Revive tired lawns
With temperatures easing and rain beginning to soak in, now is the perfect time to tackle garden jobs to do in autumn. One of them is to revive tired lawns after the stress of summer and before winter. Start by aerating compacted areas with a garden fork to improve drainage and root health, especially where foot traffic has been heavy. If your lawn has become lumpy or uneven, spread a thin layer of quality topsoil and smooth it out with a steel rake or hire a lawn levelling tool.
Apply a balanced lawn fertiliser to encourage fresh growth. Finally, repair bare patches by transplanting plugs from healthy sections or sowing seed to restore a thick, even green carpet once again.
Prepare for winter bare-root planting
Winter is the ideal time to plant bare-rooted trees, from ornamental favourites such as roses and deciduous shade trees to productive edibles like apples, pears and stone fruit. Supplied without soil around their roots, bare-root plants are lighter, easier to handle and often more affordable, and they establish quickly once planted.
To avoid missing out on popular varieties, place your orders with your local nursery early. Use the lead-up time to choose your best planting positions, considering sun, space and drainage. Begin by improving the soil with organic soil improver so your trees can be planted immediately on arrival with minimal stress.
Plant a seasonal pot of colour
If you’re looking for simple garden jobs to do in autumn, planting seasonal pots is an easy way to refresh your space. Plant up a few cheerful pots of seasonal colour now to lift the garden on the gloomiest winter days ahead. Choose containers at least 30 cm wide and fill them with premium potting mix. For a designer look, stick to a limited colour palette and plant a taller feature in the centre, such as snapdragons, primulas or cinerarias, surrounded by trailing pansies, violas, lobelia or alyssum.
You can be creative with containers – old teapots, boots or even a kettle barbecue can make eye-catching displays. Position pots in a sunny spot, water as needed and apply a liquid fertiliser every 7–14 days. Regular deadheading and tip pruning will keep displays fresh for months.
Learn how to make your very own autumn flower pot here!
By focusing on these garden jobs to do in autumn, you’ll set your garden up for a healthier, more productive season ahead. A little effort now will reward you with stronger growth and vibrant colour in the months to come.
