There’s something unmistakably energising about the arrival of spring in Australia. The air softens, the days grow longer, and gardens across the country begin to stir back to life. Whether you’re a seasoned home gardener or picking up a trowel for the first time, spring is a golden opportunity to breathe new energy into your outdoor space.

With a few simple steps, you can turn even the most tired garden bed into a vibrant, productive oasis. These spring gardening tips will help you clear away the cobwebs of winter, prepare your soil for new growth, and choose the best plants for the season. All of this while working with Australia’s unique climate and growing conditions.

Clean Up and Assess

Before you start planting anything new, it's important to take stock of your garden’s current state. Months of winter can leave behind fallen leaves, dead annuals, and soggy mulch that may harbour pests or disease.

Start with a basic garden tidy-up:

• Remove dead or frost-damaged plants and prune back spent perennials
• Rake up any debris that’s accumulated around the base of plants or along garden edges
• Clear out gutters, raised beds, and compost bins
• Check garden structures like trellises and edging. Now is a good time for minor repairs

As you clean, assess your soil. If it feels compacted, crumbly, or lifeless, your next step is soil rejuvenation.

Soil and Fertiliser Prep

Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. After winter rains, many soils, particularly clay-heavy ones, can become compacted. Loosen the top layers using a fork or hoe, and mix in compost, well-rotted manure, or a quality soil improver to enrich the nutrients.

pH levels matter too. Most vegetables and flowering plants prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil, while some native plants thrive in slightly sandy or low-nutrient conditions. If you're unsure, pH test kits are easy to use and widely available.

Next, feed your soil. Slow-release fertilisers are ideal in spring, providing consistent nutrition as plants begin to grow. Choose organic options where possible to encourage healthy microbial activity. Liquid seaweed or fish emulsion can also be added to boost root development during early planting.

Choose Your Spring Stars

With your garden cleared and your soil refreshed, it’s time to choose the plants that will bring it to life.

Some of the best plants for spring in Australia include:

• Spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, ranunculus, and Dutch iris. These are best planted early in the season in cooler states
  
• Annuals and perennials like petunias, salvias, marigolds, and geraniums, which offer fast colour and attract pollinators
  
• Native plants like kangaroo paw, grevillea, and banksia, which thrive in our climate and support native wildlife
  
• Vegetables and herbs such as tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, coriander, and lettuces, which are perfect for garden beds or containers

When choosing what to plant, consider your local climate zone. Northern areas can plant a little earlier, while cooler southern regions may benefit from raised beds or greenhouse starts.

Maintenance and Watering

Once plants are in the ground, a little routine care will help them thrive. Watering is key, especially in spring, when weather can swing from warm to windy and dry. Focus on deep watering early in the day, and avoid overhead watering where possible to reduce fungal risk.

Mulching is a smart next step. Apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few centimetres clear of plant stems to avoid rot.

Other ongoing tasks to support your garden through spring:

• Deadhead flowering plants to encourage repeat blooms
  
• Stake taller plants or climbing vegetables early so they can grow strong and supported
  
• Prune lightly to shape shrubs or remove crossing stems
  
• Watch for pests such as aphids or caterpillars. Remove by hand or treat naturally

Keeping a basic set of reliable garden tools on hand makes all the difference. Essentials include secateurs, a hand trowel, gloves, a sturdy watering can or hose, and a weeding fork. Many beginner-friendly toolkits are available to help new gardeners build confidence.

Plan Ahead for Late Spring and Summer

As your early spring plantings begin to settle in, it’s also wise to start thinking a step ahead. Many Australian gardeners use mid to late spring as a window to prepare for summer heat, holiday growth spurts, and longer dry spells.

Consider succession planting for vegetables like beans, lettuces, and zucchinis so you can enjoy harvests well into summer. For flowers, look to heat-tolerant varieties such as zinnias, cosmos, and sunflowers that will thrive as temperatures climb.

This is also a good time to:

• Add or refresh mulch before summer heat sets in
• Install drip irrigation or water-saving systems
• Plant fast-growing herbs like basil and parsley
• Choose drought-tolerant native plants if you’re expanding garden beds

By planning now, you’ll set yourself up for an easier, more rewarding summer garden. For seasonal planting packs, water-wise plants, and fertilisers designed for Australian conditions, explore the latest range at Garden Express.

Embrace the Season and Start Planting

Spring is a season of renewal, both in the garden and in ourselves. It’s a time to plant new ideas, watch growth unfold, and enjoy the beauty of each day getting warmer and brighter. You don’t need a sprawling backyard or a perfect plan. All it takes is a little care, a few seasonal plants, and the willingness to get your hands in the soil.

Whether you're sowing veggies, creating a pollinator patch, or building a garden space for the first time, now is the moment to start. With the right guidance and the right supplies, your spring garden can flourish, and so can your love for it. 

Where to Get Started

If you're feeling inspired to refresh your garden but not sure where to source everything, Garden Express is a great place to begin. As Australia’s leading online nursery, they offer everything from seasonal planting bundles and spring-flowering bulbs to organic fertilisers and hard-to-find garden tools. Their delivery is tailored to suit Australia’s quarantine zones and planting seasons, meaning your order arrives healthy and ready to grow.

Whether you're reviving an existing bed or starting something new, Garden Express makes it easy to shop for spring-ready plants and supplies from the comfort of your home.