Autumn brings a cascade of falling leaves, creating a picturesque landscape but also a significant clean up task. Regularly raking and clearing leaves from your lawn prevents them from suffocating the grass and promotes healthy growth. Gather leaves to create compost or mulch, which can enrich your soil.
2. Pruning and Trimming
Prune shrubs, hedges, and trees to encourage healthy growth and prevent disease. Pay special attention to removing dead or diseased branches. Trimming back perennials and cutting back any overgrown plants helps keep your garden tidy and prepares it for spring growth.
3. Lawn Care
Give your lawn some TLC by aerating it, which helps improve drainage and reduce compaction. Apply autumn fertilizer to strengthen the grassroots and prepare them for winter dormancy. It's also a good time to oversee any bare patches.
4. Planting Bulbs
Autumn is the ideal time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. This ensures a vibrant display of colour when the warmer months return. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant bulbs at the correct depth for best results.
5. Protecting Plants
Move delicate plants to sheltered areas or indoors to protect them from frost. Use cloches, fleece, or mulch to insulate plants that remain outside. Consider creating a compost heap for garden waste, providing a natural insulation layer for the soil.
6. Cleaning and Storing Garden Tools
Clean and oil your garden tools to prevent rust and ensure they’re ready for use in the spring. Store tools in a dry, secure place. This prolongs their life and keeps them in good working condition.
7. Composting
Start or maintain a compost heap with garden waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and vegetable scraps. Composting not only reduces waste but also creates nutrient-rich soil that can be used to improve your garden beds.
8. Mulching
Apply mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and insulate plant roots from the cold. Organic mulches such as wood chips, bark, or compost are excellent choices.
By tackling these autumn garden jobs, you’ll ensure your garden is well-prepared for the winter months. Embrace the crisp air and the beauty of the season as you get your garden in top shape, setting the stage for a vibrant and flourishing spring. Happy gardening!
