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Spring Gardening Tips in Melbourne
Spring is the season when Melbourne comes alive with new growth, warmer days, and a fresh burst of energy in our gardens. After the cold and dreary winter months, spring offers the perfect time to rejuvenate your outdoor space. Whether you’re growing a veggie patch, planting fruit trees, citrus trees or simply adding some ornamental plants for a burst of colour, spring is the growing season. Landscape construction and design can be easy and hassle-free.
With that in mind, It's time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty 🌱🪴
Preparing Your Garden for Spring
Spring cleaning for your garden beds
Spring ushers in the perfect time to sweep away winter's remnants and invigorate your garden beds for a fresh start. Begin by clearing dead foliage, fallen branches, and any accumulated debris—not only does this tidy up your garden, but it also eliminates hiding spots for pests.
At Bespoke, we suggest incorporating companion plants like marigolds or lavender, which naturally deter pests and attract beneficial insects. Adding a layer of organic mulch to your beds doesn't just lock in moisture and suppress weeds; it also enriches the soil as it decomposes, a vital advantage during Melbourne's unpredictable spring weather.
Soil preparation: The foundation of healthy plants
Healthy fertile soil is essential for a successful garden. We always start by testing soil structure to make sure it's well-draining and fertile. If your soil needs improvement, consider mixing in organic compost. Mulching is also a fantastic way to regulate soil moisture, especially in Melbourne's unpredictable spring weather.
Feed your garden the right nutrients
As you tend to your soil, it's the perfect time to think about nourishing your plants effectively. Consider using slow-release fertilizers for steady, long-lasting nutrition, and liquid fertilizers to give your plants a quick boost during critical growth periods. A combination of both ensures continuous, healthy development throughout the season.
Here are a few more tips when it comes to preparing your soil:
- Incorporate Organic Matter: Mix in compost or well-aged manure to enrich the soil with essential nutrients and improve its texture.
- Test Soil pH Levels: Check the acidity or alkalinity of your soil to tailor amendments that optimise nutrient availability for your specific plants.
- Plant Cover Crops: Use green manure or cover crops during the off-season to naturally enhance soil fertility and suppress weeds.
- Aerate the Soil: Gently till or use a garden fork to loosen compacted soil, improving root penetration and water absorption.
- Introduce Beneficial Microbes: Add mycorrhizal fungi or other beneficial microbes to promote a healthy soil ecosystem that supports robust plant growth.
By implementing these tips, you'll create a thriving environment that encourages continuous, healthy growth, perfectly suited to our city's dynamic spring climate.
"Bespoke Landscapes did an amazing job landscaping our garden. Their attention to detail and their follow-up after completion were impressive. Highly recommended!"
Planning and Planting for Success
Planting in early spring
Melbourne's climate can be tricky in spring – some days feel like summer, and others remind us that winter's not entirely over!
Early spring is the best time to start planting. For many gardeners, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for. It’s a great time to plant seeds and seedlings that will thrive as the weather warms up. Consider fast-growing veggies like leafy greens, spring onions, and silverbeet, which love the moderate Melbourne spring weather.
At Bespoke Landscapes, we often recommend integrating these productive plants into our clients’ landscape designs, ensuring beauty and practicality work hand in hand.
What to plant in your veggie garden
Your veggie patch can be incredibly productive during spring. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, there are plenty of options that suit Melbourne’s climate:
If you’re thinking long-term, planting these now will set you up for a bountiful harvest as the warm weather rolls in.
Seasonal Edibles and Herbs
Create a thriving herb garden
Melbourne’s spring weather is ideal for growing a range of herbs. Starting a herb garden is a rewarding way to add flavour to your cooking and fragrance to your garden. Asian greens, like pak choi and bok choy, are particularly suited to spring planting and can be grown in small spaces, like hanging baskets or planter boxes. Herb gardens are also low-maintenance, making them an easy way to add greenery to your garden without much fuss.
"Mitch and his crew were fantastic. The attention to detail and the technical knowledge Mitch brought to the table truly transformed our space."
Edible plants for small spaces
You don’t need a large garden to grow your own food. Even if you live in an apartment or have a small yard, you can still enjoy the satisfaction of home-grown produce. Small-space gardening is made easy with:
Herbs, spring onions, and leafy greens are all great choices for smaller gardens and are perfect for adding a touch of green to your space.
Caring for Your Garden Through the Season
Watering and maintaining soil moisture
As Melbourne gardeners know, our spring weather can be unpredictable. One day might be warm and sunny, while the next brings rain and cooler temperatures. Ensuring your garden is properly watered is crucial for plant health. Using a watering can for precision and relying on rainwater where possible is the most eco-friendly way to keep your plants hydrated. Mulching your beds is another simple yet effective way to retain soil moisture, reduce the need for frequent watering, and keep those Melbourne water bills down!
Combating weeds and pests
While spring breathes new life into your garden, it also signals the awakening of weeds and pests.
To keep weed growth under control, it's wise to begin early with consistent weeding. Pulling out weeds when the soil is moist after rain makes the task much easier. For pest management, consider planting flowers like lavender or nasturtiums, which naturally repel certain insects and attract beneficial pollinators. Encouraging helpful creatures such as ladybirds and lacewings will also keep unwanted visitors at bay.
If pests become a significant issue, opting for organic or homemade solutions like neem oil or garlic spray is kinder to the environment than resorting to chemical alternatives.
🧪 To make a simple garlic spray, crush a few cloves of garlic, steep them in water overnight, strain the mixture, and then dilute it with more water before spraying it onto affected plants.
Aussie native plants and orientals
Beautiful blooms for spring
If edibles aren’t your main focus, then spring is also the season for beautiful ornamental blooms. Consider
native landscape design. Plants like kangaroo paws, which not only provide striking flowers but also attract local wildlife to your garden. At Bespoke Landscapes, we have a deep connection to native planting, and we love incorporating species like kangaroo paws to add vibrancy and life to our designs.
Pot plants for flexible gardening
Pot plants are a fantastic option for both small and large gardens. Melbourne’s temperamental spring weather makes pots especially useful, as you can move them around to take advantage of sunny days or shelter them from hot weather. Use high-quality potting mix, and don’t forget to ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Whether you’re planting flowering plants, ornamental grasses, or even veggies, pots can give you flexibility and versatility in your
garden design.
"Start to finish, Bespoke Landscapes delivered amazing service. They transformed our property into something amazing."
Common Gardening Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Soil health and moisture management
One of the biggest challenges Melbourne gardeners face is managing soil moisture. Our spring weather can swing between dry spells and heavy rain, both of which can wreak havoc on soil health. To ensure your soil remains in top condition, focus on:
Maintaining good soil structure with compost and organic matter.
- Using organic mulch to keep moisture levels consistent.
- Soil tests are necessary to determine if additional nutrients are needed.
- Proper soil management is key to healthy and productive plant growth.
Proper soil management is key to healthy and productive plant growth.
Dealing with pests and diseases
Weeds aren’t the only issue to contend with in spring. Pests can quickly become a problem, especially if your plants are under stress from inconsistent watering or poor soil conditions. Keep an eye on plants for early signs of disease or infestation, and act quickly to avoid any long-term damage.
Home Gardeners Practical Tips for Success
Tools and gardening gear
No matter your level of experience, having the right tools can make all the difference. We always recommend:
☀️ For Melbourne’s warmer spring days, don't forget to slip slop slap. A hat and sunscreen are gardening essentials as well :D
Enjoying the fruits of your labour
With some planning, preparation, and a bit of effort, your Melbourne garden will reward you with lush growth and vibrant blooms. Whether you’re after a bountiful harvest of veggies or a garden full of colourful flowers, spring is the season to take full advantage of nature’s organic wonders.
Spring gardening in Melbourne is all about preparation, planting, and care. From veggie patches and fruit trees to ornamental plants and herbs, this season offers endless opportunities to transform your garden into a vibrant, productive space.
FAQ
What's the key takeaway from this article?
The key to success is all in the preparation.
Start by adding organic matter to your soil, give everything a good mulch to lock in moisture, and choose fast-growing veggies like silverbeet and leafy greens. It’s also a great time to plant fruit trees like citrus and delicious vegetables such as sweet corn and snow peas.
Is Spring the best time to plant new growth in Melbourne?
Early spring is ideal for planting new growth. As soon as daytime temperatures start to rise, it’s your signal to get planting! This allows your veggies and new plants—like spring onions and tomato seedlings—to settle in before the heat of summer hits. The saying spring has sprung rings true in multiple ways.
What vegetable crops should I plant in Spring?
Think silverbeet, spring onions, snow peas, sweet corn, and even sweet potatoes. These fast-growing crops will thrive in Melbourne’s spring climate and reward you with a tasty harvest just in time for summer.
What herbs should I plant in spring?
Spring is also fantastic for herbs. Parsley, coriander, mint, and even Asian greens like pak choi love this time of year. They’re perfect for small spaces like planter boxes or hanging baskets, and before you know it, you’ll have fresh herbs to add to your cooking as the weather warms up.
How do I manage weed growth in spring?
Weeds love spring just as much as your plants do! Stay on top of them by weeding regularly, especially after it rains when the soil is soft and they’re easier to pull out. Adding organic mulch will also help keep those pesky weeds at bay and keep your garden looking tidy.
How should I prepare my garden beds for spring?
Before you start planting, give your garden beds a good clean-up—remove any old leaves, weeds, and debris from winter. After that, focus on improving your soil with compost or organic mulch. It's a good idea to test your soil to check for any missing nutrients. Once your beds are prepped, your plants will have the best foundation to thrive.
How do I keep my soil moist?
With Melbourne’s unpredictable spring weather, keeping the soil moist is key. A good layer of mulch will help stop the soil from drying out too quickly. And if you can, try using rainwater for a more eco-friendly approach. A simple watering can will also give you better control over how much water your plants get.
Need help with your garden?
Bespoke Landscapes, was founded in 2014 by Mitchelle Farina, we’ve been
dedicated to creating extraordinary outdoor spaces across Melbourne's Northern Suburbs.
We offer landscaping design & construction in Northcote, Preston, Ivanhoe, Eltham and many more surrounding suburbs.
With a passion for native planting and thoughtful design, we transform gardens into stunning, Bespoke Landscapes.
Let us help you bring your vision to life this spring—creating a garden that will elevate your mood, reduce stress and add value to your home and every day life.
Expert Landscape Design & Construction
At Bespoke Landscapes we offer end to end landscape design & construction services:
💐 Landscape design plans
🚜 Excavation
👷🏽♂️ Handle + organise all subcontractors
💡 Lighting
⛲️ Water features / ponds
🧱 Brickwork
🪨 Paving
🦺 Concreting
🪴 Planting
💦 Irrigation
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