March marks the beginning of autumn in New Zealand, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days. Here in the Waikato the temperature seemed to drop as soon as we hit the 1st of March! It’s the perfect time to prepare your garden for the changing season, ensuring a bountiful harvest and healthy soil for the months ahead. Here’s what you should focus on this month.
1. Harvest Late Summer Crops
If you planted summer vegetables like tomatoes, zucchinis, beans, and peppers, now is the time to pick the last of your produce. Keep an eye on fruiting plants—removing mature crops will encourage any remaining fruit to ripen before the colder weather sets in.
Tip: If you have an abundance of crops, consider preserving them! Freezing, pickling, or drying your produce can help you enjoy your summer harvest all year round.
2. Plant Autumn and Winter Vegetables
March is ideal for sowing cool-season crops. In most regions of New Zealand, you can plant:
• Leafy greens: Spinach, silverbeet, and kale
• Brassicas: Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts - be sure the risk of cabbage fly has passed.
• Root vegetables* Carrots, beetroot, radishes, and onions
• Herbs: Parsley, coriander, and chives
Tip: To give your seedlings the best start, enrich the soil with organic matter like compost or Cozy Crops Wool Pellets, which improve soil structure and moisture retention.
3. Improve Your Soil Health
After summer’s heavy growing season, your soil may be depleted. Now is the time to replenish nutrients by:
• Adding compost and aged manure
• Mulching with straw, bark, or wool pellets to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Planting a green manure crop like mustard or lupins to improve soil structure and fertility
Tip: Wool pellets not only add organic matter to the soil but also help retain warmth, keeping roots cozy as the temperatures drop.
4. Tidy Up and Prune
As plants start to slow down, it’s essential to keep your garden tidy:
• Remove spent summer crops and any diseased plants to prevent pests and fungal issues.
• Lightly prune perennials to encourage healthy new growth.
• Trim back herbs like mint and thyme to keep them bushy.
Tip: Collect fallen leaves and garden debris to start a compost pile for future use!
5. Prepare for Frost Protection
If you live in a region prone to early frosts, start thinking about protecting tender plants:
• Use cloches or frost cloths over vulnerable crops.
• Apply a thick layer of mulch to insulate plant roots.
• Move potted plants to a more sheltered location.
6. Keep Up with Weeding and Watering
Autumn rains might reduce the need for watering, but don’t neglect your garden. Continue to:
• Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth.
• Keep weeds in check to prevent them from taking over your garden beds.
7. Plan for the Next Growing Season
Now is a great time to reflect on what worked well in your summer garden and start planning for spring. Consider crop rotation, ordering seeds, and preparing new garden beds for the next planting season.
Need a soil boost? Try Cozy Crops Wool Pellets! Our eco-friendly pellets help improve soil health, retain moisture, and keep your plants happy throughout autumn and winter.