October is the month when Kiwi gardens really come to life. Warmer soil, longer days, and Labour Weekend planting all make this a key time to prepare, plant, and protect your outdoor spaces. Follow these top 10 gardening and landscaping tips to set your garden up for a vibrant summer season.
1. Weed, Mulch, and Protect Moisture
Weeding and mulching go hand in hand in October. Removing weeds early stops them from competing with your plants for nutrients and water. Once cleared, apply a thick layer of mulch or pea straw to lock in soil moisture, reduce future weeds, and give your garden that tidy, well-kept look.
For vegetable beds, Somerset Pea Straw works particularly well, keeping roots cool while slowly breaking down to improve soil. In garden beds or under trees, bark or organic mulch adds texture while protecting the soil from drying out.
This simple combo not only boosts plant health but also sets your garden up for the hot summer ahead. A freshly mulched bed instantly transforms your garden, making plants pop against the rich backdrop of natural cover.
2. Plant Your Summer Vegetables at Labour Weekend
Labour Weekend is the traditional time across New Zealand to get summer crops in the ground. By then, soil temperatures have warmed enough to support healthy growth. Popular choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, capsicums, zucchini, and sweetcorn.
When planting, enrich your beds with Premium Garden Mix or All Natural Vege Mix to provide a nutrient-rich foundation. Don’t forget to stake tomatoes early—they’ll shoot up quickly once the warm weather arrives.
For pumpkins and melons, choose a sunny, spacious area and mix in Premium Compost to improve soil structure. Beans, whether French or scarlet runner, thrive when planted against a trellis or sunny fence line.
Getting your vegetables started this month ensures a steady harvest right through summer and into autumn.
3. Support and Protect Against Spring Winds
October often brings gusty spring winds, which can stress young trees, shrubs, and climbing plants. To keep roots secure and stems upright, stake your fruit trees, new shrubs, or tall perennials. This simple step helps plants focus on establishing strong roots rather than fighting the wind.
Fruit trees in particular benefit from firm staking. Use soft ties to avoid damaging bark and check regularly as plants grow. For vegetable gardens, beans and tomatoes also benefit from early staking so their vines grow strong and supported.
Consider creating simple windbreaks with shade cloth or even taller crops to protect delicate seedlings. Mulching with pea straw or bark also helps anchor soil and keep roots cooler during blustery days.
4. Keep on Top of Watering
As the days lengthen and temperatures climb, your garden will need more regular watering. Newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials require consistent moisture to establish roots. Vegetables and flower seedlings, in particular, benefit from daily watering until they’re well established.
To help reduce water use, apply pea straw or mulch around the base of plants to hold in moisture. For lawns, consider applying Prolawn AquaTurf G Wetting Agent, which helps soil retain water for longer periods—ideal for those dry summer months ahead.
A simple irrigation system or soaker hose makes watering easier and more efficient. Remember, deep and less frequent watering encourages roots to grow deeper, making plants more drought resilient.
5. Boost Soil and Fertilise for Growth
Healthy soil is the foundation of a productive garden. This October, prepare your beds by adding Premium Compost or All Natural Vege Mix before planting. These mixes improve soil structure, drainage, and nutrient levels—perfect for vegetables, herbs, and flowers alike.
For established plants, feed with Aquaticus Garden Booster, an organic fertiliser that supports healthy soil microbes and long-lasting nutrition. Lawns benefit from a spring feed too: apply Prolawn All Purpose Fertiliser evenly and water it in well.
Liquid fertilisers can also give a quick boost to hungry crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Fertilising regularly through spring sets plants up for strong growth, vibrant flowers, and abundant harvests.
6. Sow Herbs and Edible Flowers
Alongside vegetables, October is perfect for planting herbs like basil, coriander, dill, and French tarragon. Basil can be sensitive to cool temperatures, so start it indoors or in a warm, sheltered spot before moving it outside.
For something different, add edible flowers to your garden. Nasturtiums, violas, daylilies, and even rose petals can brighten up salads and summer dishes. These plants not only look stunning but also attract beneficial pollinators.
Prepare your herb and flower beds with Premium Garden Mix to ensure good drainage and nutrients. Topping with mulch or pea straw keeps the soil moist and tidy.
7. Manage Pests Before They Spread
October is a key month for preventing pests before they take hold. In apple and pear trees, codling moth is a common problem. Setting sticky traps now helps break the cycle before damage occurs. Organic sprays are another option, but be sure to follow safe application guidelines.
Slugs and snails are also active with the spring rains. Protect tender shoots, particularly from dahlias and leafy greens, with pet-safe slug bait.
Keeping your plants healthy with good soil, mulch, and consistent watering also makes them more resilient to pests. Using Aquaticus Garden Booster supports soil biology, which in turn helps plants fend off diseases naturally.
8. Brighten the Garden with Flowers and Colour
If you love colour in your garden, October is the time to sow summer favourites like cosmos, hollyhocks, and zinnias. Plant dahlia tubers now for spectacular displays later in summer, and remember to add slug bait as the green shoots emerge.
For long-term impact, ornamental trees such as Prunus ‘Shimidsu Sakura’ and Prunus ‘Awanui’ add both spring blossoms and autumn colour. Refreshing pots and urns with Premium Garden Mix gives instant results.
Colour trends this season highlight bold blues, reds, oranges, and yellows—so don’t be afraid to mix and match bright, vibrant hues. A well-planned flower garden adds not only visual appeal but also supports bees and pollinators.
9. Care for Lawns This Spring
A lush green lawn is the perfect backdrop for summer entertaining, and October is the ideal time to give yours a boost. Start by feeding with Prolawn Lawn Booster or Prolawn All Purpose Fertiliser. Apply evenly and water in well to avoid leaf burn.
If your lawn tends to dry out, apply Prolawn AquaTurf G Wetting Agent to help the soil hold onto water through the summer. For patchy lawns, reseed using Premium Lawn Soil—October’s warm soil makes it the perfect month for germination.
With the right care now, your lawn will stay greener, thicker, and more resilient through summer barbecues and backyard cricket.
10. Add Interest with Landscaping Touches
Landscaping is about more than plants—it’s about creating spaces you love. October is a great time to refresh pots and planters with Premium Garden Mix and top them off with bark or decorative mulch for a polished finish.
Pebbles also make excellent mulch alternatives, adding texture and contrast in garden beds. Try combining decorative stones with low-maintenance plants for a contemporary look.
If you’re planning a new lawn, October is the time to sow seed. The team at Central Landscapes can help you choose the right mix of seed, soil, and fertiliser to achieve a lush result.
Adding these touches not only improves function but also lifts the overall feel of your outdoor living space—ready for a summer of entertaining.
