Spring into Action
October is one of the most exciting months for gardeners in South Australia. The soil is warming, the days are longer, and everything is stirring with new life. Winter’s chill has retreated, but the fierce heat of summer hasn't quite arrived—making it the perfect time to get out into the garden and set the stage for a bountiful and beautiful season ahead.
Planting and Growing: Vegetables, Fruits & Flowers
Now is the time to get serious about summer crops. Tomatoes, capsicums, zucchinis, cucumbers, beans, sweetcorn, pumpkins and eggplants can all go in this month. These warm-season favourites thrive in the increasing heat and long sunshine hours. Prepare your beds by working in compost or aged manure to boost soil fertility, and keep seedlings well-watered and mulched while they establish. Lettuce, spinach and silverbeet can still be planted early in the month, but they’ll appreciate some afternoon shade as temperatures rise.
Fruit trees are also in the spotlight. Citrus trees benefit from a generous feed with a citrus-specific fertiliser, while stone fruits such as peaches and nectarines will be setting fruit—thin young fruit to reduce strain and improve quality. Apples and pears may need the same treatment; watch out for codling moth activity and act early to prevent infestations.
Flower beds are bursting into life too. Roses are coming into their first flush of blooms and respond well to feeding and regular deadheading. Annuals such as petunias, marigolds, zinnias and cosmos can be planted now for long-lasting summer colour. If you have spring-flowering shrubs like azaleas or camellias, prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
Native Plants and Pollinators
Native plants like grevilleas and kangaroo paws are flowering now and attracting pollinators. These not only add vibrancy to your garden but also support bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Adding an insect hotel, birdbath or simply planting a diverse mix of flowering species can greatly boost local biodiversity.
Indoor Plants and Container Care
Indoor plants are waking up too, making October the perfect time to refresh them. Repot root-bound plants into slightly larger pots with fresh mix, increase feeding as growth resumes, and wipe dusty leaves so they can photosynthesise efficiently. Rotate pots regularly to promote even growth, especially if they’re near bright windows.
Container plants outdoors will also benefit from extra care this month. Check for root congestion, refresh the top layer of potting mix, and water deeply as days get warmer.
Maintenance, Lawns & Irrigation
October is a prime time to maintain and prepare your garden infrastructure. If you’ve been meaning to install irrigation, repair beds, or lay new mulch, now’s the time. A well-designed drip system can make all the difference once summer hits. Topping up mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plant roots from heat.
Lawns are thriving with the warming weather. Feed with a slow-release fertiliser, top-dress uneven patches with soil or compost, and control weeds like bindii before they spread. Mow regularly but avoid cutting too short to prevent drying out.
Pest Watch and Disease Prevention
Warmer weather brings pests on the move—aphids, whiteflies, caterpillars and snails are all active in October. Regular inspection and early action can prevent infestations. Aphids can be dislodged with a firm spray of water, while caterpillars may need hand-picking or organic sprays like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). Snails and slugs love hiding under mulch or pots, so set traps or use pet-safe baits. Keep an eye out for bronze orange bugs and citrus leaf miner as well.
Good airflow, healthy soil, and watering in the mornings also help prevent fungal issues and disease build-up.
Watering Wisely
Watering is always top of mind for South Australian gardeners as summer approaches. Monitor soil moisture closely—especially for young or potted plants. Deep, infrequent watering encourages strong root growth, while morning watering reduces evaporation and disease risk. Mulching is your best ally for water conservation and soil health.
Time for New Projects
If you’re planning bigger changes, October offers perfect conditions for new plantings. Perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs establish easily in the mild warmth and extra light. It’s also a great time to divide older clumping plants like daylilies, iris and agapanthus to rejuvenate growth and improve flowering next season.
October is a time of transformation. Buds are bursting, seeds are sprouting, and the air hums with bees and birds. Every bit of effort you put in now will be rewarded through the months ahead—so roll up your sleeves, grab your hat, and enjoy the most rewarding time of year in the garden.
Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.