Autumn offers crisp air, crunchy leaves and the perfect dispute to stay inside with a hot drink while your garden falls into slumber for the winter. But before you retreat indoors and forget your outdoor space, there’s some prep work that needs doing. Your garden will need some TLC to make sure that it’s ready for the chill. But don’t worry, it’s not all rake and sweat kind of work. Here’s how to get your garden autumn ready.
- First things first, clear out the debris. You need to start with a tidy up because you don’t want to go full on spring cleaning mode, but a little autumn cleaning can do some wonders. Rake up the leaves. Yes, all of them. Not only does this keep your lawn from suffocating, but it helps to prevent any pesky pests or mould from moving in. Don’t just dump the leaves in the compost bin either, keep some aside to make leaf mulch or line the garden beds which will give you a natural cosy layer of your plants when it gets cold.
- Prep your decking. It’s probably feeling a little bit neglected after a summer of barbecues and garden parties, but now’s the perfect time to give it a little bit of love. Start by sweeping off all the leaves and debris, but don’t stop there. Autumn’s wetter weather means your decking can be prone to slipping. If you’ve got wooden decking, consider giving it a wash with a deck cleaner to remove grime and algae. You may also want to give it protective coats of oil or stain to help it weather the coming months. If you’re looking to add an extra layer of protection, consider getting some outdoor rugs or mats.
- Plant for the future. Autumn is actually a great time to get planting because the soil is still warm enough for many plants to settle in before the frost hits. Think about adding some autumn flowering perennials or winter friendly shrubs like hellebores, asters or ornamental grasses. These plants brighten up the garden in the colder months and many will thrive when temperatures drop. If you’re feeling extra ambitious, now is the time to plant bulbs for next spring. Tulips, daffodils and crocuses are all great choices. Get them in the ground now and you’ll have a gorgeous display of colour when the snow melts. Plus, they’ll remind you that spring eventually does come back round.
- Protect your plants. As the temperatures drop, your tender plants need a little extra protection to make it through. If you’ve got any pots with fragile plants, consider bringing them inside or moving them to a more sheltered spot. Alternatively, cover them with a frost resistant fleece or a good old fashioned plant blanket.
- Get your garden tools ready for the offseason. Before you hang up your gardening gloves for the air, give your tools a little care. Clean them off, sharpen any edges, and make sure everything is in good working order. A quick Polish on your spade and shears will make sure they’re ready for the next season. Plus, there’s nothing worse than finding out mid spring that your tools are rusty and useless.
