Garden maintenance in the colder months is essential – that’s if you want a blooming and healthy garden in spring. It requires just a little effort, clean-up and clearing up dead growth. Here’s why it’s important to prepare your garden for autumn, and how to do it.
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Beautiful spring gardens start with preparation in the colder months. As the days grow colder, autumn is really the perfect time to give your garden some attention. With a couple of thoughtful steps now, you can protect your plants through winter and set the stage for a flourishing spring.
Tidy up
To prevent pests and mould, clear up fallen leaves from grassed areas and pathways. The healthy leaves you can add to compost heaps, which will break down into rich leaf mould. However, don’t overdo it and strip beds bare. Ornamental grasses can give structure and valuable shelter for wildlife.
Feed the soil
This month is about caring for the soil. Spread a layer of manure or compost over borders. This will enrich the soil in winter time, improving texture by the time it’s spring. If you’re growing vegetables, sow a green manure crop to nourish and protect the soil.
Plant for spring colour
It’s the ideal time now to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and crocuses. Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and plant about three times the depth of the bulb.
Protect tender plants
Before the first frost, move your potted plants to an area that’s well-sheltered. Wrap your delicate plants in horticultural fleece and make sure containers are high and off the cold ground, which will prevent the roots from freezing. If you live in a milder region, you can add a layer of mulch around the bases for protection.
Prune and divide
If you’re dealing with perennials that have finished flowering, cut them back and divide overcrowded clumps to rejuvenate them. Autumn is a great time to prune certain shrubs and roses – removing diseased and dead wood will encourage healthy growth for the next season.
Final thoughts
With just a little thought and effort, you can prepare your garden for autumn and transition quite smoothly into the cooler months. And you’ll be rewarded with stronger plants and a beautifully vibrant garden next year.
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Featured image: Pexels
