in THE GARDEN … |
As the vibrant greens of summer fade into the rich hues of autumn , gardeners in the UK can take advantage of this season to prepare their gardens for winter and set the stage for a thriving spring . Autumn is a crucial period for implementing sustainable gardening techniques , which focus on nurturing the soil , conserving resources and promoting biodiversity . Here are some regenerative tips to make the most of your autumn gardening efforts while staying true to these eco-friendly principles . Soil Health and Preparation
Composting : Autumn is the perfect time to start or maintain a compost heap . Fallen leaves , plant clippings and kitchen waste can be turned into rich compost to enhance soil fertility . Layer green materials ( like vegetable scraps ) with brown materials ( such as leaves and twigs ) to create a balanced compost that breaks down efficiently .
Cover Crops : Planting cover crops like clover , rye or vetch can protect the soil in your veg garden over winter . These crops prevent erosion , suppress weeds and , when tilled back into the soil in spring , add organic matter and nutrients .
Mulching : Applying mulch in autumn helps retain soil moisture , suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature . Organic mulches such as straw , wood chips or shredded leaves break down over time enriching the soil with organic matter .
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Ensure you leave a gap around plant stems to prevent rot . We recommend Strulch , a mineralised organic straw mulch which is great for this and keeps the slugs at bay !
No-Dig Gardening : Adopt a no-dig approach to maintain soil structure and health . Instead of tilling , layer organic matter on top of the soil . This method improves soil biodiversity , reduces weed growth and retains soil moisture .
Planting for Spring
Bulbs and Perennials : Autumn is ideal for planting spring-flowering bulbs like daffodils , tulips , and crocuses . It ’ s also a good time to plant hardy perennials , which will establish roots over the winter and burst into growth as the weather warms .
Trees and Shrubs : Autumn is also the best time to plant trees and shrubs – the soil is still warm and moist – which encourages root growth and ensures the plant is fit and healthy for next spring . If you haven ’ t got a tree in your garden , now is the perfect time to add one .
Encouraging Wildlife
A garden teeming with wildlife is a sign of a healthy ecosystem . To attract beneficial insects , birds and other wildlife :
Leave Some Leaf Litter : It provides shelter for insects and other small creatures .
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Create Habitats : Piles of logs , stones and brushwood offer hiding places for hedgehogs , amphibians and beneficial insects .
Plant Lots of Plants : Aim to have seasonal interest through the year including the winter ; there are flowering plants such as winter box ( sarcocca ) and viburnums which can feed the bees in even the coldest weather .
Planning and Reflection
Use the quieter autumn months to plan for the next gardening season . Reflect on what worked well and what didn ’ t and make notes for future improvements . Remember , this is the time to wind down and prepare ourselves and our gardens for the winter ahead .
By focusing on organic and regenerative gardening techniques this autumn , gardeners can not only prepare their gardens for the colder months , but also contribute to a healthier environment . Embracing these methods fosters soil health , promotes biodiversity and creates a resilient garden that will thrive for years to come . Happy gardening !
millbrookgc . co . uk
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