Autumn gardening to do list

As the season changes, the leaves turn golden, and the air becomes crisp, there is plenty to be done. It is the perfect time to get ahead in the garden and prep for not just the winter, but the spring ahead. From planting bulbs that will burst into colour in the spring, to tidying up flower beds, there are many tasks that can help maintain the health and beauty of your garden.  

Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, our handy guide is here to help you make the most of this season. With a little effort and planning, you can ensure your garden remains a sanctuary of beauty throughout the year. Let’s dive into the essential autumn gardening tips that will keep your garden thriving.

Planting:

• The autumn is the time to plant spring bulbs, such as daffodils and tulips.
• Inject some and colour to your garden by planting up colourful pot displays with winter blooms like winter pansies, Christmas roses and winter jasmine.
• Remove any pot saucers and raise pots up onto feet to prevent the soil and roots getting waterlogged in the winter months.  
• Protect tropical plants, such as banana plants, from winter frost by wrapping them in fleece or covering them with straw.
• Empty summer pots and hanging baskets that have bloomed and compost the contents. Check out our range of composters here.
• Take cuttings from shrubby herbs like rosemary and thyme by snipping just below the leaf node. This is a great way to create space for spring growth as well as creating new herb plants.
• Harvest any late crops such as squashes, carrots, and beetroot.
• Get ahead for the spring and sow batches of hardy broad beans and peas for early crops next year.
• Clear out any old crops you haven’t harvested. This will help avoid pests and disease in your vegetable patch.
• Raise pumpkins and squash onto bricks to keep them dry and expose them to more sun, to ripen the skins.

Maintenance:

• Install a water butt to your downpipe to capitalise on the autumn and winter rain.
• Keep on top of fallen leaves by raking them up regularly and composting them.
• Fertilize your lawn with an autumn lawn feed to inject some life into the grass after the summer. If drainage is an issue for your lawn, you can aerate it with spikes and fill holes with grit.
• Trim hedges to make room for fresh growth in the spring. The spring can be a difficult time to prune hedges due to nesting birds, so the autumn is a great time to do this.
• Ensure patio furniture is protected from the elements. It is sensible to store any cushions in a watertight environment.
• Consider building a shelter for wildlife and insects out of logs.
• Get rid of perennial weeds like dandelion and bindweed, including all of the roots so they don’t grow back.
• Gather up canes and plant supports that are no longer in use, and store in a shed or indoors over winter.
• Collect up hoses and drip-feed systems and store indoors over winter, so they don't freeze and split – don't forget to turn off your outside tap as well!

As we wrap up our autumn gardening guide, it’s clear that this season offers a wealth of opportunities to nurture and prepare your garden for the colder months and the vibrant spring ahead. By taking the time to plant, prune, and protect, you can ensure that your garden remains a beautiful and productive space throughout the year.