🍁 Autumn is officially here, folks! 🍁 As the days grow cooler, it’s easy to feel less inclined to get outside, but if you’re a “smart gardener,” you’ll want to tackle some key jobs this month for a bountiful garden next year.
Barry Wilson, a gardening whiz, has shared his top 8 tips:
1️⃣ **Clear Those Spent Plants:** Once your plants have given their all, it’s time to pull them up. This stops slugs from getting any free snacks and keeps diseases at bay.
2️⃣ **Prep Your Beds:** Laying a nice layer of compost now will keep your soil healthy and ready for spring planting.
3️⃣ **Refresh Wood-Chip Paths:** Don’t let mud bog you down come winter. Replenish your wood-chip paths for solid, well-drained walkways.
4️⃣ **Practice Good Garden Hygiene:** Tidy up by removing dead leaves from perennials. This helps keep slugs and snails at bay and ensures healthier plants.
5️⃣ **Blast Away Whitefly:** These pests can damage plants, but a strong jet from your garden hose should do the trick!
6️⃣ **Keep Composting:** Think composting is just for summer? Think again! Autumn clear-up provides loads of nitrogen-rich material perfect for composting.
7️⃣ **Decide on Tomatoes:** Weigh up whether your late-season tomatoes are worth it. It might be time to compost and bring the green ones indoors to ripen.
8️⃣ **Split Perennials:** Now’s the time to divide hardy plants like rhubarb and chives, giving you “free” additions to your garden.
Tackling these tasks now sets the stage for a thriving garden come spring. So, put on your wellies, grab your favourite tools, and let’s get to work! 🌱
Happy gardening, everyone! 🌿🌻