Spring Gardening Tips: Mistakes Holding Your Garden Back

Our editors handpick everything we recommend. We may receive revenue for sharing this content or when you shop through our links. Read more here

Spring is here, and gardens across Australia are starting to bloom. But while our plants may look happy, new research commissioned by Scotts – the trusted Australian gardening brand – has uncovered a hidden truth: one in three Aussies admit they lack confidence in their gardening skills, and one in five aren’t even sure if their plants are truly thriving.

It’s not just a confidence problem. The study found that 64 per cent of Aussies say they’re too time-poor for proper garden care, which leaves many turning to unusual fixes. From singing to plants (13 per cent) to, in rare cases, urinating on them (1 in 33 Aussies!), some of our green thumb “solutions” are more creative than effective.

The root of the problem

Water and sunlight are the basics, but what many gardeners forget is the soil. Healthy, nutrient-rich soil is the foundation for strong, resilient plants.

But healthy soil doesn’t just help your plants grow; it’s good for the environment too. Rich soil keeps water in the ground, supports helpful microbes and means you can use fewer chemicals.

That’s why Scotts has enlisted wine expert and comedian Merrick Watts as Australia’s first Soilmelier, using his love of terroir to show Aussies that great gardens (like great wines) start below the surface. Together, they’re on a mission to help Australians feed their soil properly and grow stronger, healthier plants.

Comedian Merrick Watts, dressed as a 'Soilmelier' in a lab coat, holds up a bag of Scotts Organic Plant Food in a cluttered shed laboratory. Pictured: Comedian and wine expert Merrick Watts – Scotts’ new ‘Soilmelier’).

Simple spring soil fixes

You don’t need to overhaul your garden to see results. Try these easy steps this season:

Feed the soil: Don’t just water – give your plants food through the soil.

Add organic matter: Compost or organic plant food boosts structure and supports soil life.

Start now: Spring’s longer days make it the perfect time for soil nutrition.

Go natural: Organic solutions enriched with seaweed, fish and minerals work with nature, not against it.

If you’re looking for a little help this spring, Scotts Organic Plant Food (only $15.99 at Bunnings Warehouse) makes it easy to give your soil and plants the nutrition they need.

Enriched with organic matter and natural minerals, it supports healthy soil structure, encourages stronger roots and helps plants thrive – whether you’re growing flowers, vegetables, or balcony herbs.

“Scotts Organic Plant Food not only rebuilds the structure of the soil while feeding your plants, but does it so bloody simply, effectively and organically,” says Mr Watts.

Give your garden the boost it deserves this spring

Scotts 1L Organic Plant Food Concentrate

Packed with natural goodness, Scotts’ Organic Plant Food feeds your soil and plants essential nutrients to grow stronger, healthier and happier. It helps roots dig deeper, supports beneficial microbes and keeps plants resilient against frost, heat and drought – all while being kind to the environment.

“My not so healthy African violets have come back to life and are in bloom again,” shared a five-star Bunnings reviewer. “Plus my monstera is growing so big and sprouting new growth. It’s been amazing.”

Another added: “I often use store bought generic plant foods and fertiliser and to be honest, nothing has compared to the Scotts Organic Plant Food. My plants are noticeably healthier and thriving! I also decided to add some to our lawn and smaller pot plants because I noticed such a wonderful difference on our veggie garden and they too equally thrived.”

Key features:

Feeds soil and encourages helpful microbes

Strengthens roots for more resilient plants

Promotes lush growth and healthy foliage

Made with natural, organic ingredients

Less plastic, less waste – better for your garden and the planet

Shopping Producer

Tiarne Blackwell

Shopping Producer

With a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Wollongong, Tiarne spent the early years of her career honing her writing skills at publications like BEAUTYcrew, beauyheaven, Bounty Parents and BEAUTYDIRECTORY. Now, as a Digital Content Producer for Better Homes & Gardens, The Australian Women’s Weekly, Women’s Weekly Food and New Idea, Tiarne crafts content across homes, food, beauty, fashion and more. Her eight years of writing experience and love of shopping translate into articles that help readers find the best products (at even better prices!). Beyond the digital world, Tiarne enjoys unwinding with her dog, indulging in her love of baking, putting her beloved air fryer to good use and watching hours of mindless television (balance is important). These passions shine through in her writing, making her your guide to living well – at home, on a plate and beyond.

Disclaimer: By joining, you agree to our Privacy Policy & Terms of Use

About your privacy Are Media Pty Limited collects your personal information through this site to process registrations, send out newsletters, communicate offers, discounts, competitions, or surveys, and to provide you with targeted advertising based on your online activities. Our Privacy Policy contains information on how you can access or correct your personal information, which entities we may disclose your personal information to (including overseas recipients), how to opt out of targeted advertising, and how to lodge a complaint.