Seasonal Tips5 min read

Autumn Gardening Tips & Tricks

ST

SDW Gardening Team

Published March 15, 2024

Autumn garden with colorful fall foliage

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, autumn presents the perfect opportunity to prepare your garden for the winter months ahead. With the right approach, you can ensure your outdoor space remains healthy and beautiful throughout the colder season.

Essential Autumn Garden Tasks

1. Lawn Care and Maintenance

Autumn is crucial for lawn health. Continue mowing until growth stops, gradually reducing the cutting height. Apply autumn fertilizer to strengthen roots for winter, and consider overseeding thin areas. Remove fallen leaves regularly to prevent lawn suffocation and disease.

2. Planting Spring Bulbs

October and November are ideal for planting spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Plant bulbs at a depth three times their height in well-draining soil. Choose a sunny or partially shaded location for best results.

3. Pruning and Plant Care

Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches from trees and shrubs. However, avoid heavy pruning of spring-flowering plants as this may remove next year's blooms. Focus on light maintenance and shaping instead.

4. Leaf Management

Don't let fallen leaves accumulate on your lawn, but don't waste them either. Collect leaves for composting or use them as mulch around trees and shrubs. Shredded leaves make excellent organic matter for improving soil structure.

Preparing for Winter

Protecting Tender Plants

Wrap tender plants in horticultural fleece or move potted plants to sheltered locations. Mulch around the base of borderline hardy plants to protect roots from frost. Consider bringing sensitive plants indoors or into a greenhouse.

Garden Cleanup

Clear annual bedding plants and vegetables that have finished cropping. Clean and store garden tools properly to prevent rust and damage. Drain and store hoses and watering equipment to prevent freeze damage.

Professional Garden Services

While many autumn tasks can be handled by homeowners, some require professional expertise. At SDW Gardening LTD, we offer comprehensive autumn garden preparation services including:

  • Professional lawn care and fertilization
  • Expert pruning and plant health assessments
  • Comprehensive garden cleanup services
  • Winter protection installation
  • Seasonal planting and bulb installation

Need Professional Help?

Our experienced team can help you prepare your garden for winter with professional autumn maintenance services. From lawn care to plant protection, we ensure your garden stays healthy through the colder months.