And just like that! Autumn has truly landed with misty mornings andcolder nights. The gardens are starting to lose the amazing zingy Summercolours, to be replaced with reds and browns and are starting to look a bit jaded, especially after the challenging year we’ve faced.There is still plenty to do in spite of the fact growth has slowed, so now isa good time to be pruning hedging and some taller shrubs and with less tobe doing in the borders, I take this time to have a really good clear out. The greenhouse is cleanedbefore tender perennials are lifted and stored, old pots are binned and useable ones are cleanedready for next year. My greenhouse is a heap of chaos atthe moment so I always find it quite a satisfying thing todo!
In the garden
Tender tubers such as Canna, dahlia and Begonia shouldbe lifted and stored. Take off any dead or compromisedparts and pot up into dry compost and keep frost-freeover winter. I protect larger semi tropicals like bananaplants and palms with horticultural fleece. Shrub rosescan be reduced by about half to prevent wind rock, andclimbing and ramblers can be pruned back and ties in tominimise damage in breezy conditions. Any leavescontaminated by black spot should be cleared. I still spray through autumn and over winter withSulphur Rose, which is brilliant for this disease and is non-harmful to bees.Bulb planting can still be done, I tend to leave tulips until theend of this month though, as they prefer to be planted inthe cold.
In the Veg Patch
Runner beans, french beans and peas are just finishingthough an early start can be made on planting Broad beans(a well established winter-sown variety is Aquadulce), andpumpkin and squash should be harvested before the frostgets them! Garlic and onion can be planted this month andnow is also a good time to lift and divide establishedrhubarb clumps. I try and do this every two or three years.Grease bands should be put around fruit trees to prevent winter moth and will help stop caterpillarsin apples, plums and pears next year.And composting the veg patch…another satisfying Autumn job!
Happy gardening!
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