Autumn Garden Jobs

As autumn settles in with its crisp air and golden light, now is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the quieter months ahead. Tackle these essential tasks to protect your plants, tidy borders, and set the stage for a vibrant spring.

Clearing and Cleaning

Remove all dead leaves, fallen fruit, and spent annuals to prevent disease and pests overwintering.

Key actions

• Rake up leaves from lawns and beds to prevent smothering plants and encourage air circulation.
• Cut back herbaceous perennials (like hostas and hellebores) to 10cm above soil level once they’ve died back.
• Dispose of diseased plant material in the green bin, not the compost heap.

Planting Bulbs and Perennials

Autumn is ideal for planting bulbs and hardy perennials, giving roots time to establish before winter.

Key actions

• Plant tulips, daffodils, and crocuses in September and October for spring blooms.
• Dig in new perennials like hellebores or ornamental grasses, ensuring soil is well-drained.
• Water thoroughly after planting, especially if the weather turns dry.

Feeding and Mulching

Strengthen plants and protect soil structure with simple, organic care.

Key actions

• Apply a 5cm layer of well-rotted garden compost around established perennials and shrubs.
• Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilisers; focus on organic matter to feed soil microbes.
• Mulch around trees and shrubs to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Preparing Borders for Winter

Tidy up without overdoing it—balance neatness with wildlife needs.

Key actions

• Cut back faded herbaceous plants only if they’re unsightly; leave seed heads for birds.
• Lift and divide overgrown clumps of plants like daylilies or ornamental grasses.
• Tie up loose stems of clematis or roses to prevent wind damage.

Protecting Tender Plants

Shield vulnerable plants from harsh weather without trapping moisture.

Key actions

• Move potted tender plants (e.g., pelargoniums) to a sheltered spot or greenhouse.
• Wrap young trees or tender shrubs with hessian in exposed areas.
• Avoid covering plants with plastic—use breathable materials like fleece if needed.

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