Autumn is well and truly here, and while there’s still plenty of colour to enjoy in the garden, now is the perfect time to start preparing for the colder months ahead.
A little time spent tidying, protecting and planning now can make a big difference to how your garden copes with winter – and give you a head start when spring eventually rolls around again.
Clear fallen leaves
Those colourful autumn leaves look beautiful, but when left sitting on lawns and paths they can quickly become wet and slippery. A thick layer of leaves can also block light and air from reaching the grass underneath.
Rake leaves regularly from lawns, patios and paths, but don’t feel you need to remove every leaf from the garden. A small pile tucked away in a quiet corner can provide valuable shelter for insects and other garden wildlife over winter.
Collected leaves can also be turned into leaf mould, giving you a fantastic natural soil improver for the future.
Give your lawn some autumn TLC
After a long summer, your lawn may be looking a little tired. Autumn is an excellent time to give it some attention while the soil is still relatively warm and there’s usually plenty of moisture around.
Rake out dead grass and moss, and repair any bare patches. An autumn lawn feed can also help strengthen the roots and prepare your grass for colder weather.
Try to avoid walking on the lawn when it’s particularly wet or frosty, as this can damage the grass and compact the soil.
Tidy borders – but not too much!
It can be tempting to cut everything back and leave the garden completely tidy, but a slightly more relaxed approach can actually be better for wildlife.
Remove anything that is diseased or damaged, but consider leaving some healthy stems and seed heads standing. They can provide food and shelter for birds and insects while also adding structure to the winter garden.
Autumn is also a good opportunity to remove weeds before they have a chance to establish themselves further.
Protect tender plants
As temperatures begin to fall, think about which plants may need a little extra protection.
Tender plants in pots can be moved to a sheltered position, greenhouse or conservatory where appropriate. Containers that are staying outside can be raised onto pot feet to improve drainage and help prevent waterlogging.
More vulnerable plants can also be protected with horticultural fleece when colder nights and frosts are forecast.
Look after your pots and containers
Summer containers may be starting to fade, but that doesn’t mean your patio has to lose its colour.
Refresh pots with seasonal favourites such as cyclamen, pansies, violas and heathers, and combine them with evergreen foliage for displays that will continue looking lovely through autumn and into winter.
Make sure containers have good drainage, as plants sitting in cold, waterlogged compost can struggle during the winter months.
Plant now for spring colour 🌷
One of the nicest autumn gardening jobs is planning ahead!
Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted during autumn, giving you something wonderful to look forward to after winter. Daffodils, crocuses, alliums and many other favourites can go into borders, pots and containers now, while tulips are generally best planted a little later in autumn.
A little planting now can result in a fantastic burst of colour next spring.
Don’t forget the wildlifeÂ
As natural food becomes harder to find, your garden can provide an important helping hand for local wildlife.
Keep bird feeders topped up, provide fresh water and leave some sheltered areas undisturbed. Log piles, fallen leaves and hollow stems can all provide valuable winter homes for insects and other creatures.
Get your garden winter-ready at Brick Kiln 🌿
Preparing the garden for winter doesn’t have to mean putting it to bed completely. There’s still plenty to enjoy, plant and plan throughout autumn.
From seasonal plants and spring-flowering bulbs to composts, lawn care, garden tools and everything you need to protect your plants through the colder months, you’ll find plenty of help and inspiration at Brick Kiln Garden Centre.
