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Preparing for Spring – Summer Native Planting

As winter comes to an end and the days begin to warm up, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your garden for spring and summer planting. Sydney’s climate offers ideal conditions for a wide range of Australian native plants, but thoughtful preparation in late winter will set you up for a thriving, low-maintenance garden as the seasons shift.

Why Late Winter Preparation Matters

Native plants are well adapted to Sydney’s soils and weather, but they still benefit from planning. By preparing your garden in August, you give the soil time to recover, settle and build nutrients before you introduce new plants. This means healthier growth and stronger establishment when spring arrives.

Steps to Get Your Garden Ready

1. Assess Your Soil

• Check soil type: Most gardens often have sandy or clay soils. Natives prefer well-drained conditions, so you may need to improve soil with organic matter or sand.

• Test pH: Most natives grow best in slightly acidic soils (pH 5.5–6.5). A quick soil test can guide whether you need amendments.

2. Clear and Weed

Remove invasive weeds, spent annuals and unwanted plants. Weeds compete heavily with young native plants for nutrients and water, especially in the crucial establishment stage.

3. Mulch and Condition

Apply a layer of low-phosphorus mulch, such as eucalyptus mulch or native leaf litter. This helps regulate soil temperature, conserve moisture and suppress weeds – vital as the weather warms up.

4. Choose the Right Natives

Think about your garden’s conditions, for example:

• Full sun: Kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos), Grevilleas, Banksias

• Part shade: Correas, Native violets, Lomandras

• Groundcovers: Hardenbergia, Native pigface (Carpobrotus), Myoporum

Selecting species that are suited to your site ensures strong growth without the need for constant intervention.

5. Watering Plan

Spring can be warm and dry. When planting in September and October, ensure consistent deep watering to help young roots establish. Once settled, most natives require very little supplemental watering.

6. Prepare for Pollinators

Natives like bottlebrush (Callistemon) and grevillea not only brighten your garden but also attract birds, bees and butterflies. Plan your planting to create a habitat that supports biodiversity.

When to Start Planting

From early September through November, conditions are ideal: soils are warming, days are longer and rainfall is often more reliable than in peak summer. Getting plants in the ground early gives them time to establish before the heat of January and February.

🌿 Partner with Muru Mittigar Native Nursery

For your next planting project, collaborate with Muru Mittigar Native Nursery. We supply high-quality Australian native plants grown locally and sustainably, with a deep respect for Country and culture. Whether you’re a home gardener, landscaper, school or organisation –  Muru Mittigar can provide the right plants and guidance to ensure your garden flourishes this spring and summer.

Get in touch with Muru Mittigar today to source native plants for your project and grow with purpose.