September Gardening Jobs UK: What To Plant And Protect This Autumn

This time of year can feel like a fresh start for some, as the air clears of humidity and harsh hot temperatures. For gardeners, though, it can often feel like slowly letting go. Our gardens lose their flourish for a couple of seasons, leaving behind brown leaves and memories of a bold, bright summer.

However, it’s this ending of the season that can help us to look ahead. Planting in beddings and borders before heading into a quieter hibernation period is a reminder of hope. Whatever we have ahead of us in the next six months, we know there will be life flowering and flourishing at the other side of it.

Gardens teach us, if nothing else, that hope springs eternal.

For those first spring flourishes, now is the time to sow hardy annuals such as cerinthes, cornflowers, marigolds and chrysanthemums. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) advises: “It should be noted that although these plants usually withstand frosty conditions without protection, some hardy annuals may need covering with biodegradable horticultural fleece
or a cloche when a heavy frost is forecast. Check the seed packets for full details.”

Gardeners’ World adds: “Plant spring bulbs in autumn, including crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, bluebells and snake’s-head fritillaries in pots and borders.”

For your pots and borders, now is the time to plant wallflowers, pansies and forget-me-nots.

Don’t forget to also lift, divide and replant congested clumps of perennials once they have finished flowering, too.

Now that autumn leaves are starting to fall, cover any ponds with netting to protect them from leaves falling in and rotting alongside any usual pond maintenance.

As we are expected to have a particularly windy autumn and winter period, ensure that tree ties and plant supports are in place and secure to avoid any harm during storms.

Finally, clean and disinfect bird feeders to protect birds from disease. If you have any remaining sunflower seeds, these may now be placed in your usual seed mixes for birds.

For those who have indoor plants, this is now the time to start winding down your watering schedule. The RHS advises: “In winter, houseplants can be left for a week or two without water as long as the room temperature is cool, but does not fall below the minimum tolerated.”