The Lady Gardener’s Guide on How to Nurture your Garden in the Colder Months

Autumn is the time to tidy your borders, but aim for a balance between tidiness and supporting wildlife:

•  Remove floppy or soggy plants, but leave seed heads for winter interest and to provide food for wildlife.
•  Weed to reduce unwanted seed dispersal for next year.
•  Compost cuttings and fallen autumn leaves to create a rich, balanced compost mix.

Now is your KLAXON to order bulbs – before they sell out:

• Autumn is the perfect time to plant all other spring bulbs like daffodils, tulips, crocuses, and hyacinths. They’ll establish roots during the cold months and bring you such cheer in spring.
• Good quality tulip bulbs sell fast, so make sure to get your order in now before they’re all gone!
• Right now, whilst it is too warm to plant bulbs, unbox them and put them somewhere cool and dry and wait for the frosts to arrive. My top tip is to use an auger if you are planting lots of bulbs and only plant when you really need to wrap up to go outside.

Autumn pruning is essential for encouraging strong growth next year:

•  Prune roses, wisteria, and deciduous trees or shrubs to shape them for the next growing season.
•  Tidy up fruit trees like apple and pear trees by removing dead or diseased wood.

Rejuvenate and expand your garden:

•  Dig up and split perennial clumps (e.g., hostas, daylilies, and irises) to create new plants for next year.

Get your plants ready for the cold months:

•  Spread mulch (bark, compost, or leaf mould) around shrubs and perennials to protect their roots from frost, slow down weed growth, and help retain moisture. Think of it as tucking them in for winter!

•  Gather seeds from flowers like poppies or marigolds and store them in a cool, dry place for next year’s planting.

Prepare your lawn for winter survival:

•  Mow the lawn one last time, leaving it slightly longer to protect it from frost.
•  Aerate the soil to reduce compaction and improve drainage, especially if your soil is heavy with clay.
•  Apply an autumn lawn feed to strengthen the grass.

•  Gather fallen autumn leaves and bag them in black bin liners with drainage holes. Store them behind a shed and let nature do the work—over time, they’ll turn into invaluable leaf mould.

Winter prep doesn’t stop with plants:

•  Clean your greenhouse and tools to remove pests and diseases.
•  Sharpen and oil your tools for the next season. Good tools will last a lifetime if looked after properly—check out Niwaki products from Archerfield Walled Garden.
•  Move tender plants indoors or wrap them in protective fleece to shield them from frost.

Autumn is your last chance to plant certain crops:

•  Plant garlic, onions, and broad beans for an early spring harvest.
•  Get leafy greens like spinach, kale, and winter lettuce in the ground before it’s too late.

Support garden wildlife during the colder months:

•  Once the frosts hit, set up bird feeders and create log piles or bug hotels.
•  Don’t forget to provide fresh water for birds.

By completing these tasks, you’ll not only keep your garden tidy and healthy through the winter but also give yourself a head start for spring!