According to one expert, September is the best time to finish all open jobs 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 maintenance-free during the colder months.”
1. Give your lawn some TLC
By the end of the summer season, lawns may be looking a little worse for wear, which means it’s a good time to complete some simple tasks.
This includes raking the lawn to remove debris and moss, and mowing and aerating the lawn.
The expert said: “This will help the lawn to better withstand drought or wet conditions. Most lawns can recover from summer well without feeding, but if your lawn needs extra TLC, use a feed specially designed for autumn as it promotes root growth throughout the winter.
2. Control weeds
The expert stated: “All weeds should be removed in the autumn months, as this is when many common weeds start producing seeds. 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.
3. Plant the new bulbs
Autumn is the best time to plant bulbs for a ‘colourful and vibrant’ garden come spring, including planting daffodils.
Gardeners can also plant tulip and hyacinth bulbs, and be sure to choose the right time to plant different bulbs.
The expert added: “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.”
4. Create sheltered places for plants
If you have potted plants, they should be brought inside or placed in a sheltered location during the colder months.
If the gardener has plants in flower beds or railway sleepers, it can be difficult to protect them from harsh winter weather.
Steven noted: “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 through the winter months by reducing your watering schedule, but make sure the plants don’t dry out too much.”
