As autumn settles in across the UK, it’s a time of transition in the garden. The vibrant blooms of summer are beginning to fade, leaves are turning golden and crisp, and there’s a certain freshness in the air that signals the approach of winter. While it may seem like a time for gardens to wind down, autumn is one of the most critical periods for garden jobs. What you do now will not only help protect your garden over winter but also set the stage for a spectacular summer next year.

In this blog, we’ll guide you through the essential garden jobs for autumn to ensure your garden remains healthy and vibrant, as well as highlight why this is the perfect time to start thinking about garden design for the seasons ahead.

1. Tidy Up and Clear Debris

One of the most important jobs to do in the garden during autumn is clearing away fallen leaves and dead plant material. While leaves add nutrients to compost, letting them sit on your lawn or garden beds can cause problems, such as trapping moisture and creating a breeding ground for pests and diseases.

Clear leaves regularly from lawns, paths, and garden beds.
Remove any spent annuals and summer vegetables to make space for new plants.
Prune back dead or diseased branches on shrubs and trees to promote healthy growth in spring.

Tidy beds will reduce the risk of overwintering pests and diseases, and they’ll be easier to manage when it’s time to start planting in the spring.

2. Plant Spring Bulbs

Autumn is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocuses, and alliums. By planting bulbs now, you’ll be rewarded with vibrant bursts of color early in the spring when the rest of the garden is still waking up.

Daffodils and crocuses are great for naturalizing, adding a splash of color to lawns and woodland areas.
Tulips should be planted later in autumn, typically in November, to avoid diseases such as tulip fire.

Plant bulbs at the recommended depth, usually around two to three times their height, and in well-drained soil to prevent rotting over winter.

3. Lawn Care for Autumn

Your lawn may still be recovering from the dry summer, so autumn is the ideal time to give it some TLC. Start by raking up fallen leaves, as they can block sunlight and suffocate the grass. Then:

Aerate the lawn by spiking it with a garden fork or aerator to allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots.
Apply an autumn lawn feed rich in potassium to help strengthen roots and prepare your grass for winter.
Overseed bare patches to encourage new growth before the colder months arrive.

Regular care now will give your lawn the best chance to look lush and green by the time spring and summer roll around.

4. Divide Perennials

Many herbaceous perennials, such as hostas, irises, and daylilies, can become overcrowded over time, leading to reduced flowering. Autumn is the best time to divide perennials to encourage new growth and create more plants for free!

Dig up clumps of perennials, being careful not to damage the roots.
Use a sharp spade or garden knife to divide them into smaller sections.
Replant the divisions around the garden or share them with friends.

Dividing perennials will ensure they continue to thrive in the following year, and it’s a great way to fill up empty spaces in your borders.

5. Compost and Mulch

If you don’t already have one, now is a good time to start a compost heap. All those fallen leaves, spent flowers, and cuttings from tidying up your garden will make great compost for next year’s plants. Make sure to balance green materials (such as grass clippings) with brown materials (like leaves and woody stems).

Autumn is also an excellent time to mulch your garden beds. Adding a layer of organic mulch such as bark, leaf mold, or well-rotted compost will help:

Retain moisture in the soil.
Suppress weed growth.
Insulate plant roots from the winter cold.

Mulching not only improves the health of your soil but also enhances the appearance of your garden over the coming months.

6. Prune and Protect Shrubs

Certain shrubs and trees benefit from a good prune in autumn. Pruning helps shape the plants, removes any diseased or dead wood, and encourages healthy new growth next season.

Fruit trees such as apples and pears can be pruned to maintain shape and improve air circulation.
Roses should be pruned to reduce the risk of wind damage over winter.

At the same time, make sure to protect any tender plants from frost by wrapping them in fleece or bringing pots into a sheltered spot.

7. Plan Your Garden Design for Next Summer

Autumn is the ideal time to reflect on how your garden performed over the summer and start planning ahead for next year. Did your garden offer the color, structure, or functionality you wanted? If not, now is the time to reimagine it.

If you’re looking to transform your garden into a space that’s not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable, working with a garden designer could be the best decision you make this autumn. Soil Sisters, a team of expert garden designers, can help you plan and create a garden that thrives year-round and impresses in every season.

Here’s why you should consider hiring a garden designer now:

Professional Expertise: A garden designer will analyze your garden’s conditions, including soil type, sunlight, and microclimates, to choose plants that will thrive in your space. They can also advise on hardscaping, such as patios, pergolas, or water features, to create a cohesive design.
Maximizing Space: Whether your garden is large or small, a designer will help you make the most of your outdoor space. From zoning for entertaining and relaxing to creating hidden corners for wildlife, a designer will give your garden a purpose.
Planning for Next Summer: It may feel early, but now is the perfect time to plan ahead for a stunning summer garden. By designing and implementing your garden plan over the coming months, you’ll be ready to enjoy the full beauty of your garden when the warmer weather arrives.
Sustainability: Many garden designers, including Soil Sisters, are committed to sustainable practices. They can incorporate eco-friendly features such as rainwater harvesting, wildlife-friendly planting, and natural materials into your garden design.

Conclusion

Autumn is a busy time in the garden, with plenty of important jobs to do to prepare for the winter and ensure a stunning display next summer. From planting spring bulbs and clearing debris to dividing perennials and planning your future garden, now is the time to take action.

For those looking to elevate their garden with professional expertise, contacting Soil Sisters for a bespoke garden design will ensure your garden is not only practical and beautiful but also primed for success in the coming seasons. Let us help you create the perfect outdoor space that reflects your style and needs, all while planning ahead for a spectacular summer garden.

Get in touch with Soil Sisters today to start planning your dream garden!