Your Spring Gardening Guide: Essential tasks for a thriving garden

Spring has arrived in Central Victoria, filling gardens with fresh life and colour. Now is the ideal time to step outside and prepare your garden for a vibrant spring and summer season. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, these essential spring gardening tips will set your garden spaces up to thrive.

Clean Up and Rake Away Debris

With winter behind us, it's time to clear away the fallen leaves, branches, and other debris that have gathered on your paths and lawn. Think of it as a spring clean for your garden. Move objects like trampolines that have been sitting for a while, allowing your lawn to breathe and recover.

Childs face covered by seadling

Planting

Spring is the perfect time to plant summer flowers such as petunias and marigolds and vegetables like tomatoes, seed potatoes, and zucchini. Plus, all varieties of herbs. This is also the time to fill that blank spot in the garden with a tree or shrub. If you need tomato-growing tips, check out our guide Tomato tips for your best crop yet. For a low-maintenance option, consider planting natives like grevilleas and philophica, which thrive locally and attract pollinators. Use quality planting compost to enrich the garden soil and get healthy, vibrant growth.

Fertilise

We recommend feeding your garden with Grow Better Organic Fertiliser or Organic Compost for thriving plants and garden beds. For lush lawns, a granular NPK fertiliser like Croplift 400 or Lawn Solutions Australia fertiliser. Matt from ASQ Garden & Landscape Maryborough swears by Croplift 400, raving about how healthy and green his lawn looks. Both small and bulk quantities are available, so no matter the size of your garden, we’ve got you covered.

Archway of roses

Pruning

Spring is the perfect time to prune, helping your plants regain their shape, especially those damaged by frost or showing dead wood. A helpful rule is to prune after plants finish flowering. Since many bloom in spring, you’ll have plenty to keep you busy! If you're unsure about what or how to prune, visit your local ASQ Garden & Landscape, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to help.

Weeding

Don’t let weeds get out of control! Whether you're hand weeding or spraying, we have the tools and products to help you get the job done! Different areas of your garden may require specific solutions—garden beds, lawns, and areas around trees and shrubs all benefit from tailored weed control. Come see us for advice on the right product for your garden’s needs.

Pests

With new growth comes an influx of pests like aphids and snails, which can damage your plants. ASQ has snail traps, barriers, and animal-friendly snail baits to protect your garden. Grub Guard is great value, and easy to use insecticide which is a preventive treatment that kills aphids, bugs, caterpillars, and many other pests. It’s one of the few products on the market that also kills lawn grub larvae, making it ideal for both lawns and garden areas.

Mum and daughter having a hug while collecting oranges from tree

Fungus

Address any fungal issues like black spot or grey mould on your plants. These can harm your garden if left untreated. Use an eco-friendly fungicide on roses, vegetables, and other susceptible plants to keep them healthy and thriving.

Re-potting

It’s a must-do in spring to replenish all the things that plants need to grow and flower. Any plants that have been in the same potting mix for 12 months or longer are due for a refresh. GrowBetter Terracotta & Tub mix is packed with nutrients to feed the plant plus water storing granules to keep them going on the long hot days. If you have Cymbidium Orchids, spring is the time to divide and re-pot them after flowering.

Ponds

As the weather warms up, give your pond or water feature a good clean and bring it back to life. Adding water lilies or aquatic plants can create a beautiful focal point in your garden. Keep an eye out for fresh stock arriving at your local ASQ Garden & Landscape.

Person in raincoat shoveling soil around tree

Tool maintenance

Spring is the perfect time to maintain your garden tools. Clean, sharpen, and oil your tools to ensure they’re in top working condition. Well-maintained tools make gardening tasks easier and more efficient while also extending their lifespan. You’ll notice the difference next time you reach for your favourite secateurs. Don’t forget to book your lawn mower for a service early in the season before it gets busy.

You'll set your garden up for a thriving and beautiful season by tackling these spring gardening tasks. Enjoy spring's burst of life and colour and happy gardening!