NZ garden calendar: season by season

Spring (September to November)

• Start mowing more often as the grass grows faster. Raise the mower a little for the first cuts.
• Feed the lawn and fix bare patches with seed or ready lawn.
• Plant summer vegetables once the risk of frost has passed. Many gardeners wait until after Labour Day for tomatoes.
• Mulch garden beds to keep weeds down and hold moisture.
• Book a gardener early: spring is the busiest time of the year.

Summer (December to February)

• Mow regularly but not too short, so the lawn copes with dry spells.
• Water deeply in the early morning or evening.
• Trim hedges after the spring growth spurt.
• Pick fruit and vegetables often, and watch for pests.

Autumn (March to May)

• A good time to lay a new lawn or sow seed: the soil is still warm and rain returns.
• Plant trees, shrubs and spring bulbs.
• Rake leaves and clear gutters.
• Give hedges a last tidy trim before winter.

Winter (June to August)

• Mow only when needed, and not on frosty or wet grass.
• Prune roses and fruit trees while they are dormant.
• Plant garlic: many gardeners plant it around the shortest day.
• Plan new garden beds and landscaping for spring.

Questions about the NZ gardening year

When should I start mowing in spring in NZ?

When the grass starts to grow faster, usually from September. Start with a high cut and lower it slowly over a few weeks.

When is the best time to lay a new lawn in NZ?

Autumn and spring. The soil is warm enough for roots to grow and there is usually enough rain.

When is a gardener busiest?

In spring, when lawns and hedges grow fast. Book regular visits before the season starts.

Checked in October 2026.

Gardeners near you

• Gardeners Auckland
• Gardeners Wellington
• Gardeners Christchurch
• Gardeners Hamilton
• Gardeners Tauranga
• Gardeners Dunedin