How to prepare your garden for autumn?

by Thomas Cramphon Professional Gardener

In September, your garden is probably at its best. Towards the end of this month, a transition from summer to fall happens. The perennials in your garden may be at its full height, the shrubs may be fully grown and the branches can be bowed low. There may be some fallen leaves on the lawn, but the overall impression is far from bad.

Here is a list of most important things to do before the cold weather creeps in.

· · Keep grass mowed and weeds removed fully so that no weed problems arise next year.

· · Dig and divide spring blooming perennials. This will give them time to form sufficient root systems before the onset of winter dormancy.

· · Don’t allow leaves to accumulate on the lawn.

· · Help leaves break down more easily by running a lawn mower back and forth over the pile. Then place shredded leaves directly onto the garden or compost pile.

Start planting fall bedding plants, such as mums, asters and dianthus for extra colour.
Give roses their final feeding — organic or commercial. Water thoroughly before fertilising.
Plant winter cover crop in your vegetable garden.
Collect and keep seeds from annuals and perennials for next season’s planting.
Bring summer vacationing houseplants back indoors after checking carefully for pests.
Prevent the spread of diseases and insect pests by sterilising old flower pots.