replenishes nutrients, improves soil structure and keeps the soil microbiome active as temperatures drop.
It’s also a great time to gather carbon-rich materials – think fallen leaves, straw, shredded paper and dry plant matter – to balance the “green” inputs in your compost. As composting naturally slows in cooler weather, keep an eye out for signs like unpleasant smells, excess moisture or slow breakdown, and adjust your mix as needed.
Warmer regions (generally north of a line from Coffs Harbour to Geraldton):
Focus on leafy greens such as Asian greens, lettuce, cabbage, silverbeet, rocket and spinach. Root crops like beetroot can go in now, along with carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, tomatoes, chilli, garlic and radish. In tropical areas, you can still plant cucumbers, pumpkins, sweet corn, squash, sweet potato, zucchini and potatoes.
Refresh your herb garden with coriander (choose slow-bolting varieties), parsley, lemongrass, chamomile and oregano. Add flowers like marigolds, sunflowers, pansies, violas, snapdragons, verbena and lavender to attract beneficial insects.
Northern Territory (end of wet season):
April is an ideal planting window. Grow Asian greens, beans, snake beans, okra, lettuce, sweet potato, cucumbers, capsicum, chilli, eggplant, zucchini and pumpkin. Herbs such as basil, lemongrass, Vietnamese mint, coriander, garlic, chives and oregano will thrive. Use raised beds to improve drainage and prevent root rot.
Temperate zones (southern Queensland and northern NSW):
Plant cabbage, lettuce, rocket, spring onions, spinach, carrots, celery, cauliflower, broad beans, leeks, onions, radish, turnips and swedes. Herbs like parsley, basil, rosemary, marjoram and thyme will do well. Consider green manure crops such as fava beans, oats and vetch to improve soil health, and start planning for frost protection.
Cooler regions (Victoria, Tasmania, ACT, southern SA and WA):
Plant broccoli, spinach, Asian greens, onions, leeks, carrots, peas and asparagus. Coriander thrives now, while mint and lemon balm are best grown in containers. Brighten your garden with pansies, violas, dianthus and lupins.
Feed plants with a gentle liquid fertiliser such as a seaweed solution, ideally in the early morning. Keep weeds under control, top up mulch to around 7cm to retain moisture, and water deeply but less often – always checking soil moisture first.
Finally, take care not to overdo it. While it’s tempting to fertilise heavily, too much feeding at this time of year can do more harm than good. A balanced, moderate approach will give your garden the best chance to thrive through autumn and beyond.
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