A GARDENING expert has revealed three vital jobs homeowners should do now to ensure their gardens are looking their best in spring.
Summer may be well and truly behind us, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hang up your gardening gloves for the year.
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Jamie Shipley, gardening expert and managing director at Hedges Direct, said that there are plenty of jobs still to be done in the garden.
He said: “Autumn is the perfect time to take an assessment of your outside space and start tidying up areas that have come a bit unruly.
“It’s also important to take preventative measures to protect your garden when storms hit.”
1. Prune Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
The gardening pro revealed that October is the perfect time for pruning, as the weather isn’t too cold, so plants are less likely to suffer damage.
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The aim of pruning deciduous shrubs, such as hydrangeas, is to prevent them from growing huge and overtaking the garden, or stealing light and nutrients from other plants.
Shrubs may only need a small trim in October, to cut back any fresh growth from the summer.
2. Water Early-Flowering Shrubs
Jamie said: “It might seem crazy to think about watering shrubs at a time of year when rain is plentiful, but early-flowering shrubs benefit from an extra boost to look their best come spring.
“Azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons will all need watering if the weather in October is dry.”
Plant Flowers and Bulbs
Jamie revealed that the soil in October is warm and moist enough for plants to establish a root system.
Plants like dogwood, firethorn, skimmia and viburnum are some examples of plants which will bring lovely colour to your garden if planted now.
Jamie said: “Spring-flowering bulbs can also be planted in October, including daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and tulips.
“For the most part, hardy bulbs only need a sunny spot with good drainage and are easy to grow and care for.
“Begin by digging a hole wide and deep enough to take your chosen bulbs. A general rule of thumb is to plant bulbs two to three times their depth and space them a hand-span apart.”
Gardeners should also make sure to place the pointed tip of the bulb facing upwards.
As well as bulbs, now is a great time to plants seeds such as aquilegia, cornflowers, Californian poppies and sweet peas can also be sown now.
Jamie recommended planting three seeds in a 9cm pot, and making sure to add a good quality compost to the soil.
Water the plants well, and put them in a cold frame or a greenhouse, before planting them outside next May.
Protect Your Garden
The gardening expert said: “Unfortunately in autumn we’re more prone to wet and windy conditions.
“There are a few pre-emptive measures you can take to protect your garden in these conditions.”
Jamie advised reinforcing tree ties and stakes, cleaning dead leaves and debris, and sowing grass seed and applying fertiliser.
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