Autumn Tasks

Autumn Tasks

As we prepare to enter autumn, it's only a matter of time before the inevitable cold weather soon strikes so it's better to plan ahead to keep your garden in top condition before it's too late,

Feed your lawn

Feeding your lawn is a job that should be done all year round, and it's even more important now to give your lawn the best chance of protection before the cold sets in.

Autumn feed has a lower dose of Nitrogen compared to the summer months and a much higher dose of Phosphorus and Potassium, which supports healthy root growth and assists in the overall care during the winter.

Clear Leaves

During the autumn season, leaves are constantly falling from the trees, meaning it is an important time to ensure that gutters and gullies are being cleared to allow them to be free flowing when it rains.

Leaves should also be raked from lawns because a thick layer of leaves can block water, air flow and nutrients from getting down to the lawn’s root system.

Prune back plants

Autumn is also when you want to "remove any remaining dead flowers from autumn plants and prune summer-flowering shrubs before the first frost - which can come as early as October. Pruning now will help to conserve the plant's energy over the winter months, while simultaneously preventing too much less attractive woody growth in the springtime. It is advisable not to remove more than 25% of the overall foliage as this can shock the plant. You can use electric trimmers, loppers and handsaws for bigger jobs, while secateurs and garden shears will be ideal for smaller plants and bushes.

4. Plant spring-flowering bulbs

Late autumn – typically between September and November – is the perfect time to plant spring-flowering bulbs. During September your soil is at the perfect temperature and moisture to start planting your daffodils, hyacinths or lilies and smaller bulbs.

5. Place plants in a cold frame

Cold, wet, windy and icy weather conditions can damage garden plants. But a great way to protect young plants from the first frost is by using a cold frame. It is also a good way of extending the season of your more delicate vegetables and salad leaves.

If temperatures drop lower than normal you can try covering your cold frame with bubble wrap or horticultural fleeces as these will provide your plants with extra warmth, helping to reduce any frost damage."

Add mulch

From garden compost to shredded bark, many tender plants will benefit from mulch over their roots for added protection in winter. Simply cover garden beds with a thick layer of organic material and it will help perennials endure repeated freezes and thaws, while also reducing soil erosion that can commonly follow heavy rain during wet months.

Limit feeding your plants

It's important to allow your plants to rest over the winter so you should avoid applications of nitrogen-rich fertilizers late in the season, as they stimulate sappy growth in plants that are susceptible to damage in colder conditions.

Clean and store away garden furniture

Properly cleaning and storing items not only keeps your garden furniture looking pristine for next summer but can also extend their lifespan. All you really need is a soft bristle brush, a few micro-fibre cloths and some warm soapy water to give everything a good clean. And once it's dry, you should aim to store your garden furniture in a sheltered area away to keep it out of the elements over the colder months. A shed, garage or even a sheltered area where you can cover it will keep it protected

Create Habitats for Wildlife

Remember to create small piles of debris and twigs throughout your garden to give homes to insects, birds and small animals. A simple pile of twigs will be a wonderful spot for hedgehogs to hunker down.

By incorporating bird care products into your gardening practices, you can create a thriving habitat for wild birds, enriching your outdoor space and fostering a deeper connection with nature.

From premium bird feed to carefully crafted feeders and accessories, we’ve got everything you need to create a welcoming environment for wild birds in our pet stores.