Autumn refresh

As the colder months start to come around, the garden starts to wind down, but there's still plenty to keep you busy. Early autumn can be surprisingly productive, especially in the vegetable patch, and a good tidy-up now sets the stage for success next season.

A trip round your local garden centre will give you a good idea about what is in bloom at this time of year. Dahlias, Violas, Rudbeckia and Asters will all bring vibrant colour to your outside space. Look for shrubs and trees with colourful foliage, such as Euonymus, Cotinus and Acers which will keep the garden looking cheerful well into the winter months.

As plants are harvested, the remains of plants such as runner beans, should be cut up & put on the compost heap. Chop them up. The same goes for weeds; regular hoeing is your best defence, especially while the soil is still warm enough to catch them out.

Keep an eye on overwintering brassicas too. A protective net is a must to not only to keep off any late butterflies but also pigeons.

Now’s also the perfect time to plant autumn onion sets and garlic. They’ll establish roots before the cold sets in and be ready to shoot ahead come spring. Winter lettuces, onions, garlic, rocket, radishes and broad beans will all do well.

Your roses will benefit from a light trim down by about half to help prevent wind rock over winter. If you spot any black spot disease on the leaves, it’s best to bin them in your council green waste, not the compost heap.

Climbers like wisteria are due a good cut back too. Pruning in late summer to early autumn helps promote those flowering spurs we all love, rather than letting it become unmanageable.

Before the chill of winter sets in, give your greenhouse a proper clean. A wash down with warm, soapy water will help cut down on fungal spores and give your plants a healthier start next season.

Don’t forget the patio too. Treat paving now with a patio cleaner before green algae turns them into a slippery hazard.

A gentle trim for trees and shrubs now helps maintain their shape and stops branches from encroaching where they’re not wanted. It’s also easier to see their structure before the last leaves drop.

Autumn lawns can start to look a bit shabby, especially if the summer has been a warm dry one. The cooler weather makes autumn the perfect time to give your lawn a bit of attention. Rake up any dead leaves and moss in the lawn to prevent it becoming waterlogged. Scarify with a lawn rake to remove dead grass and moss and let air and light in. Use a lawn treatment and repair bare patches with grass seed to keep your lawn looking lovely for the rest of the season.

It can feel strange thinking about daffodils and tulips in autumn, but now is the time to get your bulbs in the ground if you want a garden bursting with beautiful spring flowers next year. Whether you're planting under trees, in borders or in pots, think ahead to that glorious burst of spring colour. Consider bulbs that support wildlife, ones that are perfect for cutting and bringing indoors, and a range of varieties that will give you blooms from December right through to May. Read our guide to spring flowering bulbs for more information.

With just a bit of effort now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a garden that’s both tidy for winter and bursting with life come spring. Happy autumn gardening.