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- Making the Most of the Shorter Days: Fall Gardening Tips
Making the Most of the Shorter Days: Fall Gardening Tips
As the evenings draw in quicker and the air takes on that crisp fall chill, it means fewer daylight hours for gardening. But that doesn’t mean your outdoor space should be forgotten until spring. In fact, there’s still plenty to be done before winter sets in – from tidying up borders to protecting your plants and preparing for next year’s growth.
At Haddontone, we believe that even as the days grow shorter, the garden remains a source of calm, creativity, and connection. So, wrap up warm, grab a mug of tea, and make the most of these golden fall afternoons.
Clear Out Old Vegetation
The best place to start is by giving your garden a good tidy.
Removing old vegetation not only keeps things looking neat but also helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases over the winter months.
Dead annuals, spent perennials, and fallen leaves can harbour fungi and slugs if left unchecked.
Clear borders and stone planters of any decaying material, compost what you can, and dispose of the rest responsibly. This will ensure your garden beds and planters are clean and ready for spring planting.
Prepare the Lawn
Your lawn deserves some attention too.
After a summer of wear and tear, now is a great time to revive it before the frost arrives.
Rake out any dead grass and moss to help air reach the soil. Spiking the lawn can improve drainage and prevent waterlogging during wet weather – something that becomes especially important as rainfall increases in the coming months.
It’s also a good opportunity to invest in some quality lawn edging, which, as a functional finishing touch, helps to define borders neatly and makes future maintenance that much easier.
Protect Your Plants
Tender plants can struggle in cold weather as temperatures drop, so now’s the time to give them a little extra care.
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of your plants to insulate roots from frost and retain valuable moisture. Compost, bark, or leaf mould all work well, and are ideal for helping create an environmentally-friendly garden.
Don’t forget your contemporary and traditional planters and raised beds.
Containers are particularly vulnerable to cold as they lose heat quickly. Adding mulch and grouping pots together against a sheltered wall can make a real difference.
Check Drainage
Fall and winter bring plenty of rain, so it’s crucial to make sure your containers and stone planters are draining properly. Sitting in soggy soil can quickly lead to root rot.
Check that drainage holes are clear and consider using planter feet to raise containers slightly off the ground. Haddonstone’s extensive range of contemporary and traditional planters are all handmade to order with a drainage hole in the base, as standard.
This small step allows excess water to escape and helps protect the longevity of both plant and pot.
Enrich the Soil
Now’s also the perfect time to nourish your soil.
The good news is this doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on shop-bought fertilisers. Simply spread a layer of homemade compost or well-rotted manure over your garden beds and borders.
And to reduce any back-breaking work, it doesn’t need to be dug in as the winter weather will naturally break it down and work nutrients into the soil, leaving it rich and ready for spring planting. This environmentally-friendly alternative has been tried and tested by gardeners for decades!
If you’ve planted up spring bulbs, or have perennials in containers, pots and planters that will stay outside during the fall and winter, don’t forget to add a layer to them too.
Think of this as your garden’s winter blanket!
Consider a Greenhouse – or Even an Orangery
If you’re serious about gardening year-round, fall is the time to think about investing in a greenhouse.
It extends your growing season and provides a protected space for seedlings, herbs, and tender plants.
For those seeking a more elegant and multi-functional space, an orangery offers not just an elegant growing environment which effectively brings the outside in, but is also a beautiful architectural feature for your home and garden.
An orangery is the perfect combination of practicality and style. It extends the living space for the whole family to enjoy year-round, and creates a haven from which you can enjoy your plants even in the depths of winter.
Help Garden Wildlife
As natural food sources dwindle throughout fall , our garden visitors need a helping hand.
There’s plenty of ways to help your garden wildlife thrive this fall.
Firsts things first – clean and refill bird baths regularly to ensure garden birds have access to fresh water, even on chilly mornings.
Setting up a bird table or hanging feeders will also encourage robins, finches, and other small birds to your garden, and there’s no denying that their cheerful presence brings life and movement to the darker months.
Leaving a small pile of twigs or leaves in a sheltered corner can also create a safe haven for hedgehogs and insects seeking winter shelter.
These are just some of the ways to support local wildlife, and are also easy activities to do with children and grandchilden in the garden today.
Look After Your Water Feature
If you’re lucky enough to have a pond or fountain, a little autumn maintenancefall will go a long way.
Topping up your water feature’s water level, removing fallen leaves and debris to prevent blockages and algae build-up, and deep cleaning your fountain are all worthwhile tasks to ensure it runs smoothly.
If temperatures drop below freezing, consider using a floating tennis ball to stop the surface from freezing over completely, ensuring fish and wildlife can still access oxygen.
Plan Ahead: Bulbs, Beds, and Rhubarb
While much of the garden begins to rest, you can start planning for the seasons ahead. Winter is an excellent time to order bulbs and plants for next spring. Tulips, daffodils, and crocuses planted in pots and planters will reward you with vibrant colour as soon as the weather warms.
It’s also worth taking this quieter period to review your garden layout. Perhaps you’d like to add new borders, stone benches, or even that greenhouse or orangery you’ve been dreaming of. Sketch out ideas now so you’re ready to start when spring arrives.
And for something a little different, now is the best time to get ready to force rhubarb. Covering established crowns with a Rhubarb Forcer or upturned buckets in late winter will encourage tender, early stems, bringing a welcome taste of spring to your kitchen just when you need it most.
Gardening for Wellbeing
Finally, don’t underestimate the healing power of gardening for mental health.
Even in colder, darker days, spending time outdoors can lift your spirits, reduce stress, and bring a sense of accomplishment.
Whether it’s the simple rhythm of raking leaves, the earthy scent of compost, or watching birds flutter to the feeder, these small moments connect us with nature and the passing of the seasons.
Gardening really is effective for growing happiness!
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When should I stop gardening for the year?
There’s no fixed date to stop gardening, and it all depends on the weather and what tasks you’re doing. Many gardeners continue light maintenance through fall and winter, such as pruning, mulching, and caring for wildlife. As long as the ground isn’t frozen or waterlogged, there’s always something useful to do outside.
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How can I protect my plants from frost without a greenhouse?
You can protect tender plants by covering them with horticultural fleece or cloches on very cold nights. Mulching around the base helps insulate roots, and moving pots to sheltered spots, such as near house walls can prevent frost damage.
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What should I do with fallen leaves in my garden?
Collect fallen leaves from lawns and paths, but don’t throw them away. Pile them up in a wire bin or compost bag to create leaf mould – a rich soil conditioner that’s fantastic for beds and borders. A few leaves left in borders can also provide shelter for beneficial insects.
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Can I still plant bulbs after the clocks go back?
Yes, absolutely. Most spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses can be planted well into November, as long as the soil isn’t frozen. If the weather turns very cold, plant bulbs in pots or containers and keep them in a cool, sheltered area until you’re ready to display them.
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Is gardening in autumn and winter really good for mental health?
Yes! Spending even short periods outdoors has been scientifically proven to boost your mood and reduce stress. Gardening provides gentle exercise, fresh air, and a sense of connection with nature. The slower pace of fall gardening can also be wonderfully mindful and grounding during the darker months.
Fall Garden Stonework
Our extensive range of high-quality cast stone traditional planters and contemporary planters is:
- Made to order
- Available to purchase online
- In a choice of styles, sizes and colors.
So whether you know exactly what you are looking for, or would like to chat through some ideas, our team is on hand to assist you.
Arrange your free project consultation today.
Call:
- Toll free: 866 733 8225
- Telephone: 719 948 4554
E-mail:
Speak to our team
Whether you are choosing a beautiful planter for your garden, or embarking on a major property renovation, our friendly team is always available to offer tailored advice.
