September is here and autumn is well and truly on its way. When the weather changes suddenly, and the air gets frostier, it is important that you make sure all of the hard work you have put into your garden over spring and summer isn’t wasted. It’s super easy to let your garden start looking drab and dull as soon as Summer time fades away.
It can be difficult to get outside as the temperature drops, which is why it is important to prepare your garden for the weather change. No one wants to be out there working on the garden in 2 degrees in November…
Here are three little tips which can give you a run down of how you should get your garden ready for autumn. Of course, you can call in expert lawn care companies to do the jobs for you, which is exactly what I would do if I didn’t live with my partner! One’s like https://www.lawncare.net/service-areas/florida/ or others in your local area will be more than happy to help. Ask for their license to operate and what landscaping insurance they have signed up for.
But if you’re up for the job yourself, read on…
Caring for your Garden
Apply Weed Killer
To prevent weeds from growing over the colder months, you should apply some weed killer to your lawn. Most gardeners recommend that you apply weed killer twice a year, and autumn is an important time to do this. First you’ll need to get your garden decluttered and grass completely clear before doing this, so any children’s or animals toys, garden furniture etc should be removed from the grass. This is the same for piles of leaves that have built up, in which it’s worth searching for the best battery powered leaf blower to do this job quickly.
You then need to apply weed killer to get rid of the seeds that have landed on your lawn over the summer – doing this prevents an excess amount of weeds growing in spring when the lawn revives. However, be mindful if you have pets. There are certain weed killers which are not animal friendly, especially around dogs and cats. Have a good research online around roundup safety for dogs or certain weed killer brands and cats before you purchase and apply.
Soil Amendments
Autumn is the best time to add soil amendments, allowing a slow release of fertiliser to enhance the soil quality throughout the winter months. During spring and summer, the nutrients in the soil are depleted by the growing plants, so it’s important to get the nutrients back into the soil.
To ensure the soil amendments are properly distributed, turn them into the soil with a gardening fork. It is important to cover all areas, including where there are no flowers or bulbs. Although chemical fertilisers work for feeding your plant directly, organic fertilisers are better for enriching the soil.
Organic fertilisers such as mulch, manure or compost release nutrients slowly into the soil, which is why they’re great to have down over the months where you won’t be spending much time in the garden. Preparing your garden in autumn will reduce the amount of work you have to do in spring.
Many homeowners find that managing these seasonal tasks becomes a lot to handle alone. Hiring a professional landscaping company helps keep your yard in good shape through the winter. These experts have the right tools to apply the correct amount of organic matter to your beds. They also know how to spot potential drainage issues before the ground freezes. This type of help makes sure your grass and plants stay healthy until the warmer weather returns.
Alongside soil improvements, it’s also worth considering physical measures that shelter amended beds from prevailing winds and winter pests. Sturdy boundary fencing or windbreaks can reduce soil erosion and help newly nourished soils retain moisture and warmth. Local garden fencing suppliers can advise on durable, low-maintenance systems, such as galvanised steel posts or timber panels, that integrate with planting schemes and withstand harsh weather. Adding a sensible fence line now means your soil amendments and newly planted bulbs have a better chance of thriving come spring.
Protect Plants
Depending on the type of plant, there are various things you can do to prepare your plants for the cold weather. For certain plants, such as herbs, it can be more beneficial to bring them inside to prevent them from getting damaged and dying.
For other plants you can look at getting glass covers or material to wrap around, once again depending on the type of plant. Protective wrappings should be put in place at the first sign of frost, so in autumn you just need to make sure you have the materials prepared for when the frosty weather does come around.
In addition, structural support can also help your plants withstand harsh autumn winds. Installing steel plant supports provides stability for taller or top-heavy plants, helping them stay upright and protected as the weather turns. These supports are especially useful for plants that are still actively growing or haven’t yet been pruned back. Plus, they’re a durable option that can stay in place year-round, offering protection well into winter.
So that’s a few of the essential ways to prepare your garden for autumn. How will you be prepping your garden? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply