Autumn in the kitchen garden checklist

Autumn has well and truly arrived and there’s plenty of work to be done. From chopping compost to masterminding your cool season garden, here’s a list of ideas to help you get started. 

Planning your cool season garden  

It’s truly a tale of two climates when it comes to sharing autumn-related gardening advice at this time of year. In southern temperate areas, plant growth is beginning to slow as soil temperatures drop, making the next few weeks your last chance to plant before it gets too cold. You can always pop last-minute plantings such as cauliflowers or broccoli in a greenhouse to keep the seedlings cosy. Consider sowing other winter crops such as cabbage and broad beans. 

Meanwhile up north, it’s full steam ahead with planting! This time of year is great for growing in tropical and subtropical climates. You can plant your favourite root crops such as potatoes and beetroot, brassicas such as cauliflower and broccoli, greens including celery and lettuce and even strawberries! For more detailed information on what to grow and where for different climates, members can access our downloadable planting and harvesting guides on our online resource library and community hub, the Shared Table.  

As you transition to your cool season garden, remember to collect and store seeds from your summer harvest. Check out our recent news story with all our favourite seed saving tips and tricks. 

Clever composting  

Now is the time to remove your summer crops and turn them into compost. Invite your students to a ‘chop and chat’, where they chop up garden waste and enjoy a fun chat amongst friends. Taking the time to cut compost ingredients into smaller pieces speeds up the decomposition process and makes it easier to spread later. 

If you have deciduous trees growing nearby, rake up their fallen leaves to create carbon-rich compost material. You don’t have to add them to the compost all at once either – store your extra leaves in black garbage bags with small holes in a cool dry space. This ensures you have a stash of extra leaves on hand throughout the cooler months to top-up your carbon supply. For more pro-tips, learn from our gardening expert Christie over on Instagram.  

Interesting insects 

While some insects play a crucial role in keeping your autumn garden healthy, others require some hands-on management. White cabbage butterflies are a common pest at this time of year and their larvae love to snack on your growing brassica crops. Keep these critters at bay by covering your plant with insect netting or manually plucking their larvae off the leaves.  

This time of year is prime pumpkin harvesting time. You’ll know they’re ready to be picked when their stalks have dried out. As you harvest, you may spot ladybirds hanging out under wilted leaves. They’re doing a great job of cleaning up any powdery mildew on older leaves; they also have a veracious appetite for aphids. We love seeing beneficial insects at work.  

We hope you enjoy ticking those tasks off your autumn checklist! Make sure to keep an eye on our online resource library and community hub, the Shared Table, for even more expert advice.   

Interested in joining the Kitchen Garden Program in 2025? Join a community of schools and early childhood services right around Australia teaching young people how to grow, harvest, prepare and share! Email us at membership@kitchengardenfoundation.org.au or visit our membership page to find out more.