Autumn is a fantastic time for garden work because the soil has sufficient moisture thanks to more regular rain showers. The ground is still warm from the summer, therefore the plants still have enough time to get used to their new position and form new roots.
This means new plants can also be planted in the autumn with no need to worry. This is the last chance before the winter to bring a bit of colour into the garden. Here we make a brief list of the things you can do to get the most out of your garden for autumn.
Bulb Planting
Bulbs can be planted in autumn so the flowers germinate from the soil at the right time in spring to wow you with their gorgeous colours. During the dormant period in summer, the soil can be dry and porous. Bulbs need to be planted in the ground at a depth of two to three times their height. You need to make a sufficiently large and deep hole. You then place the bulbs in the ground with their tip facing upwards, cover them with the soil and press down.
Cutting bushes and shrubs
When shrubs turn yellow, their stems move towards the ground or they start to go to seed, it is time to cut them. This is due to the plants drawing their sap back to their roots. If they are not cut down, they will likely decay. Bushes and shrubs can be cut down to a quarter of their size. This can, in turn, vary according to the type of bush or shrub. You can often find more information about this from plant labels or your local garden centre.
Hedge trimming
Hedges need to be pruned for the last time in autumn to stop decaying if damp accumulates. Only cut deciduous hedges back as far as you can without causing any holes as these will not grow back over the winter months, leaving the hedge looking slightly bare. Any tree leaves lying on the hedge should also be removed as otherwise, the hedge won’t get enough fresh air and sun, resulting in rot.
Prep your lawn
In the winter months, the wet, low temperatures and weak sunshine impact the lawn. That’s why lawns need some care before the cold spell begins. When the leaves come down in autumn, they need to be cleared from the lawn often. Leaves left on the ground on the grass will prevent any light reaching it and encourage the formation of dry, brown patches and the growth of moss. Cut your grass for the last time around the start of November. Be sure that the grass is not cut shorter than 5 cm as longer grass can make better use of less sunlight. This will make sure that improved resistance against weeds and moss.
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