Essential November Gardening Tips for South Australian Gardens

As spring reaches full swing, November is one of the most important months in the South Australian gardening calendar. Warmer days and longer sunlight hours bring renewed growth, colour, and energy to the garden — but they also signal the need to prepare for the intense summer heat ahead.

From planting summer vegetables to managing pests and caring for your lawn, the work you put in now will shape how well your garden thrives through the hotter months. Here’s your November gardening guide to help set your garden up for a flourishing summer.

Plant Your Summer Vegetables and Herbs

With soil temperatures on the rise, November is an ideal time to sow or plant warm-season crops. Tomatoes, capsicums, cucumbers, and eggplants love the warmth and will steadily grow as summer approaches.

Don’t forget herbs, too — basil, oregano, and thyme are particularly well-suited to this time of year and will add fresh flavour to meals all summer long.

If you’re yet to plant fast-growing crops like beans, zucchini, and radishes, get them in now. These varieties thrive in well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.

Water Wisely as the Weather Warms Up

South Australia’s dry heat means efficient watering is essential.
To help your plants stay hydrated:

• Water early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation.
• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to deliver moisture directly to the roots.
• Apply a thick layer of mulch to protect soil moisture and keep roots cool.

Check soil moisture regularly — plants can dry out quickly as temperatures climb.

Prune and Deadhead to Encourage New Growth

November is the perfect month for giving your garden a tidy-up.
Remove spent flowers to encourage new blooms, and lightly prune shrubs and perennials to maintain shape and encourage stronger growth.

Roses will benefit from a light prune following their first flush of spring flowers.
Fruit trees will also appreciate attention — remove dead or crossing branches and trim water shoots to improve air flow and direct energy into fruiting.

Stay Ahead of Pests and Disease

With the heat comes increased pest activity.
Inspect your plants regularly for:

• Aphids
• Whiteflies
• Scale insects
• Early signs of fungal diseases like powdery mildew

Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage pests without harming beneficial insects.
If you have fruit trees, be proactive about fruit fly protection — use netting, traps, or exclusion bags, and harvest fruit promptly.

Keep Your Lawn Healthy and Summer-Ready

Your lawn will be growing quickly now. To keep it looking lush:

• Mow regularly, but don’t cut too short — aim for a cutting height of 4–5 cm.
• Apply a slow-release nitrogen fertiliser if the lawn looks tired.
• Aerate compacted soil to improve oxygen and water penetration.
• Overseed bare patches to achieve a consistent finish.

A well-prepared lawn now will withstand heat stress much better later.

Prepare for Heatwaves Early

As summer approaches, think ahead.
Use shade cloth or simple shade structures to protect tender plants from midday sun.
Group plants with similar water needs together and refresh mulch to help regulate soil temperature.

Make sure mulch is kept slightly away from the plant stem to prevent rot.

Boost Soil Health with Compost

If you’ve been composting, now is the time to work that nutrient-rich compost into your beds. This improves soil structure, boosts fertility, and promotes healthy microbial activity.

If you haven’t started composting yet, begin now — simply add kitchen scraps, garden trimmings, and lawn clippings to your compost bin or pile. Building healthy soil is a long-term investment that pays off year-round.

Check Your Irrigation System

Before summer hits, do a quick irrigation review:

• Ensure hoses and pipes are working properly.
• Check drippers and sprinklers aren’t blocked.
• Consider upgrading to a smart irrigation controller for automatic weather-based adjustments.

This saves both water and effort — especially during heatwaves.

Add Summer Colour

To brighten your garden, plant summer flowering favourites such as:

• Marigolds
• Sunflowers
• Zinnias
• Cosmos

These flowers not only look stunning but also attract bees and butterflies, boosting pollination and biodiversity.

Succulent Care in November

Succulents love South Australia’s conditions but still benefit from care:

• Ensure they’re in well-draining soil.
• Move pot-bound succulents to sunnier spots to prevent stretching.
• Propagate cuttings now for easy, new plants to enjoy or share.

Final Thoughts

November is a rewarding month in the garden — a time of preparation, growth, and anticipation. By focusing on watering, soil conditioning, pruning, pest control, and planting, you’ll give your garden the best chance to thrive through summer.

A little effort now leads to a vibrant, productive, and enjoyable garden all season long.

Happy gardening! 🌿🌞🌼

Ask one of our knowledgeable garden staff members for advice if you have any questions regarding anything having to do with your garden, indoors or out. We would be pleased to lead you on the correct path. Call us on 1300 165 165 or visit your local store.