Preparation now can help your garden transition smoothly into the cooler months and set it up for a healthy start next spring.

Here are some simple ways to get your garden ready for autumn.

 

1. Clear away tired summer growth

After a busy summer, some plants will naturally start to look past their best.

Take some time to remove dead, damaged or diseased leaves and stems, while being selective about what you cut back.

It can be tempting to tidy everything away as soon as summer ends, but leaving some seed heads and stems standing can provide food and shelter for garden wildlife throughout autumn and winter.

For plants that do need cutting back, a good pair of sharp secateurs can make the job quick and easy. For thicker stems and branches, loppers or a pruning saw may be more suitable.

 

2. Make the most of your harvest

September can be one of the most rewarding months for anyone growing their own fruit and vegetables.

Depending on what you've planted, you may still have plenty to harvest, including tomatoes, beans, courgettes, apples, pears, plums and autumn raspberries.

Check your crops regularly and pick fruit and vegetables when they're ready. Harvesting regularly can also encourage some plants to continue producing.

Don't forget to check underneath fruit trees for windfalls too. Any damaged or fallen fruit can be removed to help prevent pests and disease from becoming a problem.

 

3. Plant spring bulbs

While you're enjoying the last of summer, it's time to start thinking about spring.

September is a great time to start planning which spring-flowering bulbs you'd like to see in your garden next year.

Daffodils, crocuses, hyacinths and many other spring bulbs can be planted during autumn, giving them time to establish before winter.

Think about planting bulbs in borders, containers or naturalised areas of lawn for pockets of colour when the garden begins to wake up next year.

A little planning now can make a big difference to your garden in spring.

 

4. Divide overcrowded perennials

If your herbaceous perennials have become large, overcrowded or aren't flowering as well as they used to, autumn can be a good time to divide them.

Dividing established plants gives them more room to grow and can also provide you with additional plants to fill gaps elsewhere in the garden.

Choose a suitable day when the soil isn't too wet or dry and make sure newly divided plants are watered well while they establish.

A sturdy garden spade or fork can make lifting established plants much easier. Spear & Jackson's range of digging tools includes options designed for everything from preparing borders to dividing established plants.

 

5. Don't stop watering just yet

Cooler temperatures don't necessarily mean you can put the watering can away.

Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials still need regular watering while their roots establish, particularly if September brings a spell of dry weather.

Check the soil before watering and concentrate on the base of plants rather than lightly sprinkling the surface.

If you've collected rainwater throughout the year, autumn is also a good time to make use of it in the garden.

 

6. Give your lawn some attention

After months of summer use, your lawn may be looking a little tired.

September is a good time to assess its condition and start tackling any problems before winter arrives.

Keep removing fallen leaves and debris from the grass so that it can continue to receive light. If there are bare or damaged patches, early autumn can also be a useful time to start repairing them.

You don't need to create a perfectly manicured lawn. A healthy, resilient lawn is often more valuable than one that looks immaculate all year round.

 

7. Start preparing for falling leaves

As autumn gets underway, fallen leaves will become an increasingly familiar sight.

Rather than seeing them all as waste, consider putting them to good use. Collected leaves can be left to break down into leaf mould, which can later be used as a soil improver around the garden.

It's still important to clear leaves from paths, patios and other areas where they could become slippery, as well as from lawns where a thick layer could prevent the grass from receiving enough light.

 

8. Give your garden tools some attention

With the change of season comes an opportunity to look after the tools you've been relying on throughout spring and summer.

Clean soil from digging tools after use and remove sap and debris from secateurs and pruning tools. Dry metal parts thoroughly and check handles, fixings and moving parts for signs of wear.

Looking after your tools can help keep them performing well and ready for the next gardening season.

Spear & Jackson has been making garden tools for generations, from traditional digging tools to secateurs, loppers and pruning saws. Taking a little time to care for them now means they're ready when the next job comes around.

 

9. Make a note of what worked this year

September is also a good time to take stock of your garden.

Which plants performed particularly well? Which ones struggled? Are there gaps you'd like to fill? Did you grow more vegetables than you could eat, or perhaps discover a new favourite flower?

Making a few notes now can be surprisingly useful when spring arrives and you're deciding what to plant.

You can also take photographs of borders and containers while they're still looking good, giving you something to refer back to when planning next year's garden.

 

Get your garden ready for the months ahead

Preparing your garden for autumn doesn't mean stripping everything back and starting again.

Instead, focus on the essentials: harvest what you've grown, look after new plants, prepare your lawn, plant for spring and remove anything that is dead or damaged. Leave some natural growth in place where it can benefit wildlife, and take the opportunity to give your garden tools a little care too.

 

September is a month of change, but that doesn't mean the gardening season is over. With a little preparation now, you can enjoy your garden through autumn and look forward to seeing it come back to life next spring.

And with the right tools to hand, those seasonal jobs become much easier. From Spear & Jackson secateurs and pruning tools to digging spades, forks and weeders, having reliable tools ready means you can make the most of every season in the garden.