As summer starts to fade and the days get cooler, autumn is a great time to get out in the garden and prepare for the months ahead. There’s plenty to do at this time of year, from planting new flowers and shrubs to getting your garden ready for winter. At Marshalls Garden, we love autumn planting because it gives your garden a head start for spring. So, if you’re looking to make the most of your garden this season, here are some of the key planting and gardening jobs to get stuck into this autumn. Layering Bulbs: The Secret to Spring Pot Displays One of the best jobs to get started on in autumn is planting Spring Flowering Bulbs. Daffodils, tulips, crocuses and snowdrops are all great choices, and with a little planning now, you’ll have plenty of colour to look forward to when spring comes around. Plant them in autumn and, come spring, you’ll be rewarded with a garden full of fresh, colourful blooms. Tidying Your Garden in Autumn As the leaves fall, tidying your garden becomes essential. Remove spent plants, clear fallen leaves, and cut back perennials. Pruning shrubs that have finished flowering will also encourage better growth in the following season. Using Mulch for Protection Mulching your garden beds is a smart practice in autumn. It helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect plants from freezing temperatures. Organic mulches, like compost or wood chips, break down over time, enriching the soil for healthier plants. Planning Color for Patio and Borders Keep your patio and borders vibrant with autumn colour. Plant ornamental cabbages, pansies, and chrysanthemums to create striking displays. Choose warm hues like oranges, reds, and purples to infuse your garden with a cosy autumn ambiance. Sowing Hardy Annuals Sow hardy annuals in autumn for early spring blooms. Pansies, violas, and Sweet Peas are wonderful choices that can brave the winter chill and reward you with their beauty when the weather turns milder. Cultivation for Healthy Soil Cultivate the soil before winter sets in to improve aeration and drainage. Aerating the lawn helps root growth and prevents soil compaction. Turning over vegetable beds and adding compost will enrich the soil, readying it for the next planting season. Planting Shrubs and Trees Autumn provides the perfect conditions for planting shrubs and trees. Cooler temperatures and moist soil enable them to establish strong root systems before winter sets in. Consider adding evergreen trees and shrubs to maintain a touch of green throughout the colder months. Autumn is a great time to get your garden ready for the months ahead. From planting spring bulbs to tackling those last few jobs before winter, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the garden. A little preparation now can make a big difference when spring arrives, so make the most of the autumn weather and get planting. At Marshalls Garden, we’re here to help you get your garden ready for the seasons ahead. Happy gardening!