Just because the leaves are falling and the days are getting shorter doesn’t mean the end of your garden. During this season, it is crucial to carry out certain tasks that ensure the health of the soil, the protection of perennial plants and, of course, to make the most of the opportunities that autumn provides for new plantings.
Join us as we take a step-by-step look at the most important activities to leave your garden or allotment in top condition for the coming season.
What work should I do in the autumn in my garden or orchard?
Harvest your autumn crop:
Pumpkins, aubergines, onions, chestnuts, custard apples, beetroot, endives… our vegetable garden is still bearing fruit from these later crops. Get down to work and harvest all those autumnal wonders that you have worked on during the summer.
Clearing and preparation of the land:
The first step to ensure a thriving autumn and winter garden is to clean up. Here are the key steps to prepare the ground:
• Removal of dead or diseased plants: Remove those plants that have completed their cycle or are affected by diseases. Leaving them in the soil can spread pathogens that will affect new plantings.
• Clean up fallen leaves and summer debris: Autumn brings with it a shower of leaves which, although they can be aesthetically pleasing, are best collected if you want to prevent them from rotting and attracting pests or mould. Dried leaves, along with other plant debris, can be composted.
• Soil preparation: organic fertiliser and compost: The soil is the heart of your garden, so make sure it is in good condition. Add a layer of organic fertiliser or compost to revitalise the soil, such as Upgrade or Worm Delight, and improve its structure.
Pruning:
Many people advocate that autumn pruning is the key to healthier and more productive plants in spring.
Removing dry or diseased branches and shoots is a way of redirecting the plant’s energy and preventing certain diseases from spreading, improving aeration and exposure to sunlight. It also helps to maintain the shape of our trees and shrubs, which will resprout and continue to grow stronger in spring.
Protect plants and prepare them for winter:
Autumn is a transitional season, and as the weather cools down, it is important to prepare your garden so that sensitive plants are not damaged when the first frosts arrive. Let’s look at some practical tips to protect perennials, maintain soil vitality and ensure your garden survives the colder months.
• Protection of perennials and cold-sensitive plants
Some perennials, especially younger ones, may need an extra layer of protection to survive the winter. An excellent option is to use plant blankets or protective cloths, which protect the roots against frost.
• Mulching
Mulching is a key technique for protecting the soil and plant roots during the winter. It consists of applying a layer of organic material (such as dry leaves, straw, or compost) on top of the soil. This mulch acts as a natural blanket that helps maintain soil moisture, prevents erosion and regulates soil temperature. In addition, as it decomposes, it improves soil structure and fertility.
• Use of greenhouses or mini-tunnels
If you have more sensitive or long-growing crops, such as lettuces or some aromatic herbs, you can choose to install mini greenhouses or plastic tunnels. These protect the plants from extreme cold and provide them with a warm microclimate that supports their development.
• Pest prevention
Although many pests disappear in autumn, some pests, such as fungi or snails, may reappear in the wetter weather. Good mulching and regular clearing of dry leaves and adventitious weeds will help prevent these pests from finding refuge in your garden.
What to plant in autumn?
Autumn is not only a time for gardening, with the arrival of cold weather it is also an ideal season for planting certain vegetables, cold hardy plants and preparing for spring. In addition, the soil still retains some of the warmth from the summer, which makes it easier for plants to start growing.
Here is a short list of crops and plants that are ideal for sowing and planting in autumn:
• Spinach: This is one of the easiest crops to sow in autumn. It is very cold hardy and can be harvested quickly, even before the first frost.
• Carrot, black winter radish and beetroot: These root vegetables also grow well in autumn, and the cold stimulates sugar accumulation, acting as a natural antifreeze to protect roots from frost damage.
• Kale: Perfect for autumn, as its leaves become sweeter after a couple of frosts.
• Garlic and onions: Winter garlic and onions are another classic crop this season. Plant them in October for a bumper crop next year.
• Lettuce: Although a more temperate climate plant, some lettuce varieties are cold hardy and can be harvested in mid-winter if properly covered.
• Bulbs: Autumn is the perfect time to plant bulbs that will flower in spring, such as tulips, daffodils, crocuses or hyacinths. These bulbs need the cold of winter to develop their flowers, so planting them in autumn ensures a burst of vivid colour in your garden come spring.
• Prepare the beds for winter and plan the planting of fruit trees. Autumn is an excellent time to plant fruit trees such as cherry, apple or pear trees, as they benefit from the cold to root well.
Advantages of autumn planting
Planting in autumn has multiple benefits that gardeners often overlook:
1. Cold-hardy plants: Many of the plants we mentioned, such as garlic, onions and kale, are incredibly cold-hardy and do not require as much care as in other seasons.
2. Soil is still warm: Although the air cools down, the soils maintain a moderate temperature which helps young plants to develop before the intense cold arrives.
3. Less competition with pests: As temperatures drop, many summer pests disappear, allowing new plants to grow with less risk of infestation.
Creative ideas for your autumn garden
Autumn is not only a time of preparation, it also offers an opportunity to embellish your garden with seasonal charm. Here are some creative ideas for adding a special touch to your green space.
• Decorating with autumn elements
Autumn is full of warm and intense
colours that will look fantastic in your garden. Adding pumpkins of different sizes and colours, using dried branches, or grouping fallen leaves into small decorative piles, can give your garden a cosy and natural feel. These decorations are perfect if you also like to add a seasonal touch to your outdoor space.
• Create a welcoming space with colours and textures Autumn ornamentals, such as chrysanthemums or pansies, can be a great way to fill flowerbeds or containers with colour. Their vivid yellows, oranges and reds go perfectly with the season and stay alive for much of the autumn. You can also plant heucheras, which have vibrantly coloured leaves that add texture and colour to the garden.
Conclusion
Autumn is a wonderful time to work in the garden or orchard. Although many people think that the cold weather means the end of activity, it is actually an ideal opportunity to prepare the ground for next spring. From clearing and preparing the soil to planting cold-hardy crops, every task you do now will have a positive impact on the long-term health and vitality of your garden.
And autumn doesn’t have to be all about work; you can also enjoy the beauty of the season by decorating your green space with autumnal elements and experimenting with creative ideas. With these simple tips and a good planting calendar, you will be well prepared to take care of your garden all year round. Happy autumn!
