What gardening should I be doing in winter?

Local advice from Caloundra Produce and Landscape Supplies

Winter might bring cooler temperatures, but it doesn’t mean your garden should go dormant. In fact, winter is the ideal time to get outside and lay the groundwork for a healthy, vibrant spring. From lawn maintenance and weeding to pruning and planting, there’s plenty to be done and we’re here to help you make the most of the season.

Here on the Sunshine Coast, our winters are mild enough to keep gardening productive. Whether you’re maintaining your lawn, tending your veggie patch, or refreshing your flower beds, winter is a great time to dig in.

Winter Garden Maintenance: Prep Now for Spring

Winter is the season for strategic prep. Focus on cleaning up, protecting plants, and enriching the soil so your garden bounces back stronger.

Weeding
Rainy, cooler conditions mean more weeds. Getting on top of them now prevents them from spreading and going to seed. Pull them by hand while the soil is soft, or use a hoe for larger patches. The key is consistency -regular weeding now makes for easier maintenance later.

Pruning
Late winter, especially early August, is ideal for pruning. Deciduous shrubs and perennials such as hydrangeas, wisteria, and roses benefit from a good cutback. Use sharp secateurs for clean cuts and don’t be afraid to prune hard-many plants respond well to being cut back to just a few stems. Finish with a seaweed concentrate to promote recovery and protect against frost and disease.

Mulching
After weeding and pruning, spread a thick layer of mulch to regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth. Mulch acts as insulation and adds structure to your garden beds. You can now order your mulch to be delivered online here.

Lawn Care Through Winter

Warm-season grasses like buffalo and kikuyu naturally go dormant during winter. This means your lawn may look dull or slow to grow—but that’s normal.

Fertilising
Feeding your lawn with a slow-release fertiliser helps it store nutrients and moisture for winter, supporting stronger growth in spring.

Enhancing Lawn Colour
If you’d prefer to keep your lawn looking green through winter, consider using a turf pigment like ColourMaxx. This natural pigment restores green colour and lasts for up to three months. It’s a simple way to maintain a healthy look without overstressing the grass. Or alternatively try the convenient Lawn Pride Greenxtra Hose-on.

Installing New Turf
Winter is still a viable time to install turf, especially in sunny, low-traffic areas. Cooler temperatures mean less water is required for establishment, and your new lawn will be ready to thrive when spring arrives. Shop Turf Online Here.

Winter Vegetable and Herb Planting

Winter is ideal for growing hardy, nutrient-dense crops. If your soil needs a boost, start with compost and manure to improve fertility and structure.

Vegetables to plant now:
Carrots, garlic, spring onions, potatoes, beetroot, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, kale, leek, onion, brussels sprouts

Herbs that thrive in winter:
Rosemary, thyme, parsley, basil, mint

Healthy, enriched soil is the key to success – don’t skip this step. Our Staff love using Organic Life Pellet Fertiliser for the Vege Garden

Flowers and Ornamentals for Seasonal Colour

You don’t have to wait until spring to enjoy blooms. There are plenty of flowers and native plants that will perform well through winter.

Winter-friendly flowers include:
Magnolia, grevillea, daisy, daphne, begonia, alyssum, lavender, lilly, pansy, dianthus, petunia, cyclamen, foxglove, zinnia, winter rose, daphne, bergenia, paper daisy.

These can add colour and structure to your garden during otherwise dormant months.

Other Gardening Jobs for Winter

• Feed citrus trees in June / July with a Searles all-purpose citrus fertiliser
• Plant asparagus and rhubarb crowns now for future harvests
• Get strawberries in before the end of winter
• Start tomato, capsicum, and eggplant seeds indoors in preparation for spring

Final Advice from Our Team

Winter might feel like the slow season in the garden, but it’s a crucial time for maintenance and planning. Get ahead now, and you’ll have a healthier, more productive garden in the months to come.

At Caloundra Produce and Landscape Supplies, we’ve got everything you need for your winter gardening jobs -from compost and mulch to seedlings, turf, and fertilisers.

Need help choosing the right products or advice tailored to your backyard? Come in and speak with our knowledgeable team. Know what you want? Rather Click & Collect to save time? Shop Online Here: