Skip to main content
Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

Ready to Collect in 2 hours

Seven autumn gardening tips

Ripe orange cumquats on a tree
Autumn is a good time to get into the garden. Your soil will still contain a fair bit of warmth from summer before the winter rain hits, so it's a great time to get planting. And you'll also enjoy doing some D.I.Y. without the summer heat.

 

Plant fruit trees

New Zealand's climate and conditions are ideal for growing fruit trees. All they need is full sun, good drainage, room to grow and they'll be thriving in no time. A good tip is to avoid overcrowding your trees with other plants or structures like fences as this will curb their growth.

Make your own compost

Compost is a natural fertiliser that is great for your garden. It can help you save money and it's good for the environment. Autumn is a great time to start making compost because many trees are dropping their leaves, which you'll need to use. Make sure you get the balance right between garden waste and kitchen scraps in the compost mix for the best results.

Mulch for your garden

Mulch is your garden's best friend. It helps the soil hold in moisture so you don't have to water it as often and it also keeps down weeds. Over time, mulch will break down into your soil and improve it by adding nutrients. There are a few different types of mulch, including organic and inorganic varieties.

Fertilise your lawn

Fertilising your lawn will ensure that it stays green and healthy throughout the year. Autumn is a great time to apply fertiliser because it protects your lawn through the winter months. You should aim to fertilise twice a year for the best results.

Prune trees

There are many reasons why you should prune your trees. It helps improve the health and appearance of your trees, removes dead or dying branches and it can even promote crop growth in fruit trees. We'll show you how to prune trees correctly, how to avoid damaging the tree and which tools you should be using.

Plant bulbs

Planting bulbs is a great way to add a splash of colour to your garden. You'd be surprised how many different colours, sizes and types of bulbs that you can choose from. Autumn is the perfect time of year to plant them as they'll have enough time to grow before they are ready to flourish in spring. Bulbs are really easy to grow although make sure that you choose a spot with plenty of sunlight.

Build a garden bed

A garden bed can be a great feature to have in your garden. It's the perfect place to grow vegies or act as a focal point in your backyard. For the best results, use a good quality top soil so your plants get enough of the good nutrients they need to start growing. Also make sure before you build your garden bed to consider the location because the levels of sun and shade will determine which type of plants will grow.

 

Health & Safety

Please make sure you use all equipment appropriately and safely when following the advice in these D.I.Y. videos. You need to be familiar with how to use equipment safely and follow the instructions that came with the equipment. If you are unsure, you may feel it is safest to consult an expert, such as the manufacturer or an expert Bunnings Team Member.

Grave health hazards are linked to asbestos, which may be in homes built up to 1990. Health hazards may result from exposure to lead-based paints in older materials and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer. You can also use a simple test kit from Bunnings to indicate the presence of lead-based paint.