Have a good clear up
It might sound obvious, boligoghus but it pays to clear up any fallen leaves or fruit and dead or diseased plants now. Leaves will choke small plants and lawns and harbour pests so get them into your compost bin along with any dead plants. Get rid of any diseased plants or leaves to stop it spreading to next year’s growth.
Evaluate and reorganise your planting
Now that plants are starting to die back, have a good look at which ones are flourishing and which are struggling or in the wrong place. Autumn is the perfect time to move any struggling plants to a better spot or split any which are getting too large. You’ll then be able to see any gaps that need new plants and get them in early so they establish well. Make sure you mark any plants that die back, but won’t be moved, with a garden cane, sellyourhousefastwisconsin so you don’t dig them up by accident!
Protect tender plants with fleece
Small tender plants can be protected with a layer of garden fleece to stop them being damaged by the frost and trees can be protected by wrapping with fleece and filling gaps with straw. Individual larger plants can also be protected by using fleece jackets which can be bought in various shapes and sizes. Fleece allows light and moisture to get through to the plants while still protecting from adverse weather conditions. You can also use fleece to protect your containers as earthenware can easily be cracked by the frost.
More delicate plants may benefit from the extra protection of a bell cloche as this will also protect against falling debris dislodged by high winds. Bell cloches can also be used to warm the soil in preparation for next year’s planting.
Water and mulch your plants
Thirsty plants like trees and large shrubs can often struggle to get enough water, sellyourhousefastidaho especially during a dry cold winter, so give them a long drink before the ground becomes frozen and then put down a thick layer of mulch to keep the moisture in.
Look after your tools
Before packing your tools away in the shed, make sure you clean all the mud off them, oil any moving parts and sharpen your shears and secateurs. You’ll be glad of your effort in the spring when they are ready to go, rather than rusty and stuck!