October marks the true arrival of spring across Australia — a time of growth, renewal, and (if you’re not careful) the beginning of garden chaos.
Across the country, lawns are waking up, weeds are germinating fast, and garden pests are on the move. Warm days and spring rain combine to create perfect growing conditions — not just for plants, but also for insects, fungi, and invasive species.
Whether you’re managing a lush buffalo lawn in Brisbane, tackling bindii in Adelaide, or reviving a garden bed in Perth, this month is your golden opportunity to feed, protect, and strengthen your lawn and garden for the months ahead.
Let’s dig in.
Spring means colour — but it’s also when aphids, thrips, and fungal spores flourish.
Now’s the time to get on top of maintenance before pests and humidity take hold.
What to plant in October:
Alyssum • Celosia • Marigold • Petunia • Verbena • Zinnia • Snapdragons • Nasturtiums • Sunflowers • Lobelia • Cosmos • Portulaca
???? Pro Tip: Choose sun-hardy flowers that handle heat, especially in coastal and inland regions. Water early, mulch well, and use Seasol weekly to strengthen plants naturally.
Watch for:
October is when lawns rebound from winter dormancy. For most of Australia, this means vigorous growth — but also weeds, grubs, and fungus if left unchecked.
Use a high-nitrogen fertiliser like Lawnpride GreenXtra 5L Concentrate for thick, green growth. Apply early morning, then water in deeply.
???? Cool-climate lawns (ryegrass, fescue) – fertilise now to strengthen roots before summer stress.
???? Warm-climate lawns (buffalo, couch, kikuyu) – spring fertilising boosts colour and recovery.
Spring weed control is critical. Many species germinate in late winter and now move into seeding phase — meaning that every untreated weed today becomes 50 new ones by summer.
Below is a detailed list of common Australian lawn and garden weeds for October, including targeted control solutions from Everbox’s professional range.
| Weed | Description | Control Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Bindii (Soliva sessilis) | Flat rosettes with fine leaves; prickly seeds in late spring. | Bow & Arrow Herbicide – safe for buffalo, couch & kikuyu. Apply before flowering. |
| Clover (Trifolium repens) | Creeping stems, white/pink flowers, nitrogen-fixing. | Bow & Arrow or Searles Clover & Bindii Killer – repeat 2–3 weeks later if needed. |
| Creeping Oxalis (Oxalis corniculata) | Small yellow flowers, spreads through stolons. | Bow & Arrow Herbicide – repeat 6–8 weeks later. Avoid hand-pulling; it fragments easily. |
| Cudweed (Gnaphalium spp.) | Silvery, low-growing weed common in compacted soils. | Bow & Arrow. Aerate soil to discourage regrowth. |
| Capeweed (Arctotheca calendula) | Yellow daisy flowers with dark centres, low rosettes. | Bow & Arrow. Spray before seed heads form. |
| Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata) | Dandelion lookalike, yellow flowers, deep taproot. | Bow & Arrow or Dicamba-MCPA formulations. Spot spray to prevent spread. |
| Plantain (Plantago spp.) | Broad leaves, seed spikes, thrives in compacted lawns. | Bow & Arrow – consistent results after 10–14 days. |
| Weed | Description | Control Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Grass (Poa annua) | Pale green tufts with seed heads; dies off in summer leaving bare patches. | David Grays Winter Grass Killer – apply mid-autumn to early spring; repeat if needed. |
| Summer Grass (Digitaria ciliaris) | Reddish runners, forms mats in warm months. | Tribute Selective Herbicide – use only on couch and zoysia; not for buffalo. |
| Crowsfoot (Eleusine indica) | Tufted weed with flat seed heads; thrives in compacted soils. | Bow & Arrow early; switch to DSMA (where safe) for mature plants. |
| Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum) | Thick-stemmed grass with sticky seed heads. | Paspalum, Nutgrass & Clover Weed Killer . Repeat after 10 days. |
| Nutgrass / Mullumbimby Couch (Cyperus spp.) | Waxy blades, spreads via underground nuts. | Surefire Tempra 750WG Herbicide – controls both species effectively. Results in 14–21 days. |
| Weed | Description | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Fleabane (Conyza spp.) | Tall, fluffy seed heads; thrives in disturbed soil. | Glyphosate 450 Herbicide – spot spray before flowering. |
| Chickweed (Stellaria media) | Soft stems and tiny white flowers; loves moisture. | Bow & Arrow Herbicide – follow up in 3 weeks. |
| Onion Grass (Romulea rosea) | Tube-like leaves; hard bulbs underground. | Glyphosate 450 for spot treatment. |
| Lamb’s Tongue / Plantain | Long leaves in compacted soil. | Bow & Arrow + aeration. |
???? Pro Tip: Avoid mowing 2 days before and after herbicide application. Spray in calm, dry conditions and always follow label rates.
October is peak pest month. Rising temperatures trigger insect breeding, and lush new growth becomes an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Below are the most common Australian garden and lawn pests in spring — and how to stop them before damage spreads.
| Pest | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Armyworm (Spodoptera mauritia) | Brown patches, chewed leaf blades, moths visible at dusk. | LawnPride Acelepryn GR – season-long control. |
| Black Beetle & Curl Grubs | Soft, spongy turf, yellow patches, easy to lift sod. | Bifenthrin |
| Ants | Mounds and disturbed turf. | David Grays Ant Killer Granules |
| Cutworm | Cut stems of seedlings overnight. | Carbaryl Insecticide. |
???? Tip: Check your lawn at night with a torch — armyworm are nocturnal feeders.
| Pest | Host Plants | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Roses, citrus, new shoots | Superway Imidacloprid 200 Systemic Insecticide 1lt |
| Thrips | Flowers, vegetables, citrus | Searles Ecofend Vegetable & Garden Insect & Mite Spray 250ml |
| Two-Spotted Mite | Tomatoes, beans, ornamentals | Searles Ecofend Vegetable & Garden Insect & Mite Spray 250ml |
| Whitefly | Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers | Searles Bug Beater Natural Pyrethrum Spray RTU 1lt |
| Caterpillars / Budworm | Capsicum, ornamentals, petunias | Searles Bug Beater Natural Pyrethrum Spray RTU 1lt |
| Leaf Miner | Citrus, tomatoes, spinach | Searles Pest Gun White Oil Insecticide RTU 1lt |
| Scale Insects | Citrus, indoor plants | David Grays White Oil |
| Mealybugs | Indoor plants, hibiscus | David Grays White Oil |
| Pest | Risk / Concern | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|
| Spiders (Redback, Black House) | Common in sheds & outdoor furniture | Bifenthrin – long-lasting surface protection. |
| Cockroaches | Kitchens, BBQ areas, storage | Surefire Cockroach Spider Indoor And Outdoor Insecticide 1lt |
| Mosquitoes | Stagnant water, pot saucers | Superway Bugz Off Mozzie Midge |
| Termites | Wooden structures, fences | David Grays Fipronil 100SC Termiticide & Insecticide 1lt |
???? Pro Tip: Spray outdoor surfaces, eaves, and window frames in early spring to prevent pests entering as temperatures rise.
Healthy soil is the foundation for pest resistance and strong growth.
???? Water deeply, early in the morning, twice a week. Shallow watering promotes weak roots and fungus.
October is the month where proactive gardeners set themselves up for success.
Weeds are young, pests are active, and lawns are hungry — so early action saves time and frustration later.
With the right mix of feeding, prevention, and care, your garden will thrive right through summer.
Shop trusted, professional-grade products nationwide at Everbox Australia:
✅ Lawn & garden care
✅ Weed & pest control
✅ Wetting agents, fertilisers & biostimulants
✅ Australia-wide shipping & support
Grow smarter this spring — with Everbox. ????
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