Autumn is one of the most rewarding times to spend in the garden. The soil is still warm, the light is golden, and a few hours of work now will save you a lot of effort in spring. Here are ten simple jobs to tick off before winter arrives.
1. Clear fallen leaves – but don't waste them
Rake leaves off lawns, paths and patios, where they can smother grass and become slippery. Pile them into a corner or bag them up to rot down into leaf mould – a brilliant, free soil improver for next year.
2. Protect container plants from frost
Pots are the first things to suffer when temperatures drop. Wrap tender plants and their pots in an insulated frost cover, raise them onto pot feet and move them somewhere sheltered. Our guide to protecting potted plants from frost has more detail.
3. Plant spring bulbs
September to November is the time to plant daffodils, crocuses and alliums, with tulips best planted in November. As a rule of thumb, plant bulbs at two to three times their own depth, pointy end up.
4. Give the lawn some care
Give the lawn a final cut on a dry day, raising the mower blades slightly. Scarify to remove thatch and moss, then spike compacted areas with a garden fork to improve drainage over winter.
5. Clean and store garden tools
Scrub soil off spades, forks and trowels, dry them thoroughly and wipe metal parts with a little oil to stop rust. Store them somewhere dry so they're ready to go in spring.
6. Drain hoses and protect outdoor taps
Water left in hoses and outdoor taps can freeze and split them. Drain and coil hoses, and bring battery-powered gadgets such as a garden watering timer indoors for the winter.
7. Look after garden birds
Natural food becomes scarce as the weather turns. Keep bird feeders topped up and make sure birds have fresh water – a bird bath with a solar floating fountain is a lovely addition in autumn sunshine, though remember solar fountains need direct sun to run.
8. Leave some areas a little wild
Seed heads, hollow stems and log piles provide food and shelter for birds, hedgehogs and beneficial insects over winter. There's no need to cut everything back.
9. Tidy and store garden furniture and cushions
Clean garden furniture before storing it or covering it, and bring cushions and picnic blankets indoors so they don't get damp and mouldy.
10. Add some cosy lighting
With the evenings drawing in, a little outdoor lighting makes the garden feel welcoming again. Solar lights are the easiest option – no wiring and no running costs. A cut-out solar lantern casts beautiful patterns across a patio, while a motion sensor wall light adds practical light by the back door or shed.
Explore our full Autumn collection for more seasonal finds.