Autumn is one of the best times of year to get your garden going. The soil is still warm from summer, the days are milder, and plants establish beautifully without the stress of extreme heat.
At Lumpy’s Nursery & Landscape Yard, this is the season we love helping customers set up for a productive veggie patch, thriving herbs, and a garden that keeps giving right through winter.
What to Plant This Autumn
Herbs to Grow Now
Autumn is perfect for herbs that love cooler conditions and steady growth.
Some of our favourites:
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Parsley
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Coriander
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Oregano
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Thyme
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Rosemary
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Sage
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Chives
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Garlic
These are easy to grow, great for cooking, and ideal for pots near the kitchen.
Vegetables for a Productive Patch
Autumn veggies are all about hearty, reliable crops.
Top picks for success:
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Broccoli & cauliflower
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Cabbage & kale
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Carrots & beetroot
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Lettuce & spinach
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Peas & broad beans
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Onions, leeks & spring onions
These thrive in cooler weather and will reward you over the coming months.
Fruiting Plants to Get Established
Autumn is also a great time to plant fruiting varieties so they establish before next season.
Consider planting:
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Strawberries
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Passionfruit
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Citrus (especially dwarf limes)
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Figs
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Feijoa
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Guava
Plant now, and you’ll set yourself up for strong growth and better fruiting later.
Flowers (Keep It Simple)
You don’t need a huge list—just a few seasonal favourites to add colour:
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Pansies
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Snapdragons
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Alyssum
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Calendula
These will brighten up your garden and attract beneficial insects.
How to Plant for Success
In the Ground
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Choose a sunny spot (at least 5–6 hours of sun)
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Improve your soil with compost or a quality garden mix
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Break up the soil so roots can grow easily
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Plant at the same depth as the pot
Raised Garden Beds (Vege Pods etc.)
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Use a premium vegetable mix (this is key)
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Ensure good drainage
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Great for controlling soil quality and reducing weeds
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Perfect for small spaces or beginners
Pots
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Use a quality potting mix (not garden soil)
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Make sure pots have drainage holes
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Ideal for herbs, leafy greens, and compact fruit trees
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Position where they’ll get good sunlight and easy access to water
Watering Tips (This Is Where Most People Go Wrong)
Autumn is not summer—so watering needs change.
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Water deeply, not lightly
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2–3 times per week is usually enough (depending on weather)
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Check soil before watering—don’t just guess
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Pots dry out faster than garden beds, so check them more often
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Early morning is best
Tip from Lumpy’s:
If the soil is still damp a few centimetres down, don’t water. Overwatering is just as harmful as underwatering.
Final Thought
With rising grocery prices, there’s never been a better time to grow your own. It’s cost-effective, rewarding, and honestly—nothing beats picking fresh herbs or veggies straight from your own garden.
Whether you’re starting from scratch or topping up your patch, the team at Lumpy’s is here to help with plants, soil, fertiliser, and good old-fashioned advice.
Pop in and let’s get your autumn garden growing.