The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping and nature is slowly preparing for winter. Your garden changes with the seasons too. Autumn is therefore the perfect time to give your garden a little extra attention and make sure your plants, trees and shrubs are well prepared for the colder months ahead.
Don’t tidy your garden too quickly
When the leaves start to fall, it can be tempting to completely clear and tidy the garden. However, there is no need to remove everything. Fallen leaves can form a natural protective layer for the soil and also provide shelter for many small animals.
Where possible, leave some leaves in borders and underneath shrubs. On the lawn, however, it is best to remove leaves regularly so that the grass continues to receive enough light and air. Some of the collected leaves can be used as natural material in your borders or added to the compost heap.
Give your soil some extra attention
Autumn is an excellent time to take care of the soil in your garden. Healthy soil is the foundation for strong and resilient plants. Adding organic material such as compost or well-rotted soil improver can provide nutrients while also improving the structure of the soil.
There is no need to dig over the entire garden. In many borders, it is better to simply spread organic material over the existing soil and let nature do the rest. Rain, soil organisms and plant roots will gradually help incorporate the material into the soil.
Don’t forget your trees and shrubs
Trees and shrubs also deserve some attention in autumn. Check for dead, diseased or damaged branches and find out whether pruning is suitable for each particular plant at this time of year. Not every tree or shrub benefits from being pruned in autumn.
Autumn is also a good planting season for many trees, shrubs and perennials. The soil is often still relatively warm, while cooler temperatures mean that less water evaporates. This gives newly planted plants plenty of time to develop their roots before spring arrives.
Protect sensitive plants
Many garden plants are well suited to our winters, but some species are more sensitive to cold temperatures, frost or a combination of cold and wet conditions. Check in advance which plants in your garden may need some additional winter protection.
For sensitive plants, a protective layer around the base can help protect the roots from strong temperature fluctuations. Depending on their hardiness, some plants may also benefit from a more sheltered position during particularly cold periods. Always consider the individual needs of each plant and make sure that any protective material does not remain excessively wet.
Prepare your lawn for winter
The lawn also gradually enters a period of dormancy during winter. In autumn, you can continue mowing while the grass is still actively growing, before growth slows down significantly. Avoid cutting the lawn too short, but also do not leave it excessively long going into winter.
Regularly remove leaves and other organic material from the lawn. A thick layer of leaves can prevent the grass from receiving enough light and air, which may weaken it. By keeping your lawn tidy without mowing it excessively short, you give it better conditions for getting through winter and growing strongly again in spring.
Practical autumn checklist for your garden
Want to prepare your garden for autumn and winter without forgetting anything? Use this simple checklist to work through the most important tasks. This way, you can easily check your borders, lawn, plants and garden equipment before the colder months arrive.
☐ Regularly remove fallen leaves from the lawn
☐ Leave some leaves in borders and underneath shrubs
☐ Add compost or other organic material to the soil
☐ Check trees and shrubs for dead or damaged branches
☐ Check whether pruning is suitable for each plant in autumn
☐ Identify which garden plants need additional winter protection
☐ Protect sensitive plants from frost and cold winds
☐ Continue mowing the lawn while it is still actively growing
☐ Clean garden tools and store them somewhere dry
☐ Protect or store garden furniture and other outdoor equipment
☐ Plant spring-flowering bulbs for colour in the new season
☐ Check pots and planters and protect them if necessary
You do not have to complete all these tasks in one day. By spreading your autumn garden maintenance over several weeks, you can take your time and respond to the weather and the individual needs of your plants.
Think about spring too
Preparing your garden for autumn is not only about getting through the colder months. Autumn is also the perfect time to start thinking ahead to spring. Many spring-flowering bulbs are planted in autumn so they can provide colour in the garden a few months later.
Take the opportunity to consider which areas of your garden could benefit from some extra colour in spring. With the right preparation, a garden that becomes quieter during winter can quickly come back to life when the new growing season begins.
A garden that changes with the seasons
A garden does not need to be completely cleared and perfectly tidy in autumn. By working with the natural processes of the season, you can prepare your garden for winter while still leaving space for wildlife and healthy soil life.
With a little attention to the soil, plants, trees, shrubs and lawn, your garden can enter the colder months well prepared. And while nature slows down during winter, you can already look forward to everything the next gardening season will bring.
Ready for autumn?
Would you like to add a little extra colour to your garden in autumn or start planning for the next gardening season? Explore our range of trees, shrubs and garden plants and give your garden a beautiful foundation for the months ahead.