What to do in the garden in autumn: Essential tasks for the season

Autumn is one of the most important seasons for garden maintenance. The weather becomes cooler, growth slows, and it’s the right time to tidy up, prepare for winter, and make plans for the spring ahead. Knowing what to do in the garden in autumn helps keep it healthy, and prepares it for the next growing season.

If you’d like to know what to plant in January specifically, check out our guide “What to plant in your garden this January in the UK”.

So what are the important tasks for autumn gardening?

There are a lot of important tasks for this time of year on the garden, including:

Clear leaves and tidy up

The first task for most gardens in autumn is clearing leaves. A light layer of leaves can protect the soil, but a thick covering blocks sunlight and traps moisture, which can damage grass and plants. As a result you should rake or collect leaves from lawns, patios, and paths regularly. Add them to a compost bin or pile; over time, they will break down into leaf mould, which you can spread on the soil to improve structure.

You should also remove any dead or diseased plants from beds and borders at this time of year. This prevents pests and diseases from overwintering and keeps the garden looking tidy. Cut back old growth on perennials once it has died down, and trim hedges if necessary before the first frosts arrive.

Care for the lawn

Autumn is the best time to repair and strengthen your lawn. Start by raking out moss and thatch to improve airflow. If the soil is compacted, use a garden fork or aerator to make small holes that allow water and nutrients to reach the roots.

You can also apply an autumn lawn feed, which contains more potassium and less nitrogen than summer fertilisers. This supports strong root development and helps grass withstand cold weather. If you have bare patches, overseed with grass seed while the soil is still warm enough for germination.

Prune and maintain plants

Many plants benefit from pruning in autumn. Trim back shrubs and trees to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged wood. Be cautious not to cut back too heavily, especially on tender species, as this can encourage new growth that may be damaged by frost.

Roses can be lightly pruned to prevent wind damage, while herbaceous perennials can be cut to just above ground level once their foliage has withered. Leave some seed heads if you want to attract birds during the winter months.

Plant bulbs for spring

Planting bulbs is one of the most worthwhile autumn gardening jobs. Daffodils, crocuses, and hyacinths can be planted from early autumn, while tulips are best planted a little later, usually in November.

Choose areas with good drainage and plant bulbs at a depth roughly three times their height. Bulbs can also be planted in pots or containers for early spring colour on patios and balconies.

Mulch and protect plants

As temperatures drop, add a layer of mulch around the base of plants. This helps to retain soil moisture and provides insulation against frost. Well-rotted compost, bark chips, or leaf mould are all suitable materials.

For tender plants, consider covering them with fleece or bringing pots into a sheltered location. Lift dahlia tubers, gladioli corms, and similar plants before the first hard frost, dry them off, and store them in a cool, dry place.

Harvest and prepare vegetable beds

If you grow fruit or vegetables, autumn is the main harvest season. Pick the remaining crops such as apples, pears, squashes, and root vegetables. Check stored produce regularly and remove anything showing signs of rot.

Once the beds are cleared, you can dig in compost or manure to improve soil quality for next year. Alternatively, you could sow a green manure crop such as field beans or clover to protect and enrich the soil over winter.

Check structures and install garden edging

Autumn is also a practical time to inspect and repair garden structures. Check fences, gates, and sheds for damage and carry out any repairs before winter weather makes them worse. Clean patios, paving, and decking to reduce the risk of algae and moss build-up, which can become slippery.

Garden edging is worth considering at this stage. It creates a clean divide between lawns, paths, and planting areas, making maintenance easier throughout the year. This prevents grass from spreading into borders and gives the garden a neat, organised appearance. While it’s a small job, it can make a noticeable difference to the overall presentation of the garden.

Review and plan ahead

Finally, autumn is a good time to review your garden’s performance over the year. Note which plants did well, where there were problems, and any changes you’d like to make next season. This planning stage ensures that when spring comes, you’re ready to start again with a clear idea of what to plant and where to focus your efforts.