September not only brings the arrival of cooler weather than the months that precede it but also the distinctively shorter days as we head into the autumn. However, there is still a lot you can do in your garden to prepare for the change of season.
If your garden is home to a fruit or vegetable patch, you’ll be pleased to hear that you may have an abundance of produce. It’s also time to begin bedding bulbs to flower for next spring and it’s possible to collect seeds for next summer as well. Before the chillier weather sets in, it’s best to make the most of the remaining warmth while you can!
Here are just a few jobs you can do to prepare the garden for autumn:
Flowers
1. Plant pansies, forget-me-nots and other spring flowers, mainly in pots and borders.
2. Trim any hedges that have overgrown or crowd other plants or flowers. Be sure to check any Mountfield parts are cleaned on your equipment after you do this.
3. Bring any houseplants that you may have placed outside back indoors before the temperature begins to drop.
4. Collect seeds from flowers and store in labelled envelopes so they are ready to sow in spring.
Fruit and Veg
1. Trim any leaves covering pumpkins, squash and marrows to help them ripen in the sun.
2. Pick apple and pears before they fall or the wind blows them and store them in a cool place if you can’t eat them fresh.
3. Sow greens, such as kale, cress, lettuce and mustard, for winter offerings.
4. Begin seeding varieties of broad beans and peas for early harvest next year.
Garden Maintenance
1. Water autumn flowers regularly to keep off mildew.
2. Clean out water butts and downpipe fittings in anticipation of autumn rain.
3. Ensure grass is often cut and check if you need any Mountfield spares to maintain your garden equipment.
4. Gather any fallen leaves and store to make compost for other garden uses.
Greenhouse
1. Remove shade netting or wash off shading paint when light levels begin to fall.
2. Water houseplants less regularly and transfer them to cold windowsills during the night.
3. Pick off faded flowers and dead leaves before fungal diseases take hold.
4. Check the ventilation of the greenhouse, shutting any vents on cool nights.
