Here are some Autumnal garden tips, brought to you in conjunction with the local gardening expert - my mother-in-law Anne.
Lawns
At this time of year the rain means lawns start to look lush and green after the dry summer. Consequently the lawn will grow faster and need more regular mowing. This is a good time to feed your lawn too before the weather gets colder and growing slows down for the Winter. Rake the lawn to remove old grass stems, dead moss and debris, over seed the bare patches and apply feed.
Pruning
Pruning plants and trees is important to promote growth. Check your trees and shrubs regularly for dead and broken branches. Prune as soon as you notice them. Leave seed heads though for birds to feast on. Don't forget to trim evergreen hedges to get them in shape for the Winter.
Planting
Plant bulbs like daffodils and tulips in the Autumn for a colourful display in the Spring. Broad beans, peas and garlic also can be planted at this time of year. Leaf varieties that can be sown outdoors include pak choi, mizuna, winter cress, and spinach varieties. Small, young and delicate plants can be brought in under cover before the first frosts start.
Composting
Making compost is easy to do and free and provides moisture and excellent nutrition for your garden. At this time of year, one of the main things to go on the compost heap is fallen leaves. Other things you can add include rotten and leftover fruit and vegetables, lawn clippings, tea leaves, eggshells and manure. Making your own compost is good for the environment offering a natural alternative to chemical fertilisers.
Harvesting
Harvesting means the end of the growing season. Harvest fruit and veg like apple, pears, potatoes, cabbage, carrots and onions at this time of year for tasty hearty pies, soups and stews.
Wildlife
Putting out food and water on a regular basis for birds in the Autumn/Winter can really supplement their diet. Good quality high fat food and scraps can be left for them on a bird table. Once you start feeding birds they will expect it so try to keep it up especially during this time of the year.
Squirrels can scare songbirds away, so if you want to feed squirrels it can be a good idea to feed them away from songbirds with a feeder specifically for them.
If you are planning a bonfire for November 5th or to burn garden waste be careful of hedgehogs and other wildlife hiding in the heap of wood.
You can find more quick Autumn gardening tips with this calendar from Waltons.
* PR collaboration all words and opinons are my own
Great post! I really let the garden slide in the autumn and I really know I shouldn't. Must make more of an effort!
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to let it slide but if you do a little bit every couple of days, it becomes more manageable.
DeleteFor some reason I don't like to be in the garden as much in autumn than summer. The colours are wonderful though.
ReplyDeleteThe colder weather doesn't help.
DeleteIf I had a garden, I think this would be one of my favourite times of the year to be sorting everything out and getting everything ready for spring x
ReplyDeleteYes I can understand that, and I agree.
DeleteI like the harvesting season lots of lovely fruits and vegetables. But the best harvest has to be on the vineyards in France. So much fun. R
ReplyDeleteThat does sound lovely Rosana. I love apple pie and crumble so I always look forward to the harvest season.
DeleteI don't really do any gardening. My nan likes her garden though and likes it looking nice x
ReplyDeleteIt must be nice to visit her and sit in her garden.
DeleteIf I wasn't so busy looking after the kids I'd follow your advice to the letter. I fear I've had ot reach a deal with my wife; we have a gardner who takes care of all the hardcore stuff these days!
ReplyDeleteGardeners are good but simple things can be done yourself, you just need the time.
DeleteThis post makes me desperately wish I had a garden, I do have a few plants that we grow on the balcony that sometimes get forgotten in the colder months. My flat however looks over a beautiful park so I still get the luxury of a lovely garden but without all the upkeep! x
ReplyDeleteCharli | Beauty and Lifestyle Blogger at CHARLI B
Gardens are so beautiful aren't they?
DeleteI would love to have a bird feeder and support my local birds but with two "hunting" cats this really isn't a good idea :-(
ReplyDeleteOh dear, that is a shame Agata.
Delete