How to prepare your garden for autumn
Even though it may feel like autumn has just arrived, now that the temperatures are starting to dip, it's a good idea to cover tender plants, bring certain pots inside and layer mulch for some added frost protection.
"As we prepare to enter autumn, it's only a matter of time before the inevitable cold weather soon strikes the UK, and it's better to plan ahead to keep your garden in top condition before it's too late," the team at Stark & Greensmith say.
If you're looking for some advice or are wondering what to tick off your gardening checklist, here's how to up your autumn gardening game with plenty of seasonal tips from the experts:
1. Feed your lawn
"Preparation is the key when it comes to protecting your lawn for the autumn months," explains Matt Adams, Founder of The Relentless Gardener. "Feeding your lawn is a job that should be done all year round, and it's even more important to give your lawn the best chance of protection before the cold sets in."
Regular feeding of your lawn will help it look great by encouraging the grass to become thicker and greener. Matt suggests using a feed that contains Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.
He adds: "Although you'll be using a lower dose of Nitrogen compared to the summer months, you will need a much higher dose of Phosphorus and Potassium, as this will support healthy growth and assist in the overall function of the grass plant."
2. Clear gutters
As the nights draw in, make the most of available light by clearing any fallen leaves and debris from gutters.
"During the autumn season, leaves are constantly falling from the trees, meaning it is an important time to ensure that gutters and gullies are being cleared to allow them to be free flowing when it rains," Charlie Avara, Managing Director of All Done Design, says.
"These should also be checked after autumn and cleared again to avoid build up from the continuous amount of fallen leaves."
3. Prune back plants
Autumn is also when you want to "remove any dead flowers from autumn plants and prune summer-flowering shrubs before the first frost - which can come as early as October," admits James Lewis, Gardening Expert at MyBuilder.com. This essentially helps to conserve a plant's energy over the winter months, while simultaneously preventing excessive woody growth in the springtime.
"You don't want to remove more than 25% of the overall foliage of the plant," James warns. And you'll also want to ensure that you use electric strimmers, loppers and handsaws for bigger jobs, while secateurs and garden shears will be ideal for smaller plants and bushes.
4. Plant spring-flowering bulbs
Late autumn – typically between September and November – is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs, the experts agree. "September, in particular, often leaves your soil at the perfect temperature and moisture," suggests David Mitchell, Gardening Expert and Buying Manager at Homebase.
"It is the optimum time to start planting your daffodils, hyacinths or lilies," he continues. "You also could take the chance to spruce up your patio or garden borders with some late-season perennials like heathers or cyclamen to add some colour into your outdoor space."
5. Place plants in a cold frame
Cold, wet, windy and icy weather conditions can damage garden plants. But a great way to protect young plants from the first frost is by using a cold frame. Easy to use, these are bottomless boxes that are set over plants in the garden to protect them from cold weather.
Martine Le Gassick, Gardening Expert and Creative Director at Stark & Greensmith, explains: "If temperatures drop lower than normal, try covering your cold frame with bubble wrap, horticultural fleeces or layers of newspapers as these will provide your plants with extra warmth, helping to reduce any frost damage."
6. Cover with a garden cloche
Garden cloches are low enclosures used to cover plants. Offering protection against several factors, they cleverly allow water, air and light to pass through whilst offering protection from frost (and plant-munching pests).
According to the experts, place plants inside permeable cloches and cover the soil to insulate them. This allows the plant to 'breathe', whilst reducing the chance of losing nutrients from leaching.
7. Bring potted plants inside
You'll want to move potted plants to a more sheltered location to shield them from icy temperatures. "Potted plants are more susceptible to frost damage. This is because they don't have any insulated benefits from the ground," says Martine.
"We recommend you to bring potted plants inside as cold weather can kill or dramatically slow down plant growth. The best time to bring plants inside is when nighttime temperatures start to dip below 12-15c. Aim to bring plants into warmer climates such as conservatories, porches and greenhouses."
Another tip is to identify the warm spots of your garden and areas with a reduced airflow, ideally along the house or against a fence or wall. "Heat that radiates from the house and the reduced airflow that comes from being against a surface will protect them from the most severe cold, keeping your plants alive for longer during the winter period."
8. Add mulch
From garden compost to shredded bark, many tender plants will benefit from mulch over their roots for added protection in winter. Simply cover garden beds with a thick layer of organic material and it will help perennials endure repeated freezes and thaws, while also reducing soil erosion that can commonly follow heavy rain during wet months.
9. Add windbreaks
Strong winds can damage plants by breaking them and distorting their growth. Windbreaks, often known as shelterbelts, are semi-permeable barriers that can protect young and weak plants from gusts of wind. Strategic placing of windbreaks with fleece netting can also help insulate them.
10. Improve drainage
"Drainage problems should be dealt with promptly too, as waterlogged and wet soil can make young or shallow rooted trees more likely to uproot, as well as depriving the roots of oxygen, causing them to die," adds Martine.
11. Limit feeding your plants
It's important to allow your plants to rest over the winter. According to Martine, gardeners should avoid applications of nitrogen-rich fertilisers late in the season, as they stimulate sappy growth in plants that are susceptible to damage in colder conditions. Few plants need fertiliser in the winter months, even if they are winter-flowering.
12. Clean and store away garden furniture
And finally, "whether it is patio sets, cushion covers or barbecues, properly cleaning and storing items not only keeps your garden furniture looking pristine for next summer but can also extend their lifespan," reveals Wayfair UK's Art Director and Trend Forecaster, Daniela Venturini.
For example, certain items may have become water-stained over the summer, so if they're "not cleaned properly before storing, they can harbour mould and mildew and leave your outdoor furniture looking drab by next summer," Daniela continues.
All you really need is a soft bristle brush, a few microfibre cloths and some warm soapy water to give everything a good clean. And once it's dry, you should aim to store your garden furniture in a sheltered area away to keep it out of the elements over the colder months. A shed, garage or even a sheltered area where you can cover it will keep it protected.
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