Autumn is an important time for preparing your garden for the colder months ahead. From caring for your lawn and maintaining garden ponds to tidying borders and planting for the following spring, there are plenty of autumn gardening jobs to keep you busy.
As temperatures begin to fall and the growing season slows, taking the time to care for your garden can help protect established plants, improve growing conditions and give your garden a head start for next year.
Autumn Pond Care & Maintenance
Autumn is the perfect time to carry out pond care and maintenance, just before hibernating animals settle down and as insects move away.
Begin by switching off any fountains and pumps and giving them a good clean, making sure they are in good working order before storing them in a safe place away from where mice cannot chew the electrical cables.
Tidy up any fallen leaves and foliage, cutting back any aquatic plants that may be growing too big. If you have silt or sludge at the bottom of your pond, it is the perfect time to clear some of it out, leaving some behind for creatures to hibernate in. Leave any foliage beside the pond for 48 hours before adding to compost, so that any creatures caught have the opportunity to return to wildlife.
Once you’ve tidied your pond lay a plank over one end, or if you have a smaller pond, a tennis ball. This prevents the entire surface freezing over in winter and allows oxygen and CO2 somewhere to get through.
Creating a Healthy Lawn
Autumn is an ideal time to give your lawn some attention, as cooler temperatures and seasonal rainfall create favourable conditions for grass growth and recovery. Whether you’re sowing a new lawn, repairing bare patches or preparing your grass for winter, there are several autumn lawn care jobs that can encourage healthier growth.
Early autumn is a great time to sow grass seed while the soil is still warm. Begin by digging over the area to loosen compacted soil, removing any weeds and stones before raking the ground level. Leave the soil to settle for a week or so, then gently firm it down and rake again to create an even surface. Scatter your grass seed evenly, following the recommended sowing rate, and lightly rake it into the soil.
Protect newly sown grass seed from birds using suitable netting or other deterrents, and keep the soil consistently moist while the grass establishes. Avoid walking on your new lawn for around four weeks, or until the grass is well established.
Caring for Your Lawn in Autumn
Autumn is also a good time to renovate an existing lawn and repair any bare or worn patches. Begin by scarifying your lawn with a spring-tined rake or specialist tool to remove built-up thatch and moss. Remove any weeds, ensuring you take out the roots to help prevent regrowth.
If your lawn suffers from compacted soil or poor drainage, aerating can help improve airflow, water penetration and root development. Use a garden fork or hollow-tine aerator to create holes approximately 15cm apart, then brush a suitable lawn top dressing into the holes to help improve soil structure. For lawns with average use, hollow-tine aeration may only be necessary every two to three years.
Applying an autumn lawn fertiliser can help encourage stronger root growth and improve your lawn’s resilience during the colder months. Choose a fertiliser specifically designed for autumn use, rather than a high-nitrogen spring feed that encourages excessive soft growth. You can also use lawn edging shears or an edging tool to neaten the edges of your grass and prevent it from spreading into neighbouring flowerbeds.
As deciduous trees begin to shed their leaves, regularly remove fallen foliage from your lawn. Leaving thick layers of leaves on the grass can block sunlight and airflow, potentially causing patches of weakened or damaged grass. Clear leaves from paths and walkways to reduce slippery surfaces, and consider collecting healthy fallen leaves to make leaf mould, which offers a wealth of applications. Enriching and insulating, it is a superb mulching agent, nurturing soil health and fostering plant growth. Moreover, this precious material can be used to make your own bespoke potting compost, cultivating a self-sustaining cycle.
Preparing Beds & Borders for Winter
In September, flower beds are often still going strong with scores of bright blooms mixing with the softening strands of ornamental grasses. But how can you keep this colour and texture continuing well into the season?
Plan ahead for next spring by adding spring bulbs to your garden, as autumn provides the ideal conditions for them to establish before the demands of spring flowering. This means that they’ll flourish and reward you with an abundance of colourful, cheerful flowers to brighten up your outdoor space.
Clear away any really decaying foliage and flopping stems. Leave any plants with good seedheads be, as they are sources of food for birds throughout the colder months. Once your beds are cleared, take the opportunity to assess what you have and choose new plants to fill the gaps.
Autumn is also a great time to plant shrubs and perennials. The soil is still warm enough for the plant to happily put out roots and get established, while the autumn rains keep them moist. Plant with a compost mulch to keep the weeds down, feed the soil and insulate the roots of your plants over winter. Come spring they will be ready to romp away.
Soft fruit in particular can be planted in autumn, for example strawberries, currants and raspberries. Autumn planting gives them time to develop stronger root systems, so they can produce more fruit to be harvested.
Autumn Garden Maintenance & Repairs
After tidying and preparing your planting areas, consider reviewing your garden structure. Check any fences, sheds, raised beds and greenhouses for sturdiness, ensuring they are strong enough to survive any winter storms and avoid any leaks.
You can treat your wooden structures and garden furniture with a coat of preservative during a dry spell, to help maintain weather resistance and look a bit neater. Any small damp or rotten patches can be treated with a wood hardener, or replace the affected section, before painting on any preservative. Ensure your shed windows are secure and if your roofing felt is letting it leaks, it could be time to replace it.
Making the Most of Your Garden in Autumn
Taking the time to complete essential autumn gardening jobs can make a real difference to the health and appearance of your garden throughout winter and into spring. From caring for your lawn and maintaining ponds to tidying borders and planting for the seasons ahead, a little preparation now can help your garden thrive next year.
Make the most of the autumn months to get your garden ready for winter, giving your plants the best possible start when warmer weather returns.
For more seasonal gardening advice, explore our latest blogs and plant care guides, or visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre for everything you need to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead.
Tips, Information & Advice
