From heatwave to heavy rain – exact steps to repair your garden for autumn & you must start now

NOW that we’re officially into autumn, most of us will be starting to tidy our gardens and prepare outdoor spaces for the colder months ahead. Especially since there is a stormy start to the new season on the horizon, and harsh changes in weather conditions looming. Garden pros have revealed the key tasks to do throughout autumn Credit: Alamy But you must start now to protect your garden this season Credit: Alamy Luckily, one garden expert has revealed the essential jobs homeowners should be tackling now to prepare for the wet conditions and colder temperatures. In a month-by-month guide over autumn, B&Q’s Horticulture Expert, Mark Sage, details all the key jobs that need to be carried out across September, October, and November. Sign up for the Fabulous newsletter Thank you! And it covers everything from what to plant to how to protect your plants from autumn storms – but you must start now to protect your garden this season. This month, it’s all about refreshing areas that need a little TLC after the summer, like lawns, flowers, borders and exhausted plants. Mark says: “September is a real turning point in the gardening calendar, while there can still be plenty of colour and warmth around, the nights are drawing in and your garden will begin to change towards autumn. “It’s a transitional month where gardeners can make the most of the remaining colour while getting ahead with jobs that set up the space for the upcoming season. “One of the biggest jobs this month is refreshing areas that have been under stress during the summer. Re-seed lawns for that much-needed autumn feed and rejuvenate bedding with autumn and winter plants to keep borders looking colourful. “September is also a good time to divide congested Herbaceous Perennials to help bring plants back to life and create new displays elsewhere in the garden. Most read in Fabulous “For anyone wanting a head start on next year’s colour, this is when planting your spring bulbs should be high on the list. “Prioritise daffodils, crocuses and alliums which can be planted now, as opposed to tulips which are better left until later in autumn when the soil cools. A simple trick for a more natural-looking display is to throw your bulbs and plant them where they land, instead of arranging them too neatly. “In this transitional period there is still plenty to harvest too. Apples, pears, raspberries, tomatoes and late vegetable crops can all be picked, while green tomatoes that haven’t quite ripened can be brought indoors. “Another task throughout September is clearing the leaves as they begin to fall, keeping your grass healthy and giving you plenty of material for composting too.” This month, it’s all about refreshing areas that need a little TLC after the summer Credit: Alamy Next month, gardeners should focus on planting new bulbs and looking after the foundations as temperatures continue to drop. The expert explains: “October is when autumn comes to life and the garden can bloom into its most colourful autumnal state, with rich foliage, berries, flowers and stems creating a picturesque setting. “While the garden is beginning to slow down, there’s still plenty to do and the jobs you tackle now can make a real difference when spring arrives. “Now is the time to plant your tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs so they can establish their roots before winter, ready to put on a strong display next year. “It’s also the perfect window to plant trees, shrubs and perennials while the soil is still warm enough to encourage healthy root development. “As the temperature drops, turn your attention to tender plants by storing bulbs and perennials such as dahlias before the first frost. Containers can also benefit from being raised off the ground to improve drainage and reduce the risk of frost damage. “Don’t forget to look after the garden’s hardworking foundations. Keep clearing leaves and give the grass a final cut if the weather stays mild as well as mulching beds and borders with compost or soil conditioner. “This will improve the soil’s structure while providing an all-important insulating layer for plant roots as the temperature continues to fall.” Mark’s key jobs and top tips for each month HERE is the full list of all of Mark's key jobs and top tips to carry out throughout autumn. SEPTEMBER Divide and replant perennials such as achillea, salvias, heleniums and Japanese anemones Restore lawns from any summer stresses by turfing, sowing seeds, scarifying, feeding and repairing patches Harvest apples, pears, autumn raspberries and any remaining tomatoes Pick final vegetable crops Sow hardy annuals like cornflowers for some early-summer colour next year Boost soil health over the winter by sowing green manures in empty vegetable beds Refresh patio containers and hanging baskets with autumn-ready plants like Thyme, Pansies and Violas OCTOBER Plant tulips and other spring-flowering bulbs for next year’s display Lift and store tender bulb and perennials before the first frost Protect vulnerable plants Clear fallen leaves regularly from lawns, paths and borders Mulch beds and borders to improve soil and insulate plant roots Keep mowing while conditions remain mild Raise containers off the ground to improve drainage NOVEMBER Mulch borders to improve soil health and insulate plant roots Continue to rake up fallen leaves from lawns, borders, paths and ponds Plant bare-root trees, roses, fruit bushes and shrubs while plants are dormant Check tree ties and stakes are secure ahead of winter storms Feed garden birds and leave some seedheads Clean, sharpen and oil garden tools ahead of winter storms Insulate pots and raise them off the ground for drainage Hard prune any overgrown shrubs and hedges while they are dormant Mark’s guide covers everything from what to plant to how to protect your plants from autumn storms Credit: Alamy In November, it’s all about protecting your garden from the freezing winter conditions whilst taking steps to prepare for next spring. Mark says: “In November, the key is to protect what you have and make the most of the autumn colour. “If you haven’t got round to it, you can still plant your spring bulbs this month. “Bare-root trees, roses, fruit bushes and shrubs can also be planted while they are dormant, making November a particularly useful month for planning ahead. “It’s important to continue mulching a good layer of organic matter around beds and borders to improve soil health and insulate plant roots. “Fallen leaves can be put to good use as compost or leaf mould, working hand-in-hand as removing those leaves from the lawn will stop the grass from looking yellow. “It’s also time to think about the plants that need a little extra protection, especially as we are set for a windier winter. “Make sure pots are insulated and raised off the ground, protect tender plants with fleece or cloches and check tree ties and stakes ahead of winter storms. “For those after some winter colour through the darker months, winter-flowering heathers, cyclamen, pansies and violas are a simple way to brighten up an outdoor space.” Comment now