April is a beautiful time in Brisbane – the days are cooler and it's the perfect month to set your garden up for a healthy, low-maintenance winter. Whether you’re tending to your lawn, pruning back overgrowth, or feeding your garden, a little effort now will make a big difference in the months to come.
Lawn Care: Preparing for winter
Autumn is your last chance before winter to get your lawn in top shape. Here’s what to focus on:
1. Aerate your lawn
Use a garden fork or mechanical aerator to pierce small holes across your lawn – this improves oxygen, water, and nutrient penetration to the roots. It’s especially helpful if you have compacted or clay soil.
2. Apply a slow-release lawn fertiliser
Choose a fertiliser formulated for autumn use – high in potassium, lower in nitrogen – to strengthen roots rather than promote top growth. This prepares your lawn for the dormant season and helps it green up faster in spring.
3. Adjust your mowing height
Raise your mower blades a notch to leave the grass slightly longer. This protects the roots from cooler temperatures and helps retain soil moisture. Aim for 4–5 cm in length.
What to prune in April
April is a transitional month – ideal for some pruning, but risky for others.
1. Hedges and shrubs
Give them a light trim to maintain shape and promote denser growth before winter. This includes box hedges, murraya, lilly pilly, and viburnum. This will prevent unwanted seedlings after flowering.
2. Climbing plants
Tidy climbers like star jasmine and bougainvillea. Cut back stray stems and guide new growth along trellises or supports.
Tip: Always use clean, sharp secateurs to prevent disease.
What NOT to prune in April
1. Spring-flowering plants
Camellias, azaleas, and magnolias are forming buds now. Pruning them will remove next season’s flowers. Wait until after they bloom.
2. Frost-sensitive plants
Leave foliage on tropicals like hibiscus, bananas, and gingers. The extra leaves protect against chilly nights and potential frost pockets.
Fertilising: Autumn Feeding for Stronger Growth
April is a great time to apply slow-release or organic fertilisers to encourage root growth and overall plant health.
1. Vegetables and herbs
Add compost or well-rotted manure into your veggie beds before planting. Organic fertilisers like pelletised chicken manure (e.g., Dynamic Lifter) provide a gentle, long-lasting feed.
2. Citrus and fruiting trees
Feed with a citrus-specific blend. Look for something high in potassium to support flowering and fruit development. Water in well and mulch around the drip line (not the trunk). Check out our full how to mulch guide here.
3. Flowering plants and natives
Use a low-phosphorus fertiliser for native species. For exotics, apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser. Always water before and after fertilising to prevent root burn.
Tip: Apply fertiliser early in the day and avoid feeding right before heavy rain.
What to Plant in April
Vegetables
Sow seeds or seedlings of:
- Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage – start in trays and transplant after 3–4 weeks.
- Spinach, silverbeet, lettuce – sow directly into well-prepared beds.
- Peas and broad beans – need trellising, so plan space for support.
Herbs
Now’s a great time for:
- Coriander – loves cooler weather.
- Parsley, chives, dill, and thyme – hardy and productive through winter.
Flowers
Add seasonal colour with:
- Violas and pansies – perfect for borders and pots.
- Sweet peas – sow seeds now for a stunning spring show.
General Maintenance
1. Top up mulch
Apply a 5–7 cm layer of mulch around garden beds to insulate soil, reduce evaporation, and suppress weeds. Read more about mulching here
2. Keep an eye out for pests
Watch for caterpillars, aphids, and scale. Spray with neem oil or a horticultural soap if needed. Remove any diseased foliage promptly.
3. Tidy up garden beds
Remove spent summer crops, clear fallen leaves (especially around citrus trees), and refresh beds ready for new plantings.
4. Clean and sharpen tools
Autumn is a quieter season in the garden – the perfect time to maintain your tools. Clean, oil, and sharpen secateurs, shears, and spades for efficient, safe use.