Autumn Gardening Tips with Roché
Preparing your space for the seasons ahead
Autumn is often seen as the season of slowing down, but in the garden it’s a time of quiet industry. As Monty Don often reminds us, the work we do now lays the foundations for next year’s growth and beauty. While the garden softens into warm tones and seed heads, there are simple, rewarding tasks that make the most of the season, ensuring soil, plants, and wildlife are all cared for.
Here are some autumn gardening tips you should follow:
Collect and cherish fallen leaves
Instead of seeing fallen leaves as a chore, think of them as a gift. Gather them to create leafmould, a nutrient-rich conditioner that improves soil health over time. Simply pile them into a corner, or store in breathable bags, and let nature take its course. Better still, leave some undisturbed in quiet areas, these piles provide shelter for hedgehogs, insects, and other wildlife.
Plant for spring colour
October and November are the perfect months to plant spring bulbs. Tulips, daffodils, and alliums planted now will bring bursts of life and colour when the garden reawakens. Plant generously and in drifts for the most natural and uplifting display.
Establish trees and shrubs
Autumn is an excellent time to plant or move deciduous trees, shrubs, and hedges. With the soil still warm and rainfall increasing, roots have the chance to establish themselves before winter, giving plants a strong start for spring.
Save and share seeds
As perennials fade, collect seeds from your favourite plants. Store them in paper bags or jars in a cool, dry place, an easy, cost-effective way to grow again next year and even share with friends or neighbours.
Take cuttings for the future
Many plants, from salvias to pelargoniums, can be propagated through autumn cuttings. Rooting them over the cooler months is a satisfying way to carry a piece of this year’s garden into the next.
Protect tender plants
Before the first frosts, take time to protect plants that dislike the cold. Move pots under cover, wrap tender specimens with horticultural fleece, or use cloches to shield them from sudden drops in temperature. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping them safe.
Care for your lawn
Autumn is also a restorative season for lawns. Start by aerating the soil with a fork to improve drainage and airflow, then rake thoroughly to remove moss and thatch. Once the ground is breathing again, follow up with an autumn lawn feed that’s low in nitrogen but rich in potassium and phosphorus. This combination not only strengthens the roots and builds resistance to frost, disease, and wear, but also ensures the grass enters winter in the best possible condition, ready to return lush and vibrant in spring.
At Roché, we see autumn gardening as more than just getting the jobs done, it’s a chance to enjoy the season. From the seed heads glowing in low sunlight to the fresh scent of damp soil, there’s plenty to appreciate outdoors right now. And every bulb you tuck into the ground is a small promise for the months ahead.
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