1. Harvesting the Last of the Summer Crops
With the change of season, many warm-season vegetables are coming to an end. Be sure to collect the last of:
• Tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, and eggplants
• Pumpkins and melons—leave them to cure in the sun for longer storage
• Beans and sweetcorn—save seeds for next season if growing heirloom varieties
• Basil, coriander, and other herbs—dry or freeze them for winter use
2. Seed Saving & Plant Propagation
March is the perfect time to start collecting seeds for next summer’s crops.
• Choose strong, healthy plants and allow some fruits or seed heads to mature fully before collecting seeds.
• Dry and store seeds in labeled paper envelopes in a cool, dry place.
• Take cuttings from perennials like rosemary, thyme, and lavender to propagate new plants for spring.
3. Clearing & Conditioning the Soil
After the summer growing season, the soil in your organic garden will benefit from some rejuvenation.
• Remove spent crops and compost any healthy plant material.
• Add organic matter such as compost, well-rotted manure, or seaweed to enrich the soil.
• If the soil has become compacted, lightly fork it to improve aeration before planting new crops.
4. Planting for the Cooler Months
With the soil still warm from summer, March is an ideal time to establish autumn and winter crops.
• Vegetables to plant:
o Leafy greens: spinach, silverbeet, kale, rocket
o Brassicas: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
o Root crops: carrots, beetroot, radish, parsnips
o Legumes: broad beans and peas for nitrogen-fixing benefits
o Alliums: garlic, onions, leeks (toward the end of the month for garlic)
• Herbs to sow:
o Coriander, parsley, chives, and dill thrive in the cooler weather.
• Cover Crops & Green Manures:
o Consider sowing mustard, lupins, broad beans, or clover in empty beds to improve soil fertility over winter.
5. Mulching & Weed Control
• Apply a thick layer of mulch around newly planted crops to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
• Use straw, compost, or well-rotted leaves as organic mulch options.
• Remove weeds before they go to seed, as the cooler weather will slow their growth.
6. Watering & Rainwater Collection
• Reduce irrigation as natural rainfall increases, but keep an eye on newly planted seedlings.
• Clean out gutters and ensure rainwater collection tanks are functioning well to make the most of autumn rains.
7. Pest & Disease Management
• Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and white cabbage butterflies on brassicas—you can use fine mesh netting or companion plants to deter them.
• Powdery mildew may still be present on late-season zucchini and pumpkin plants—remove affected leaves and increase airflow.
8. Planning & Preparing for Winter
• Take notes on what worked well in your summer garden and what you’d like to improve for next season.
• Start preparing any raised beds or tunnel houses for winter growing.
• Order fruit trees or perennial plants for winter planting.
Embracing the Seasonal Shift
March is a time of gratitude for summer’s abundance and preparation for the next cycle of growth. By nurturing the soil, planting cool-season crops, and making space for the coming changes, you set the foundation for a resilient and thriving organic garden.
Take a moment to enjoy the beauty of the transition—cooler mornings, golden afternoons, and the promise of another fruitful season ahead.