Autumn

Autumn gardening is a season of transition and rich colours, where gardens transform into vibrant tapestries of reds, oranges, and gold. It's a time for harvesting crops, planting bulbs for spring, and enjoying the beauty of changing foliage. Whether it's gathering fallen leaves, preparing beds for winter, or savouring the last blooms, autumn gardening brings a sense of cosiness and reflection to gardeners as the year draws to a close.

Best Tips

for your

Autumn Garden

PLANTS

HARVEST FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Harvest vegetables and fruits at their peak ripeness for best flavor and nutrition.
Use clean, sharp tools to prevent damage to plants and prolong shelf life.
Store harvested produce in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness.
Check for pests or diseases before storing to prevent spread.
Preserve excess harvests through freezing, canning, or drying for future use.

PLANT SRING-BLOOMING BULBS

Choose healthy bulbs free from mold or damage for optimal growth.
Plant bulbs at the recommended depth and spacing for each variety.
Water bulbs immediately after planting and keep soil consistently moist.
Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal to promote strong root development.
Mulch around bulbs to conserve moisture and insulate soil during winter.

DIVIDE AND TRANSPLANT PERENNIALS

Divide perennials when they are dormant for best results.
Use a sharp knife or shovel to separate root clumps into smaller sections.
Replant divisions in well-prepared soil with compost or aged manure.
Water newly transplanted perennials thoroughly to settle the soil.
Mulch around transplants to retain moisture and protect roots.

PRUNE TREES AND SHRUBS

Prune dead, diseased, or crossing branches for plant health.
Use sharp, clean pruning tools to make precise cuts.
Prune at a 45-degree angle just above a bud or branch junction.
Avoid heavy pruning of evergreens to maintain their shape and health.
Apply a layer of mulch around trees and shrubs to conserve moisture.

PROTECT EVERGREENS

Wrap burlap around evergreen shrubs to protect them from winter winds and snow load.
Avoid using plastic or impermeable covers that can create a humid environment and lead to fungal problems.
Water evergreens thoroughly before winter to prevent dehydration from winter winds.
Monitor evergreens for signs of winter burn or desiccation and provide extra protection if needed.
Prune back any overhanging branches that may damage evergreens during winter storms.

PLANT COOL-SEASON VEGETABLES

Choose cold-hardy crops like lettuce, kale, and spinach for autumn planting.
Plant seeds or transplants according to spacing guidelines for each crop.
Water newly planted vegetables thoroughly to promote root establishment.
Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Monitor for pests and apply organic controls as needed.

INSPECT FOR PESTS OR DISEASE

Check plants for common winter pests such as aphids, scale insects, and spider mites to catch them early.
Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or neem oil for minor infestations.
Prune and dispose of heavily infested plant parts to prevent pest spread.
Inspect for powdery or fuzzy growth on leaves or stems, indicating powdery mildew or fungal pathogens.
Check for cankers, lesions, or oozing sap on branches or trunks, indicating fungal or bacterial diseases.
Look for galls, swellings, or distortions on leaves, stems, or branches from insect feeding or oviposition.
Be sure to inspect bark damage, holes, or tunnels created by borers, beetles, or wood-boring insects.
Inspect plants with dieback, wilting, or yellowing of branches due to root-feeding insects or girdling pests.
Attract beneficial insects and birds to your garden as natural pest control allies.

SOIL

PREPARE GARDEN BEDS FOR WINTER

Remove weeds and debris from garden beds to reduce overwintering pests.
Add a layer of compost or mulch to nourish soil and protect plant roots.
Cover bare soil with mulch to prevent erosion and conserve moisture.
Consider planting cover crops like winter rye to improve soil fertility.
Protect delicate plants with frost blankets or row covers as temperatures drop.

MULCHING

Choose organic mulches like shredded leaves or straw for better soil health.
Apply mulch in a 2-3 inch layer, leaving space around plant stems to prevent rot.
Avoid piling mulch directly against tree trunks or shrub stems to prevent moisture buildup and pests.
Refresh mulch as needed from here on out and throughout the winter to maintain its effectiveness.
Consider using mulch with reflective properties to help retain soil warmth in colder climates.

COMPOST MAINTENANCE

Turn compost piles regularly to aerate and accelerate decomposition.
Balance green (nitrogen-rich) and brown (carbon-rich) materials for optimal composting.
Keep compost piles moist but not waterlogged to support microbial activity.
Chop or shred large materials before adding them to the compost pile for faster breakdown.
Monitor compost temperature and odour as indicators of decomposition progress.

PREPARE SOIL

Test soil pH and nutrient levels to determine if amendments are needed for optimal plant growth.
Add lime or sulfur to adjust soil pH as recommended by the soil test.
Add organic matter such as compost, aged manure, or leaf mold to improve soil structure and fertility.
Incorporate amendments into the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
Avoid working soil when it's waterlogged or frozen to prevent compaction and damage.
Mulch bare soil to protect it from erosion and conserve moisture during winter months.

MONITOR WEATHER

Stay informed about local weather forecasts and frost warnings to protect tender plants.
Install a weather station in your garden to track temperature, humidity, and precipitation levels.
Use frost cloths, cold frames, or row covers to protect plants during cold snaps or frosty nights.
Adjust watering schedules based on weather conditions to avoid overwatering or drought stress.

TOOLS

CLEAN AND ORGANISE GARDEN TOOLS

Clean tools with soap and water to remove dirt and debris.
Sharpen blades of pruners, shears, and shovels for clean cuts.
Oil metal parts to prevent rust and extend tool lifespan.
Store tools in a dry, sheltered area to prevent damage from weather.
Inspect tools regularly for signs of wear and replace or repair as needed.

INSPECT GARDEN EQUIPMENT

Clean and lubricate garden equipment such as lawnmowers, pruners, and shears by the end of autumn.
Sharpen cutting edges on blades using a file or sharpening stone for clean, efficient cuts.
Empty fuel levels and store gas-powered equipment in a dry location at the end of the season for winter.
Inspect hoses, nozzles, and sprinklers for leaks or damage and repair or replace as needed.
Store garden equipment in a dry, protected area to prevent rust and deterioration.

CONTAINERS AND STRUCTURES

WINTERISE WATER FEATURES

Drain water from fountains, ponds, and birdbaths to prevent freezing and damage.
Clean water features thoroughly before winterising to remove algae, mineral deposits and debris.
Check water levels periodically during mild winter spells and add water as needed to maintain moisture.
Prune aquatic plants and place netting to reduce autumn leaf organic build-up in water features.
Inspect and repair pond liners.
Prepare fish and wild life for transition into winter.
Disconnect and store pumps, filters, and tubing indoors to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Cover or protect delicate components like spouts or nozzles from ice and snow damage.
Consider adding a pond heater or de-icer to prevent water freezing and damaging fountain components.
Inspect and repair any cracks, leaks, or damage to fountain structures before winter sets in.

CLEAN AND STORE GARDEN CONTAINERS

Scrub pots and containers with a mixture of mild soap and water to remove dirt and residue.
Rinse containers thoroughly to remove soap residue before reuse.
Disinfect pots with a diluted bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) to kill any pathogens.
Consider using biodegradable pots or containers made from recycled materials for eco-friendly gardening.
Allow containers to dry completely before storing to prevent mold or mildew.
Store clean pots in a dry, sheltered area to prevent cracking or damage during winter.
Check containers periodically for damage and repair or replace as needed.

INSPECT GARDEN STRUCTURES

Check trellises, fences, and supports for damage or instability caused by winter weather.
Repair or replace broken or weak parts of garden structures to ensure stability.
Reinforce structures with additional stakes or braces as needed for wind resistance.
Remove snow accumulation from structures to prevent collapse or damage.
Inspect and repair greenhouse glazing or coverings to maintain proper insulation and light transmission.

WILDLIFE

FEED THE BIRDS

Provide a variety of bird feeders with different types of seeds to attract diverse bird species.
Clean and refill feeders regularly to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Place feeders in sheltered areas away from predators like cats.
Offer fresh water in a birdbath or shallow dish and change it frequently to prevent freezing.
Research native bird species in your area to provide appropriate food and nesting habitats.

MAKE BUG HOTELS

With all the plant debris in autumn, it's a great time to build a bug hotel. These attract beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles that feed on pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and mites. Bug hotels attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and solitary wasps, providing them with shelter and nesting sites.

Choose a sturdy structure: Use a wooden box, pallet, or frame as the base for your bug hotel, ensuring it is stable and weather-resistant.
Gather natural materials: Collect a variety of natural materials like bamboo tubes, hollow sticks, pine cones, dry leaves, and straw to create nesting spaces for insects.
Create different habitats: Arrange the materials in layers or compartments to mimic different insect habitats, such as tunnels for solitary bees, crevices for ladybugs, and bundles for lacewings.
Provide shelter and protection: Add a roof or cover to the bug hotel to protect insects from rain and predators, ensuring there are no gaps where insects can become trapped.
Place in a suitable location: Install the bug hotel in a sunny, sheltered spot near flowering plants and away from strong winds, ensuring it is at a height where it's easily accessible for insects.

CREATIVE BITS

PLAN FOR WINTER

Research plant varieties and select seeds based on your garden's growing conditions.
Create a planting schedule based on your local frost dates and the needs of different crops.
Consider starting seeds indoors using grow lights or a sunny windowsill for early growth.
Prepare garden beds by loosening soil, adding compost, and addressing any drainage issues.
Make a garden layout plan to maximize space and sunlight for optimal plant growth.

ENJOY THE SEASON

Take time to observe wildlife activity in your garden, such as bird migratory changes.
Capture autumn garden scenes with photography or artwork to document seasonal changes.
Plan garden projects or renovations for the winter months coming.
Reflect on successes and challenges from the past gardening year and set goals for improvement.
Share your autumn garden experiences and knowledge with fellow gardeners through social media or community events.