Autumn creeps up on gardens faster than you'd think. The sun's still out, the roses might still be going, but underneath it all the season's already turning — and a bit of prep now saves a lot of hassle later. Here's what to focus on.
Tidy, but don't overdo it
Resist the urge to clear everything. Seedheads, log piles and undisturbed corners give insects and wildlife somewhere to shelter and feed through winter, so leave some be. What you do want to clear is anything that could rot down and spread disease, plus keeping paths, patios and decking swept and free of slippery leaves. Rake fallen leaves off the lawn and turn them into leaf mulch rather than binning them.
Prune with intent
Cut back dead or straggly branches on trees and shrubs to keep growth healthy and disease at bay. Perennials that have finished flowering can be tidied up too, ready for fresh growth in spring — but leave a few standing. They'll add structure to the garden through winter and give wildlife somewhere to hide.
Feed the soil
A layer of well-rotted mulch across your beds and borders does more than tidy things up. It locks in moisture, keeps soil temperature steadier, and keeps weeds down while you're indoors avoiding the cold. Over time it breaks down and feeds the soil too.
Protect what needs protecting
Not every plant can handle a hard frost. If you've got anything tender, work out now whether it needs a sheltered spot, or something more — horticultural fleece or a cloth wrap — to see it through the coldest nights. A bit of protection now means it comes back strong in spring.
Plant for spring
Autumn is bulb season. Get daffodils, tulips and crocuses into the ground (or pots) now, at the right depth, and you'll be rewarded with colour come spring. It’s also a great time to add some seasonal colour with autumn and winter bedding plants, see our guide to planting autumn and winter bedding plants for some ideas. It's also a good moment to divide overcrowded perennials, move plants that have outgrown their spot, and collect seeds from your favourites so you can grow them all over again next year.
Pop into Carpenters Nursery and we'll help you find everything you need to get your garden autumn-ready.
