Autumn is the most useful season in the garden. The soil is still warm, rain is reliable, and the work you do now shows next spring.
Lawns
- Rake out thatch and moss with a spring-tine rake or scarifier
- Aerate compacted areas with a fork or hollow-tine aerator
- Overseed thin patches and top-dress with sandy loam
- Raise the mower blades for the last few cuts
Borders and planting
- Plant spring bulbs: daffodils now, tulips in November
- Lift and divide crowded perennials
- Plant bare-root hedges, trees and shrubs from November
- Leave some seed heads standing for birds and winter structure
Hard surfaces
Clear leaves from patios, paths and drains before they turn slippery, and check that channel drains and gullies are running freely before winter rain arrives.