As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, autumn offers a golden opportunity to refresh and prepare your garden before winter sets in. Whether you’re nurturing a small city plot or a larger garden, a little seasonal care now can make all the difference come spring. We know that protecting your home extends beyond four walls – your garden deserves attention too.
Here’s your essential checklist for autumn gardening jobs that will keep your outdoor space healthy, colourful, and ready for the colder months.
Protect and repair
Cover garden furniture
Start by cleaning and covering any outdoor furniture. Moisture and frost can cause wood to warp and metal to rust, so invest in waterproof covers or store items in a shed or garage. It’s a simple step that can save you money and hassle when spring rolls around.
Lawn TLC
After a summer of wear and tear, your lawn might be looking a little tired. Autumn’s mild, damp conditions are ideal for giving it a boost, and a well-maintained lawn now will bounce back beautifully in spring.
- Mow on the highest setting to avoid stressing the grass.
- Remove dead grass and thatch to improve airflow.
- Aerate the soil by spiking it—this helps water and nutrients reach the roots.
- Repair bare patches with lawn seed or turf. Sowing seed is cost-effective and easy, while turf offers instant results.
Lift and store Dahlia tubers
Dahlias are stunning but tender. In colder regions, dig up the tubers before the first frost:
- Cut back stems
- Gently lift the tubers
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place
In milder areas, you can risk leaving them in the ground with a thick mulch—but lifting guarantees survival.
What to plant
Autumn is ideal for planting crops that thrive in cooler weather:
- Winter-hardy onions and garlic
- White Lisbon spring onions
- All-year-round lettuce
- Pak choi and kohlrabi
Before planting, remove weeds and enrich the soil with compost or manure. Keep young plants watered until they’re established, and protect them from early frosts with cloches, fleece, or straw mulch.
You can also get ahead on next year’s blooms by sowing hardy annuals, such as:
- Calendula
- Cornflowers
- Sweet peas
Keep them under cover until frost risk passes and enjoy early spring colour. And speaking of colour, why not brighten up the colder months with winter-flowering plants? Perfect for pots and borders, these include:
- Pansies
- Cyclamen
- Winter heather
- Polyanthus primroses
- Violas
For added interest, consider climbers like winter honeysuckle or shrubs such as mahonia and daphne. They’ll keep your garden lively when everything else is sleeping.
Don’t forget or neglect what’s outside
While you’re busy tending to your garden, it’s worth remembering that your outdoor space may hold more value than you think. From lawnmowers and tools to BBQs, garden furniture, and even outbuildings, these items can add up. But they’re not always covered by standard home insurance policies.
Many policies have limits on payouts for theft or damage from sheds and garages, and high-value items might need to be listed separately. So before winter hits, take stock of what’s in your garden and check your policy details. If you’re unsure, speak to an insurance broker who can help ensure everything is properly protected. After all, peace of mind is just as important as a tidy lawn!
Read more: Hidden risks in your garden
Howden is here to help
Autumn gardening is about more than tidying up, it’s about investing in the future of your outdoor space. And just as you protect your garden from the elements, Howden Insurance is here to help you safeguard your home and lifestyle all year round.
So, grab your gloves, breathe in that earthy autumn air, and give your garden the care it deserves. Spring will thank you. And if you need us, you can find your local Howden team here.
Sources: RHS, Gardener’s World
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.