The weather is changing and we’re all wondering when to put the heating on. Most of us are also wondering whether we can afford to put the heating on but that’s another story. But apart from waking up the thermostat, autumn also signals big changes in the garden and our gardening routines.

Yes, sometimes we can view autumn as the end of summer, as the end of lovely colour in the garden, and when those plants we’ve admired for months fade away. But autumn has its own unique charm. The garden transforms into a tapestry of russet, gold, and amber. And who doesn’t love the crunch of leaves underfoot and the scent of damp earth in the air?

And at least it isn’t winter. Autumn, with its milder temperatures and softer sunlight, can be a serene and rewarding time for us all. And there are plenty of jobs to be getting on with. Which is the reason I started this ramble in the first place.

The nights are drawing in so there is lass time to spend in the garden but that’s no excuse not to crank on. But just in case you’re thinking there isn’t too much that needs to be done, here’s a list of gardening jobs to keep you busy as summer recedes in the rear-view mirror.

Our Top 20 Autumn Gardening Jobs

1. Clear Fallen Leaves

Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colours to the garden. It also brings plenty of fallen leaves and no matter how much the grandkids or the dogs love to play in piles of leaves they do need clearing up. Especially when the rains start and the leaves become wet and mulchy. Speaking of which. Decomposed leaves can also be used as mulch or added to compost heaps to create nutrient-rich compost for the garden. And don’t forget wet leaves left on paths can be a real slip hazard. So whip out the rake and brush and get rid of the leaves.

2. Plant Your Spring Bulbs

For a burst of colour in the early days of spring, autumn is the best time to plant bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Planting bulbs at the right depth, generally two to three times their height, and in well-drained soil, will ensure healthy growth and flowering. Planting the bulbs at this time of year gives you even more to look forward to in the spring.

3. Pruning Shrubs and Trees

Before it gets too cold and miserable now is the ideal time to prune summer-flowering shrubs and trees. Pruning helps maintain a healthy and balanced growth structure while removing dead or diseased branches that could pose a risk in winter weather. A well-pruned plant is more robust, has better airflow, and is less susceptible to pests and diseases. So, a win win all round.

4. Protect Your Tender Plants

Frost-sensitive plants need extra care during the colder months. But don’t wait until the hard frosts are setting in before you take action. Wrapping tender plants in protective fleece or moving them to the polytunnel or conservatory can prevent any frost damage.

5. Divide Those Perennials

Autumn is the time to look at those lovely perennials and divide those which are overcrowded. Dividing helps rejuvenate older plants and of course it’ll save you a few pennies in spring as you won’t need to buy so many new plants. Plants that have been divided should be watered thoroughly and may benefit from a layer of mulch to protect their roots until they become established.

6. Bring in the Harvest

If your fruit trees and vegetable plants are still producing, now is the time to harvest what’s left of the crop. Apples, pears, and root vegetables can be brought in and stored. Store produce in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated area, and regularly check for signs of rot or disease. Don’t forget that some fruits, like apples, emit ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening of other fruits and vegetables, so make sure to store them separately.

7. Why Not Sow Some Hardy Annuals?

Sowing some hardy annuals like yarrow or daisy will brighten up your early spring. Many hardy annuals, like sweet peas and cornflowers, benefit from planting in autumn as they can develop stronger root systems over winter. By the time they bloom in spring they will be robust and healthy.

8. Aerate the Lawn

One of the great things about winter is that you don’t have to cut the grass. But before that , autumn is the best time for a little lawn aeration. Aeration is a fancy word for making a series of holes in the lawn. But it’s a crucial autumn task that improves water and nutrient uptake and reduces soil compaction, leading to healthier, more resilient grass. It’s an easy job too. Use a lawn aerator or simply push a garden fork into the ground at regular intervals.

9. Clean the Pond or Water Feature

If you have water in the garden you’ll know maintaining it is an all-year round job. But especially so in autumn. Fallen leaves and plant debris can accumulate in the water, leading to poor water quality and the build up of harmful gases as the material decomposes. Regularly removing this debris will keep the water clear and healthy for pond life and prevent the proliferation of algae and diseases.

10. Get the Tool Kit Out

Probably not a job many of us look forward to but autumn is as good a time as any to inspect and repair garden structures like fences, gates, and trellises. Regular maintenance will ensure your fences remain secure and functional. A sturdy fence is particularly important as it provides essential support for climbing plants and acts as a barrier against unwanted visitors.

11. Tidy the Borders

Maintaining neat and tidy borders is a chore but it’s a critical job. Cutting back herbaceous perennials and removing spent annuals prevents the spread of diseases and allows for new growth in the spring.

12. Plant Bare-root Plants

Bare-root trees, shrubs, and roses can be planted during autumn while the soil is still warm and before the onset of winter. Planting in autumn will allow them to establish their root systems before the worst of the weather sets in. Bare-root plants will usually establish themselves quickly. Just be sure the planting hole is spacious enough to accommodate the roots, and water well after planting.

13. Improve Your Soil Quality

One of those tasks which can and should be done each year. This is the ideal time to add organic material like well-rotted manure or compost to beds and borders. This will help to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient content. Healthy soil equals excellent plant health and growth.

14. Mulch Your Flower Beds and Borders

Laying down a thick layer of mulch around the plants in your beds and borders helps protect their roots from frost, prevents the growth of weeds, and improves soil structure. Mulch acts as an insulating layer, regulating soil temperature and retaining moisture, which is essential for the health of your plants as we head into winter.

15. Clean and Tidy Polytunnels, Greenhouses, and Sheds

Surprisingly one of my favourite jobs. There is something therapeutic about tidying up the shed or any other structure you have in the garden. And you’ll be amazed at how much junk you can get rid of. If you’re clearing out a polytunnel or greenhouse you will also need to weed out (pun intended) all the dead and old plants.

16. Plan Next Year’s Planting

It’s time to think about spring. Yes it’s a long way off but it’ll be here before you know it. Think about which plants and shrubs you’ll be ordering from Direct Plants and maybe send off for some seed catalogues. Browsing through them can provide inspiration and plenty of ideas for next year’s planting scheme.

17. Make a Compost Heap

Starting a compost heap is an environmentally friendly way to recycle your garden and kitchen waste. Not only will you make compost for your garden you’ll get a warm fuzzy feeling that you’re doing your bit to save the planet.

18. Install a Water Butt

It is a bit strange that for such a wet country we need to think about water conservation. However, having a water butt to collect rainwater provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective water source for the garden. Rainwater is generally softer and preferred by plants compared to tap water.

19. Tie Up Your Climbing Plants

Securing climbing plants to their supports and giving them a final prune if needed, will ensure they are well-prepared for winter. Well-supported plants are less likely to suffer damage from the winter weather. Tying your plants up will also encourage healthy growth and flowering next season.

20. Organise and Clean Your Tools

I’m sure most of us take our tools for granted but a bit of TLC will prolong their life and make them more enjoyable to use. And by putting your tools away you’ll also know exactly where that trowel is when you need it next spring.

Autumn is Made for Garden Jobs

Autumn may not be much of a growing season but it’s still an enjoyable time in the garden. From taking care of plants and the soil to the anticipation of spring through bulb planting, each task performed in autumn lays the foundation for the garden to bloom next year.

As the garden goes through its seasonal metamorphosis, we invite you to explore the Direct Plants website where you’ll find shrubs, plants, and even that new polytunnel you’ve been promising yourself.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, advice, or quality plants for your autumn garden, our extensive range and experienced team are here to help.