10 must-do tasks to autumn-proof your garden before the colder weather sets in

As we transition into autumn, it's a pivotal time for garden enthusiasts to get their outdoor spaces ready for the chillier months ahead.

The balmy, lengthy days of summer are slowly replaced by the brisk, cool clasp of autumn, signalling it's time for green-fingered folk to gear up their gardens for the seasonal switch.

Switching your garden from summer to autumn requires a few tactical moves to ensure your green space stays lively and robust throughout the year.

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Luke Newnes, gardening guru and member of the Interior Squad at Hillarys, offers practical and effective solutions to these seasonal shifts.

He even throws in some extra tips that will assist you and your garden in welcoming and celebrating the autumn season, with a touch of natural decoration, reports the Express.

Embrace the next chapter of the year by incorporating autumn-themed adornments like pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones into your garden, which can also attract local wildlife such as birds and squirrels.

These gardening pearls of wisdom from Luke Newnes will guarantee your outdoor patch is primed for the colder season - and you might even find yourself savouring the crisp mornings or evenings in your garden.

Autumn-proof your garden - here are the top 10 tasks to tick off before the cold weather kicks in

1. Revamp your garden beds.

Start by getting rid of wilted summer annuals and clearing out any debris. This tidy-up will stop pests and diseases from hibernating in your garden.

2. Mulch.

Add a fresh layer of mulch to your garden beds. Mulch aids in retaining soil moisture, suppressing weeds, and regulating soil temperature, providing a protective layer as temperatures fall.

3 Prune and prepare.

Autumn is the perfect time to prune perennials and trim back shrubs. Pruning promotes healthy growth and prepares your plants for the winter months.

4 Lawn TLC.

Maintain your lawn in top condition by raking up fallen leaves and aerating the soil. This allows for improved air circulation and nutrient absorption, setting the stage for a lush lawn in spring.

5 Plant autumn flowers.

Introduce autumn-blooming flowers such as chrysanthemums and asters to add a splash of colour to your garden. Consider planting cool-season vegetables like kale and spinach for a fresh harvest.

6 Outdoor furniture care.

Before storing your outdoor furniture, clean it thoroughly with a mild detergent and water. Ensure it's completely dry to prevent mould and mildew during storage.

7 Awnings.

Clean any mould or mildew from awnings using a mild detergent and water. Proper maintenance will extend the life of your outdoor fabrics and keep them looking fresh.

8 Decorate.

Embrace the season by sprucing up your garden with autumn-themed adornments like pumpkins, acorns, and pinecones. Boost the snug, inviting ambience with warm fairy lights strung around trees or fences.

Add autumn-themed cushions to your outdoor seating for added comfort, and scatter candles or lanterns throughout the area to create a soft, welcoming glow. These touches will transform your garden into the ideal spot to savour the crisp autumn evenings.

9 Shield fragile plants.

Wrap sensitive plants in hessian or frost cloth to protect them from severe winter conditions. You can also relocate potted plants to a sheltered spot, such as a greenhouse or inside your home, to safeguard them from frost damage.

10 Tidy up garden tools.

Clean and hone your garden tools before packing them away for the winter. Removing dirt and rust, and applying a thin layer of oil, will stave off corrosion and ensure they're primed for use when spring rolls around.

Proper upkeep will extend the lifespan of your tools and enhance their efficiency.