April is a beautiful transition month in the New Zealand garden. With the days growing shorter and the crispness of autumn settling in, it's time to prepare for the cooler months ahead while making the most of the lingering warmth. This year, with much of the country experiencing dry conditions, managing water wisely is more important than ever. Here’s some ideas of what to plant, key maintenance tasks to focus on, and how to navigate drought challenges.
What to Plant in April
Autumn is prime time for establishing cool-season crops and perennials that will thrive in the months ahead.
• Vegetables: Sow brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), leafy greens (spinach, silverbeet, rocket, mizuna), and root crops (beetroot, carrots, radishes, parsnips). Garlic and onions can also be planted now for harvesting in summer.
• Herbs: Parsley, coriander, and chives grow well in the cooler months. Perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme can be planted now to establish strong roots before winter.
• Fruit Trees & Perennials: This is an excellent time to plant fruit trees, berries, and other perennials. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth before winter dormancy.
• Flowers: For colour and beneficial pollinators, plant calendula, violas, pansies, and snapdragons. Sweet peas can be sown now for a gorgeous spring display.
Autumn Garden Maintenance
April is all about preparing your garden for winter, ensuring plants are well-supported, and maintaining soil health.
• Mulching & Soil Health: Top up mulch around trees and garden beds to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use compost or aged manure to feed the soil and improve structure.
• Pruning & Tidying: Remove spent summer crops, cut back dead or diseased foliage, and prune berry canes that have finished fruiting. Avoid heavy pruning on frost-sensitive plants just yet.
• Seed Saving & Propagation: Collect seeds from summer vegetables and flowers for next season. Many plants, like rosemary and lavender, can be propagated from cuttings now.
• Weeding: Weeds can take advantage of autumn rains, so stay on top of them before they set seed.
• Preparing for Frosts: In colder regions, start planning frost protection for tender plants by gathering frost cloths, setting up cloches, or shifting potted plants to sheltered spots.
Managing the Dry Conditions
This year has been particularly dry, making water conservation crucial.
• Deep, Less Frequent Watering: Water deeply but less often to encourage deep root growth. Early morning or late evening is best to reduce evaporation.
• Greywater & Rainwater Use: If possible, redirect household greywater (from washing machines and sinks) to water non-edible plants. If you have a rainwater tank, prioritise key crops and young trees.
• Cover Crops & Green Manures: Planting cover crops like mustard or lupins can help improve soil moisture retention and add organic matter. I really like Kings Seeds Autumn Mix.
• Windbreaks & Shade: Reduce moisture loss by creating wind barriers with hedging, shade cloth, or by planting hardy shrubs in strategic locations.
• Soil Additives: Add biochar to your soil to help improve it’s water retention abilities.
Final Thoughts
April is a rewarding month in the garden—there’s still plenty to plant, and it’s the perfect time to prepare for the season ahead. By focusing on soil health, water conservation, and smart planting choices, you’ll set your garden up for success through winter and beyond. Whether you're growing food, flowers, or simply nurturing your patch of green, embrace the rhythm of the changing season and enjoy the beauty of autumn in your garden.