Your spring gardening questions answered

• Healthy soil, rich in organic matter and moisture-retaining mulch, is the foundation for productive spring vegetable gardens. 

• Attracting pollinators and using companion planting helps balance the garden ecosystem while keeping pests at bay. 

• Regular monitoring, natural pest control, and smart preparation for summer holidays ensure your garden thrives through challenges. 

Spring is one of the most rewarding times in the garden; longer days, fresh growth, and the promise of abundant harvests. But with the excitement also comes extra work: weeds that won’t quit, insects on the move, and garden beds that need preparing for the season ahead. 

That’s where our partner, Seasol, comes in. For more than 40 years, Seasol’s horticultural team has been helping Australians grow healthier plants, build stronger communities, and care for the environment. We asked their experts to share practical tips and solutions to the most common spring gardening challenges raised by our Kitchen Garden educators. Here’s what they had to say. 

Now that we're in spring, we're excited to plant fresh veggies in our raised garden bed. How can we prepare our soil for healthy, heavy-cropping plants? 

To help your raised veggie patch thrive, mix in plenty of homemade compost and organic matter, or use a premium compost mix for an extra boost. 

Vegetables use up lots of nutrients, so adding organic matter keeps your soil healthy and helps worms and microbes thrive. It also helps the soil hold moisture, which supports your plants. 

Check if water soaks into the soil. If it pools or runs off the soil, it might be repelling water. Using a soil wetter can help water soak down to where it’s needed. 

Finally, if possible, allow the soil to rest for a couple of weeks to let the good things go to work in the soil. This improves moisture and nutrient levels. To maintain warmth and moisture levels, cover the soil with an organic mulch, such as sugarcane mulch or pea straw. 

Want to take your compost to the next level? Kitchen Garden Program members can access our Composting Collection on the Shared Table, as well as our compost lasagne recipe and our compost in a jar activity for early childhood.

Spring has brought a plethora of insects to our garden. How can we support the pollinators and protect our garden at the same time? 

The best way to attract pollinating insects to your garden is to create a pollinator garden surrounding or within your veggie patch. A pollinator garden consists of flowering plants such as lavender, borage, coneflowers, sunflowers, and various herbs and native wildflowers, which are rich in pollen and nectar. 

To keep pests away, consider planting companion plants in your veggie garden. These plants not only help deter unwanted insects but can also attract beneficial ones. For instance, planting basil alongside tomatoes can repel whiteflies, marigolds are effective at keeping nematodes away, and nasturtiums can lure aphids away from beans, onions, and other vegetables. 

Inspired to create your own buzzing garden? Register for our free Create a native pollinator garden webinar with Heartscapes’ Emma Cutting, and read our interview with the author of Planting for Native Birds, Bees and Butterflies. 

Help! Aphids and thrips are loving my leafy greens a little too much. What should I do? 

The key to deterring pests like aphids and thrips is to regularly inspect your veggie patch. By inspecting it daily, you can identify small infestations early on, allowing you to control them before they spread. 

Start by ensuring your veggie patch is free of diseased and dead plants, as these can attract pests. Remove any plants that have finished producing and prune away any diseased leaves. Dispose of these prunings in the rubbish bin, not in the compost bin. Additionally, eliminate weeds and unwanted plants that can harbour pests and contribute to an infestation. 

To manage pest populations, encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybirds and their larvae, which feed voraciously on aphids. Always check for the presence of these helpful insects. 

You can also remove aphids by squashing them or hosing them off the plants. Natural pesticides can help control infestations. When applying the spray, follow the directions on the packaging and ensure you cover both sides of the leaves. Avoid spraying when beneficial insects and bees are present. 

Kitchen Garden Program members can explore our Beneficial insects in the kitchen garden for more tips and advice over on the Shared Table

Planning ahead for the long, hot summer holidays, how can we support our garden to thrive whilst we're away and not tending to it as much? 

The preparation of plant care while you are away will depend on how long you are gone. If it’s a short period, get friends to check on your veggie patch every couple of days. They can harvest and take home any ripe produce – a thank you for their care. 

Check the soil moisture and water the plants, if necessary, especially if hot weather is forecast. If a watering system is in place, ensure it is functioning properly. Water in the morning, in the cool of the day, allows the plants to use the water effectively during the day. 

The next step is to examine plants, remove those that have finished production, remove diseased foliage, and check for pests. Remove pests by hand (wear gloves) or spray them with a hose. If the infestation has taken hold, control it with a natural pesticide. Repeat applications may be necessary depending on the pest and the plant. Do not spray around beneficial bees and insects. 

When you will be away for an extended period (several weeks), it’s important to prepare your garden. First, harvest any produce and remove plants that have finished production. Avoid planting anything new until you return and can care for it. 

To help water your plants while you’re gone, install a watering system to water your plants every morning. In the weeks leading up to your holiday, regularly apply natural, organic garden solution every fortnight. This will help your plants cope with environmental stresses such as heat, pests, and diseases. 

Apply plant food for tomatoes and vegetables to provide your plants with a consistent source of balanced nutrients while you’re away. Top up your vegetable garden beds with organic mulch, like lucerne, sugarcane mulch, or pea straw, to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool and moist. 

A big thank you to the Seasol horticulture team for generously sharing their gardening knowledge and expertise! If you can’t get enough of their expert advice, they’ve answered more of your burning questions here.