As September unfolds, the temperature gradually begins to drop, and the evenings arrive a bit earlier, yet there’s still plenty of opportunity to enjoy the lingering warmth. As we transition into autumn, it’s an ideal time to harvest your fruits and vegetables while also considering what new crops you can plant now for an early yield next year. This season also calls for some much-needed autumn care for your lawn. It’s the perfect time to start planting spring-flowering bulbs for next year and to gather seeds that will bring vibrant colours to your garden next summer.
- Have a good tidy up, prune and trim anything that is overgrown or has finished flowering to maintain healthy plant growth and to make way for any autumn planting. Remember to leave some things for the wildlife to enjoy!
- Sedums are excellent for filling any gaps in your garden. These late-blooming perennials boast nectar-rich flowerheads that are a favourite of bees and other pollinators.
- To maintain interest and colour in your garden this autumn, consider planting cyclamen, heathers, heucheras, and other bedding plants like pansies, violas, and bellis in your beds and borders.
- The birds love to eat sunflower seedheads, so leave them in place so they can enjoy.
- Apply Bug Clear vine weevil Killer to pots if plants show the tell-tale sign of notched leaf margins.
- Continue to regularly deadhead any hanging baskets until the first frost arrives
- Planting bulbs in autumn ensures they will bloom in spring, making them one of the simplest and most rewarding garden plants to cultivate. Aim to plant spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths by the end of September. Hardy summer-flowering bulbs such as lilies and alliums should be planted in September and October. Tulips can be planted from late September – November. Our Spring bulbs are in store now!
- Pay close attention to greenhouse ventilation as the weather changes. On cooler nights, be sure to close the vents to retain warmth and protect your plants from chilly temperatures. Properly managing ventilation will help maintain a stable environment inside the greenhouse, promoting healthy growth and reducing the risk of cold-related stress on your plants
- Cut all old, woody stems on your raspberry plants. Choose the strongest young green stems that have grown this season and tie them to your new canes to support.
- The wind can pick up this month, so be sure to collect your apples and pears before the wind knocks them down. Store any undamaged fruits if you are not eating when they are fresh.
- It is time to harvest maincrop potatoes, you can use a fork on a dry day but take care not to damage them. Brush off excess soil and let the potatoes air dry for a few hours. Maincrop potatoes can store for three to six months or longer if stored properly in a dark, dry, well-ventilated place. You can bag them up in hessian sacks or paper bags.
- Now is a great time to sow some hardy greens like lambs lettuce, kale and pak choi to enjoy in winter.
- Broad beans and peas are a popular choice in most households. Starting sowing these now and enjoy crops early next year.
- Plant shallot and onion sets in a sunny spot, 10cm apart, with the tip just showing above the soil. Your crop will be ready in spring a few weeks earlier than those planted in spring.
- If you have any leaves covering your pumpkins, marrows or squash cut these away so the sun can help ripen the skin.
- In preparation for the autumn rain, check your water butts and downpipes. Give them a clean-out so there are no blockages.
- If you have any tree or plant supports in the garden, check they are all secure ahead of any stronger winds that come in the next few months.
- You can water houseplants less frequently now the temperature has dropped. Remember if you have any particularly cold windowsills, move plants at night-time.
Lawn Care
At the end of summer our lawns often need some TLC and the mild, damp conditions that autumn brings are ideal for some maintenance. Whether you have a traditional lawn or one designed to be more wildlife-friendly, giving it some extra care and attention in early autumn will help ensure it’s in great shape for next year.
- Cut your lawn on a higher setting to give the grass the best chance of getting the last of the sunshine and storing energy for winter.
- If needed remove thatch (old grass clippings, moss and other debris). Gently separate tufts of grass—if you can see the soil between the blades, scarifying isn’t necessary. However, if you notice a layer of matted dead grass (thatch) around the roots, it’s time to scarify the lawn. You want to loosen the debris without uprooting any of the healthy grass by using a spring-tined rake. Working in both directions rake vigorously to remove as much thatch as possible.
- Don’t worry if the lawn is patchy, it will soon recover or it can be re-seeded.
- Aerating, or spiking, a lawn enhances the flow of air and water to the grass roots, strengthening the lawn’s ability to endure both drought and waterlogging. To do this you can use a garden fork and spike the lawn about 6 inches apart.
- Aerating a lawn can be physically demanding, so if you have a large area, focus on spots that experience the most wear or are compacted. Each autumn, try aerating a different section of your lawn. You might also consider renting or purchasing a powered aerator to make the task easier.
- Next you can add some top dressing, a mix of loam, sand and well-rotted organic matter. You can buy this readymade or make your own. It will improve the soil texture and drainage, encouraging better rooting and denser grass.
- If needed, you can feed the lawn, we suggest the Miracle-Gro Evergreen Autumn Feed to help protect against the winter and kill moss at the same time. Only do this if you feel necessary and be mindful of the effects on the environment.
- You can repair any patches with lawn seed. We have great brands in store such as Johnsons and Miracle-Gro, you can pick the right seeds according to your needs, for example repairing patches, shady places or general purpose. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the pack to get the best results.
Preparing your garden now is a fantastic way to have delightful blooms and a green healthy lawn by spring. Pop in and have a browse of our great range of garden maintenance products, our team are always happy to help.