Now is the perfect time to start preparing the garden for Autumn, and Winter of course.
There are lots to get done in the garden over the next few months so we have compiled a checklist to help you get organised.
Transplanting
The soil is likely to be full of moisture throughout Autumn because of the increase in rainfall. This makes it the perfect time to transplant plants in the garden. Transplanting in Autumn gives the plants time to take root in their new location.
Add some colour
If you want to add some colour to the garden, Autumn will be the last chance. Plants like roses should be planting before the first frost. The intermittent rainfall and sunshine provide the perfect environment for some end of season colour. The perfect flowering autumn shrubs can include the Ceratostigma Willmottianum, Fatsia Japonica Spiders Web, Hydrangea Arborescens Incrediball or the Hypericum Hidcote.
Bulbs
Bulbs can be planted in Autumn ready for them to come to life next Spring. Make sure you check the depth that is required for the plant they will produce.
Cut back bushes and shrubs.
Bushes and shrubs can now be cut back following advice for their variety. This will stop them from decaying and will promote healthy growth for next season. Hedges can be pruned back to but make sure to not leave any large holes as these will not grow back over winter. Remove anything blocking the hedge from receiving adequate light and air.
Lawn care
Your lawn will be affected by the change in temperature and sunlight. Rake any fallen leaves from the lawn and do not mow the lawn past the end of October. By leaving the lawn longer it will be able to benefit from any sunlight. If you want to boost the health of your lawn before the bad weather comes in then consider using a fertiliser that is rich in potassium which will strengthen the grass.
Frost protection
Start to think about any plants or potted plants that could be sensitive to frost. Start to prepare to protect these garden plants from frost by considering bringing them inside or wrapping them up.
Flower bed
Dig out any old summer bulbs and pull weeds and turn and prepare the soil before any frost comes.
The damp and wet of Autumn presents all kinds of challenges to the home and garden, and its a common time for people to get jobs like driveway cleaning and gutter cleaning done as well as the many garden tasks before the frost and ice of winter sets in.
As the weather gets colder more maintenance tasks will need to be done, so consider these the pre-preparation for the winter months gardening jobs. During winter gardening takes a much slower pace outside but you can start to look at indoor plants and don’t forget to cook up some tasty winter stews with all the vegetables you grew and froze throughout summer!