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Preparing your garden for autumn: A seasonal checklist

If you have your home on the market, or if you are looking to sell this autumn, you may be wondering how to make sure your garden is looking its best. Here, we offer our top tips on how to prepare your garden for the seasons ahead.
Preparing your garden for autumn is essential to ensure it remains vibrant and healthy through the colder months. At By Design, we understand that a well-maintained garden not only enhances the beauty of your home but also adds significant value to your property. Here are some practical tips to prepare your garden for the autumn season:

Clean Up Your Garden
As the leaves begin to fall, it's crucial to start your autumn cleanup. Rake up fallen leaves to prevent them from smothering your lawn and plants. This also helps to reduce the risk of pests and diseases that can thrive in decaying foliage. Consider composting the leaves to create nutrient-rich mulch for your garden.

Prune and Trim
Autumn is the perfect time to prune your trees and shrubs. Removing dead or diseased branches will promote healthier growth in the spring. For flowering plants, deadheading spent blooms encourages new growth and can lead to a more robust display next year. Be sure to trim back perennials to about six inches above the ground to protect them during the winter months.

Plant Autumn Bulbs
Now is the time to plant spring-flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, and crocuses. Planting these bulbs in autumn allows them to establish roots before the frost sets in, ensuring a beautiful display in the spring. Choose a sunny spot, and plant bulbs at a depth of about three times their height for optimal growth.

Prepare Your Lawn
As temperatures drop, your lawn will enter a period of dormancy. To prepare, aerate the soil to improve drainage and allow nutrients to reach the roots. Apply a fertiliser to provide essential nutrients that will support your lawn’s health through the winter. This will also help it green up quickly in the spring.

Protect Your Plants
Consider covering sensitive plants with burlap or frost cloth to shield them from harsh weather. For potted plants, either bring them indoors or group them together in a sheltered area to protect them from frost. Mulching around the base of plants can also help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Clean and Store Garden Tools
Autumn is an excellent time to clean and maintain your gardening tools. Remove dirt and debris, sharpen blades, and apply oil to prevent rust. Properly storing tools in a dry place will extend their lifespan and ensure they are ready for use in the spring.

Plan for Next Year
Take some time to reflect on your garden’s performance this year. Consider what worked well and what didn’t. Autumn is a great time to plan for next year’s garden by sketching out new layouts or researching new plants you’d like to try. This proactive approach will make your spring gardening much more enjoyable.

Preparing your garden for autumn is not just about maintaining its beauty; it’s also about ensuring its health and vitality for the coming seasons. By following these steps, you can create a garden that not only looks stunning but also enhances the value of your property. At By Design, we believe that a beautiful garden is an integral part of a home. By ensuring it continues to look its best throughout all of the seasons can help sell your home all year round. Embrace the season and enjoy the transformation of your garden as it prepares for winter.

If you would like to discuss selling your home why not get in contact with By Design today.