Tweet
Facebook
Copy
So we’ve had a couple of hot days over the summer – and what more can we ask for, really?
It’s September, and as far as warm weather goes, it’s all downhill from here – so we may as lean into it.
Getting your garden ready for autumn not only protects all those plants you painstakingly bedded earlier this year, but also ensures a beautiful landscape come spring (if it ever even comes)…
Here are five essential tips to help you transition your garden into autumn.
1. Clean up your garden beds
Start by clearing away dead plants, fallen leaves or debris (here’s hoping you have a big brown bin!).
If you’ve got perennials that have finished blooming, cutting them back will help them conserve energy for the next growing season.
Don’t forget to leave some seed heads (like coneflowers or sunflowers, for example), to help feed any birds and wildlife during the colder months.
2. Plant autumn bulbs
You may not know it, but autumn is the ideal time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses.
Planting these beauties before the ground freezes (at the recommended depth and spacing) will be the gift that keeps on giving come spring.
You could even think about mixing different varieties for a layered, multi-season bloom.
3. Mulch for winter protection
If you’re wondering what ‘mulch’ is (and why it sounds a bit grim), you can find out here. However it sounds, applying a layer of mulch around the base of your plants will protect their roots from the freezing temperatures of winter.
Mulch also prevents soil erosion and helps retain moisture (not that we need to worry about that with the lovely English weather).
Organic materials like shredded leaves, straw, or bark also work really well for insulating your garden – and they can even be composted in the spring!
4. Prune your perennials
We touched on this earlier. Autumn’s a great time to prune any overgrown shrubs and perennials. Trimming them back promotes healthy growth and improves air circulation.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to divide perennials that have outgrown their space (for example, hostas or daylilies).
5. Prepare your lawn for cooler weather
If you have a real grass lawn, you’ll need to mow it to a shorter length (around 2.5 to 3 inches) to prevent matting from fallen leaves and snow (wishful thinking, but we can dream).
This is called ‘aerating’, and it’s key to improving soil drainage. You could even think about applying a slow-release fertilizer (which, contrary to popular opinion, doesn’t have to stink) can strengthen roots for the coming winter months.
While you’re at it, why not check out our fave autumn finds from our merchant partners?
Why not keep BBQ season going a little longer? This gorgeous Kamado grill allows for many cooking methods. You can use it as a barbecue grill, a slow cooker, or as a charcoal smoker.
The 22″ Ceramic Kamado grill is ideal for large families with plenty of outdoor cooking space. You can cook for 7-10 people simultaneously with the freestanding design and pre-planning stations.
You can use hard woods, pellets, and charcoal, so you can enjoy the authentic wood-fired cooking and smoking experience at home.
Hartman Vienna 4 Seat Round Dining Set With Parasol & Base
£699.99*
Or spread the cost with DivideBuy
Don’t let autumn banish you from your garden! Outdoor living is all about alfresco dining – as long as its dry.
This contemporary Vienna 4 seat round dining set comes with plush cushioned seating, complete with permeable Weatherready cushion technology for reassurance in the unpredictable British weather.
The round dining table is finished with unique weathered teak Tuscan ceramic glass tabletop, which is scratch resistant and tempered for safety and durability, making this dining set a great addition in any family garden. This set also benefits from a 2.5m luxury parasol and 15kg base to give you shade (or shelter) whilst dining.
Maybe you don’t have an actual plant bed to mulch about with – or just need more space for all the plant babies. Either way, this stand is there for you.
Crafted from iron with a powder coated finish, this large plant stand makes a charming display area for your favourite collections of potted flowers and plants.
Suitable for use both indoors and out, the stand includes four large slatted shelves and a simple curved frame, all with a slightly distressed finish.
If there’s one thing we know about an English autumn, it’s that temperatures are going to drop (though hopefully not too quickly) – but this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your garden!
This Genoa Brazier has multiple tapered legs that cradle a bowl shaped fire pit to keep you toasty and warm on those alfresco evenings.
The brazier in rust gives it a more rustic and industrial style, and adds a unique quality to your space.
DivideBuy’s retail finance options mean you can spread the cost of a purchase at checkout for longer. For more options, visit our Shopping Directory now.
*All prices accurate as of 06/09/2024
