As the chill of autumn sets in, gardeners are being reminded to get their green spaces winter-ready before the weather turns.
Though enchanting, the vibrant tapestry of fallen leaves can spell doom for meticulously maintained turfs. To ensure a lush lawn come springtime, gardening expert Jack Stooks recommends keeping on top of one essential task to ensure your grass flourishes even throughout the frosty weather.
In an enlightening conversation with FruitySlots.com, our green-fingered guru underscored the significance of pre-winter garden upkeep, citing crucial activities that can help to ward off seasonal harm.
One of the most important jobs identified by Stooks is the removal of leaf litter, which he refers to as the “vital job to prevent garden chaos and potential damage to lawns.”
He said: “An obvious job for autumn will be tidying up the leaves, and it’s probably the most vital job you can do. You should be raking the leaves so they’re out of the way and the borders are tidy.
“When it starts to get colder, you won’t do as much lawn mowing, so it’s good to start maintaining your garden now. When you’ve done this, you can gather the leaves into a pile, so they’re all together.”
He cautions that neglected leaves could wreak havoc, causing grass to decay. “If you don’t tidy up your leaves, they will become a bit of a mess and unmanageable, leading some of the grass to rot.”
The Royal Horticultural Society has offered some valuable advice for gardeners, urging: “Remove fallen leaves from lawns so they don’t smother the grass, blocking out light and moisture. Raking is the best option, but on large lawns, a leaf-blower will make the job much easier.”
It’s also recommended to tackle the leaves regularly as they fall rather than waiting, but they say: “Be considerate of hedgehogs when moving piles of leaves.”
The experts also suggest that it’s wise to prune bushes and shrubs before the frosty weather hits. Shortening the branches can help because “branches can snap under the weight of ice or snow, which can cause significant harm to the plant,” and neglect could even result in plants dying.
Stooks adds that now is the perfect time to invest in bare-root roses, noting they are especially budget-friendly this season, saying: “They’re great to plant in late autumn, and they’ll come to life in the spring, adding a burst of colour to your garden.”
Lastly, Stooks emphasizes the importance of cleaning and tidying up the garden in anticipation of winter, advising homeowners to thoroughly clean plant pots and safely store them away to fend off any frost damage, as well as removing any plants that are no longer needed.
He advised: “Now is the perfect time to give your garden a refresh. Make sure everything is clean and ready to go for the next planting season.”
By taking on all these expert recommendations, gardeners can help their outdoor areas stay in good condition and easy to manage throughout the chillier seasons.