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Some gardening tasks can’t wait until winter. Some plants will need clearing, others brought under cover. Lawns should be tidied, and sheds need checking for wear and damp. Let’s go through these garden jobs in autumn in detail, shall we?
5 Garden Jobs in Autumn Worth Doing Now
Here are some basic chores to get ahead before winter sets in:
Cut back, clear out, and remove spent plants
Some of your plants may have reached the end of their season—faded, rotting, or dried up. Use a pair of secateurs to cut back perennials down to the base and leave any new growth alone.
Annuals that won’t survive the cold can also be pulled up. Put healthy cuttings in the compost and bin anything that looks diseased or mouldy.
Note: Best to clear them out, as these can bring in pests or disease if left too long.
Get the lawn ready for winter
Grass still grows during mild spells, so hold off putting the mower away. Give the lawn a final cut if needed, keeping it short but not too low. This can be safely done in October or November.
Another thing to do is to rake out moss and thatch using a scarifier or spring-tine rake. Spike the lawn with a garden fork to help with drainage, especially in wet areas.
Since you’re out there, apply an autumn lawn feed with low nitrogen and higher potassium. This supports roots through winter without encouraging weak new growth.
Move tender plants into a greenhouse
It might feel early, but don’t wait for it to become frosty before you give your plants the protection they need. Move them under cover, ideally in a greenhouse, but a cold frame can also be effective. If you don’t have either, a sheltered porch does the job.
Before bringing them in, check the leaves, stems, and soil for pests. Don’t let slugs, aphids, or any other hangers-on join the party inside!
This is best done in September or October, before we start to see regular overnight frost.
Tip: Cut back on watering through the colder months. The aim is to keep the plants steady, not to force new growth, and the ground doesn’t dry up as much as in the summer.
Treat your wooden shed
Rain, frost, and damp can all cause problems if the wood is left unprotected. Give your garden storage a good clean so the treatment sticks better. Knock off any much, then give it a wash and leave it to dry before coating. We recommend a shed treatment suitable for the weather, such as oil-based preservatives.
Watch out for the spots that get missed, like the corners, edges, and the base where damp usually builds up. Check the roof felt, too. If it’s cracked or lifting, patch or replace it now.
Remember, it’s easier to deal with it in autumn than face leaks in the middle of winter!
Plant for spring while the soil is still warm
Autumn is a good time to get ahead—for one, the soil still holds warmth. Spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and alliums should go in now.
This is also the right time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and hedging. They’re only around for a short time each year, but autumn gives them a chance to take root before spring starts up.
Tip: Give them a good soak after planting to help the roots settle in. Then add some mulch around the base to keep the moisture in and stop weeds from coming through.
Round-up
Autumn isn’t a time to leave the garden alone just yet. Pull out plants that are no longer going anywhere, tidy up the lawn, and shift tender ones under cover. Give your shed a bit of attention, and get your spring bulbs in the ground before it gets too cold.
We hope these autumn gardening jobs can help you stay on top of things!
Get more tips here: How a Greenhouse Can Help Your Garden this Autumn
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