Autumn is almost around the corner (Photo: Getty)
As fall approaches, we’re likely to spend less time outside and more time inside, so you probably don’t even think about the appearance of your garden.
However, the expert has told why the end of August and the beginning of September is the best time to do significant gardening work before the new season.
Steven Walley, patio and paving specialist at London Stone, said: “As we move into autumn, now is a great time to make the most of the dry, warm weather and get some gardening work done.
“This will help keep your garden looking great – while being low maintenance – during the colder months.”
Walley has shared his seven tasks for your garden ahead of the new season.
READ MORE: Stop using vinegar to kill patio weeds, the gardener has a better natural solution
You can pack away all the garden furniture (Photo: Getty)
1. Clean and protect your terrace
Walley explains one job you should complete while the weather is still dry and warm is cleaning your patio.
He said: “Decks can often get unsightly marks or slip due to algae and moss build-up, so keeping on top of cleaning is key to keeping it looking good all year round.
“With autumn bringing wet weather and damp leaves, it’s a good idea to clean your patio before the new season to protect it during the wet and cold months. Start by cleaning all the furniture and potted plants from your patio and sweep up all the leaves and debris.
“Once you’ve prepared the area, squeeze some dishwashing liquid into a bucket and add hot water before mopping the solution onto the deck. Use a bristle brush to lather the solution and scrub thoroughly to remove dirt. Make sure you brush in the direction of the cause on the patio as this will make it easier.
“Rinse the solution off with a hose on a light setting before letting it dry. You can repeat the process if necessary.
“When your terrace looks clean and fresh, use a protective treatment if necessary. If you have a composite cover, just making sure it’s clean and free of debris is enough.”
2. Pack the garden furniture
“Make sure to pack garden furniture or other garden items that are not winter-proof to protect them from harsh weather conditions.
“Not only will this help keep your garden furniture looking good next year, it will also protect your patio and paving slabs as moisture can build up under the furniture in the colder months, causing moss and algae to flourish on your garden surfaces. “
Experts recommend planting new bulbs (Photo: Getty)
3. Give your lawn some TLC
Walley explained: “By the end of the summer season, our lawns may be looking a little worse for wear due to hot, dry weather or even increased use.
“As we head into fall, the moist conditions are ideal for performing simple lawn care tasks, helping our grass recover over the winter season.
“Rake the lawn to remove debris, old grass clippings and moss from the soil to help the lawn absorb water better. Your lawn may look a little patchy afterwards, but it will recover and grow better as a result.
“After that, mow the lawn and aerate the soil by banding the lawn with a garden fork to improve air and water movement in the grass. This helps the lawn to better withstand drought or water.
“Most lawns can recover from the summer just fine without feeding, but if your lawn needs some extra TLC, use a feed specifically designed for fall as it promotes root growth throughout the winter.”
4. Protect your terrace
“The best way to keep patios looking perfect next spring and summer is to make sure you clean them regularly during the winter months,” Walley advised.
“Clean porcelain tiles by sweeping the tiles with a brush to lift and remove any dirt, leaves, gravel or other debris. Fill the bucket with warm soapy water and clean the cobblestones with a sponge. You can use ordinary dishwashing detergent for this.
“Remove stubborn stains or dirt by adding a drop of white vinegar to the cleaning solution and wiping gently. This is especially important if you have natural stone, as fall leaves and other debris can stain it.
“Make sure you sweep away the leaves during the fall months to prevent leaves from accumulating and making your deck slippery.”
5. Control weeds
The professional said: “All weeds should be removed in the autumn months as this is when many common weeds start producing seed. Treating these weeds now prevents them from reseeding, which helps reduce the number of weeds that grow in the spring.
“To remove weeds from your patio cover, pull the weed by the roots – rather than removing the leafy part – as this will ensure effective removal.
“The cold months are not the peak season for weed growth, but it is still important to stay on top of prevention. Keep up with sweeping your patio to prevent seeding and reduce weed growth.
6. Create sheltered places for plants
He explained: “If you have potted plants, bring them inside or put them in a sheltered spot to protect them during the colder months.
“However, if the plants are in flower beds or railway sleepers, it can be more difficult to keep them safe from gloomy weather conditions.
“The best way is to make sure all plants and flowers are trimmed and all dead leaves and branches are removed – this will help keep them in bloom for longer. Keep your plants happy in the winter months by reducing your watering schedule – just make sure the plants don’t dry out too much.”
7. Plant the new bulbs
Walley recommended: “Autumn is the best time to plant bulbs, as March is a colorful and vibrant garden. You can plant many different bulbs, including daffodils, which are likely to be the first to appear.
“In the autumn months, you can also plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs. Just remember to choose the right time to plant different bulbs. For example, daffodils should be planted at the end of September, but tulips only in November.
“When planting bulbs, make sure you dig deep enough. About twice the depth of the bulb itself is recommended to ensure good drainage. Remember to choose a place where the sun is guaranteed to shine.”
